Licences to keep, use or display native animals
In Queensland, you need a licence to keep, use and display protected native animals. "Use" includes activities like buying, selling, giving away, moving, or benefiting from these animals. The native animal licensing framework helps ensure these activities are done responsibly, protecting wildlife and maintaining animal welfare. It provides clear rules for individuals and businesses based on the type and number of animals they manage.
There are three (3) licences available, depending on the number of animals you have and your intended activities. These are:
Standard licence
- Valid for five (5) years.
- Allows up to 10 Class 1 animals.
- Class 2 animals not allowed.
- Breeding is not allowed.
- Trading is restricted for six (6) months after acquiring the animal.
- Requires online record keeping.
- Dangerous snakes are not allowed.
Specialised licence
- Valid for five (5) years
- Allows up to 50 Class 1 and 2 amphibians, birds, and reptiles at any time.
- Allows unlimited protected scorpions and spiders.
- Allows up to 50 dangerous snakes with approval.
- Breeding is allowed within animal limit.
- Trading is restricted for six (6) months after acquiring the animal.
- Requires online record keeping.
Advanced licence
- Valid for five (5) years
- Allows unlimited Class 1 animals.
- Allows unlimited Class 2 animals.
- Allows up to 50 dangerous snakes with approval (unless approved for more).
- Breeding is allowed.
- No restrictions on trading.
- Requires online record keeping.
Some animals are exempt from requiring a licence, meaning you can keep these animals without a licence.
However, animals not listed as exempt, Class 1 or Class 2 are prohibited from being kept or traded under these licences.
Licence fees
The fees for standard, specialised or advanced licences are outlined in the Information sheet – Schedule of Fees (PDF, 226KB).
Compliance with relevant codes of practice
All licence holders must follow the rules outlined in the relevant codes of practice. These codes ensure the welfare of animals and the safety of the public. The applicable codes are:
- Code of practice – Aviculture (PDF, 217KB)
- Code of practice – Captive Reptile and Amphibian Husbandry (PDF, 482KB)
Display of native animals
The Native Animal Licensing Framework also allows for the display of authorised animals under specific conditions. These rules ensure displays are conducted responsibly and do not compromise animal welfare or public safety.
Approved display activities
- Recreational societies: If you hold a standard, specialised, or advanced licence and are a member of a recreational bird or herpetological (reptile) society, you are automatically approved to move an animal (excluding dangerous animals) to society premises for display for up to two (2) days.
- Non-commercial displays: You can apply to the chief executive for written approval to move an authorised animal (excluding dangerously venomous animals) to a non-commercial display or show lasting up to 11 days. This includes events like reptile or bird shows for trade or judging purposes. Requests can be sent to wildlife.operations@detsi.qld.gov.au
- Commercial displays: If you hold an advanced licence, you are authorised to display authorised animals at your licensed premises for commercial purposes, such as in a pet shop.
Prohibited display activities
Holders of a standard, specialised, or advanced licence cannot display wildlife for the following purposes:
- Human therapy.
- Avoidance training for domestic animals, such as dogs.
- Snake handling training courses.
- Exhibiting animals at a zoo, wildlife park, or as part of a mobile wildlife display.
The display of wildlife is also regulated under the Exhibited Animals Act 2015. For more information on exhibiting animals in Queensland, visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries website.
Contacts
If you’re unsure which licence you need or have questions about your responsibilities, contact the Permits and Licensing unit:
- Phone: 1300 130 372 (option 4)
- Email: palm@detsi.qld.gov.au