Leslie Massey
In Australia, it is illegal to capture native snakes from the wild and keep them as pets. The laws regarding the ownership of snakes vary across states and territories, with some requiring licenses for specific snake species. In Queensland, for instance, a Standard License permits keeping a maximum of 10 class 1 animals, while a Specialized or Advanced License is required for certain dangerous snakes. Victoria has four license types, while South Australia and the Northern Territory mandate permits for keeping native animals in captivity. Tasmania offers some exemptions, allowing the collection of frog eggs and tadpoles without a permit. While certain snakes are prohibited, Australia allows approved native snakes as pets, including Children's Pythons, Stimson's Pythons, and Spotted Pythons.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Licence requirement | In Australia, a licence is required to keep a snake. The type of licence varies depending on the state and territory. |
| Native species | It is illegal to capture a native snake from the wild and keep it in captivity. Only approved native snakes can be kept as pets. |
| Examples of legal snakes | Children's python, Stimson's python, spotted python, pygmy python, carpet python, black-headed python, and woma python. |
| Housing | The size of the tank depends on the size of the snake. A one-metre terrarium is suitable for a children's python. |
| Diet | Snakes are carnivores and require a meat-based diet, such as frozen mice and birds. |
| Veterinary expenses | Veterinary expenses may be incurred for health issues, which can be significant. |
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What You'll Learn
Reptile licences are required in Australia
In New South Wales, native reptiles are protected by law, and there are different licences depending on the type of reptile and the number of reptiles you want to keep. Reptiles are classified as R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5, with R1 being the most basic and R5 being the most advanced and difficult to obtain. R1 includes basic snakes, while R2 includes harder-to-look-after or venomous snakes. To upgrade from one licence to another, you must hold the current licence and meet specific requirements, such as holding an R2 licence and owning an R2 species for at least one year before upgrading to R3.
Victoria has four licence types to accommodate the variety of wildlife that can be kept. A Wildlife Specimen Licence is required for keeping any prepared or mounted wildlife specimens for non-commercial purposes. However, a licence is not required for species listed in Schedule 4 of the Wildlife Regulations 2024 if kept for non-commercial purposes, but they must be acquired from a lawful source.
In South Australia, the Department for Environment and Water regulates the ownership of native animals, including reptiles, and a permit is required to keep them in captivity. The Northern Territory and Tasmania also require permits for keeping reptiles in captivity, and these permits are regulated under different acts.
Additionally, it is important to note that it is illegal to capture native species in the wild and put them into captivity. Reptiles must be acquired from licensed dealers, breeders, or keepers.
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Native snakes are allowed as pets
In Australia, it is illegal to keep exotic (non-native) reptiles as pets. However, some native snakes are allowed to be kept as pets, provided specific licences are obtained. Each state and territory in Australia has different laws and licence types regarding the ownership of native snakes.
In New South Wales, native reptiles that can be kept as pets are classified as R1, R2, R3, R4, and/or R5. The type of biodiversity conservation licence required depends on the class of the reptile. A basic licence allows you to keep one animal as a pet, and an advanced licence permits keeping multiple reptiles as pets. Reptiles classed as R3, R4, and R5 have special requirements, including venomous species.
In Victoria, there are four licence types available to cover the range of wildlife that can be kept as pets, including some reptiles. In South Australia, a permit is required to keep native animals in captivity, and only one snake can be kept without a permit. In the Northern Territory, most reptiles require a permit to be kept as pets, but some species are exempt. Tasmania has similar regulations, where reptiles are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and the Threatened Species Act 1995, with a few exceptions for frog eggs and common froglets.
Some popular native snake species that can be kept as pets in Australia include the Children's python, Stimson's python, spotted python, pygmy python, and various subspecies of carpet python. These snakes are generally small, hardy, and suitable for beginners. It is important to note that keeping native snakes as pets requires specific knowledge and care, including providing an appropriate diet, habitat, and handling techniques.
Overall, while it is possible to keep certain native snake species as pets in Australia, it is essential to obtain the necessary licences and permits and provide proper care to ensure the snake's welfare.
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Capturing native snakes is illegal
In Queensland, a Standard Licence allows you to keep a maximum of 10 class 1 animals, but breeding is not permitted. A Specialised Licence allows you to keep up to 50 class 1 and class 2 animals, and breeding is allowed as long as you do not exceed the maximum number of animals. An Advanced Licence is required for keeping 'dangerous animals', with a maximum of 50 allowed.
