Wildlife Demonstrator Licence - Victoria

Service type

Licence

A licence defines the need to obtain recognition / certification and registration to undertake a certain business activity.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for this licence you must:

• be at least 18 years old (or provide the signed consent of a parent or guardian)
• if you are applying on behalf of a company or other organisation, nominate a person who will be responsible for managing your premises
• have suitable premises to house the wildlife, and be willing for these premises to be inspected prior to being issued a licence
• obtain planning approval from the local council (if required)
• provide details of any findings of guilt for offences under the Wildlife Act or Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act or other relevant legislation
• provide any information required by the agency
• pay the prescribed fees.

If you intend to include any pest animals (non-indigenous), you will require a separate pest animal (Animal Exhibition) permit.

Prerequisites

Must Have

Code of Practice for the Public Display and Exhibition of Animals

Ongoing eligibility requirements

All licence holders are required to comply with the following licence conditions:

• maintaining a bound book which records the date, time and venue of all demonstrations held
• employees of the licence holder must carry a copy of the licence when undertaking activities under the licence
• the wildlife must be kept at the premises specified in the licence
• the approval of the agency must be obtained before allowing the wildlife to be used in a commercial film
• give at least 5 demonstrations to the public each 6 months
• display wildlife so risks of escape, risks to health and welfare, and injury risks are minimised
• wildlife must be kept for more than 6 months before being resold
• all employees are under the direct supervision of the licence holder when wildlife is being demonstrated
• dangerous or venomous wildlife is handled only by the licence holder
• compliance with applicable animal welfare codes of practice.

Throughout the year you must maintain accurate and up to date records to assist in monitoring wildlife possession and trade. There are 5 main record keeping requirements:

• informing the agency of changes in your personal details, or details of the nominated person responsible
• informing the agency of any changes to the employees who work under your licence
• maintaining accurate records of wildlife transactions in your record book
• informing the agency if your wildlife has escaped or been stolen
• submitting annual return forms detailing wildlife in your possession and any transactions in the past 12 months.

Duration

Your licence may be issued for a period of either 3 months (a short-term licence), or 12 months.

Expiry

30 June

Fees

Fees Details for this service in table format.

Forms

Act(s) name

Wildlife Act 1975 Victoria

Regulation(s) name

Wildlife Regulations 2013 Victoria

Lodgement process

Apply

All Commercial Wildlife Licences expire on 30 June each year. Renewal of a Commercial Wildlife Licence is conditional upon submission of a 'Return for Wildlife', which must be received by The Wildlife and Game Licence Service by April 14.

Licence holders who meet this requirement will receive a renewal notice approximately 4-6 weeks before their licence expires on 30 June.

Application process

Apply

Please lodge your application form, a copy of your National Police Check, a copy of your Management Plan, and any other associated documents directly with the Agency. Do not attach payment, as you will be invoiced for the fee if your application is successful.

If you are applying for a short-term licence, a full itinerary of display locations is required with the application.

Approval time

6 to 8 weeks

Administering agency

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

Plants and Animals

Contact details

Supporting information

Commercial Wildlife Licences (Opens in new window)