In Victoria, there are four types of licences available for keeping wildlife, and some species, such as the spotted grass frog and the Eastern blue-tongued lizard, can be kept without a permit. In South Australia, a permit is required to keep native animals in captivity, and this is regulated by the Department for Environment and Water. In the Northern Territory, most reptiles require a permit, but some species are exempt.
In Tasmania, reptiles and amphibians are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and the Threatened Species Act 1995. Frog eggs and tadpoles can be collected without a permit, but the tadpoles must be returned if they turn into anything other than common froglets or brown tree frogs. In Western Australia, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions regulates wildlife keeping.
Regardless of the state, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the legal requirements and obtain the necessary licences before acquiring any reptile as a pet. Licensing fees and veterinary expenses should also be considered.
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Reptiles are regulated state-by-state
Reptile ownership in Australia is a privilege, and it is heavily regulated. The laws are subject to change, and they vary from state to state, so it is important to familiarise yourself with the legal requirements within your state or territory. In most instances, licences must be applied for before acquiring a reptile, and records must be kept, with annual reporting required.
In New South Wales, native reptiles are protected by law, and it is illegal to take a reptile from the wild or release one into the wild. There are different licences depending on the type of reptile and how many you want to keep. In Queensland, a recreation wildlife licence is required, and strict conditions apply. These include a prohibition on breeding, selling, or giving away wildlife held under the permit.
Victoria has four licence types, and some wildlife can be kept without a permit, such as the spotted grass frog or the Eastern blue-tongued lizard. For other reptiles, you need to refer to the Wildlife Regulations of 2013 to determine the required licence. In South Australia, a permit is required to keep native animals in captivity, and this permit system is designed to protect native animals from illegal acquisition and sale.
In the Northern Territory, most reptiles require a permit to be kept in captivity, but some species are exempt. In Tasmania, reptiles and amphibians are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and the Threatened Species Act 1995. There are a few exceptions, such as frog eggs and tadpoles, which can be collected without a permit. However, if a tadpole becomes a frog that is not a common froglet or brown tree frog, it must be returned to its original body of water.
In Western Australia, the regulation of wildlife falls under the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions, and whether a reptile is regulated depends on the species. In the ACT, most reptiles are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1980, but some species are exempt from licensing regulations.
Regardless of the state, it is illegal to capture a native species in the wild and put it into captivity. It is also illegal to own non-native reptiles, and native reptile ownership is the only way to legally own a reptile in Australia.
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Reptile licences have different classes
In Australia, it is illegal to own a non-native reptile species. Therefore, anyone looking to own a reptile as a pet must purchase a native species from a licensed dealer or broker. The laws differ between states and territories.
In New South Wales, native reptiles are protected by law. Reptile owners must comply with the Code of Practice for the Private Keeping of Reptiles, which includes hygiene and care requirements for preventing disease in captive reptiles. There are different licences depending on the type of reptile and the number of reptiles being kept. For instance, a Native Animal Keeper Licence is required for keeping more than one native animal as a pet. Reptiles are classed as R1, R2, R3, R4, and R5, with R1 being the basic class and R5 being the most advanced. R3, R4, and R5 reptiles include venomous species that pose risks if not handled safely. Upgrading to a higher class requires a certain amount of experience with the previous class.
In Victoria, there are four licence types to suit the variety of wildlife (including reptiles) that can be kept. Wildlife Basic Licences and Wildlife Advanced Licences are available for one or three years and have a common expiry date of September 30 of the relevant year. The minimum age for applicants is 10 years, and applicants under 18 years of age will need signed consent from their parent or legal guardian. Applicants under 18 wishing to keep venomous snakes must provide documentary evidence of competency in handling them.
In South Australia, the Department for Environment and Water regulates the ownership of native animals, including reptiles. A permit is required to keep a native animal in captivity to protect them from being illegally acquired and sold.
In the Northern Territory, most reptiles require a permit to be kept as pets in captivity, although some species are exempt.
In Tasmania, reptiles and amphibians are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and the Threatened Species Act 1995. Frog eggs and tadpoles can be collected without a permit, but if a tadpole becomes a frog that is not a common froglet or brown tree frog, it must be returned to its body of water.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, wherever you live in Australia, you will need a reptile license to keep a snake.
Some good pet snakes for beginners include the Children's python, Stimson's python, spotted python, and pygmy python.
Carpet pythons are a good option if you want a snake that grows a bit bigger.
In Queensland, Australia, a Standard License allows you to keep a maximum of 10 class 1 animals, while a Specialized License allows for 50 vertebrate class 1 and class 2 animals.
In the ACT, the majority of reptiles are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1980 and do not require a license.
