You finally mustered up the courage to go out and buy your own eastern snake-necked turtle, but are you legally allowed to keep it? The answer is yes, but only if it falls within one of two classes of licence.
Is My Reptile Permitted? What Types Can I Keep?
There are two classes of licences for which you will need to apply to:
Licence Class 1
This category allows for more easily cared for reptiles. Some common examples are the blue tongue lizard and carpet python to name a couple. Pages 16-26 provide a full overview of what types of reptiles you are able to keep as pets.
View the current species list (PDF)
Licence Class 2
This type of licence is far more restrictive for reptiles such as venomous snakes, or even reptiles caught in the wild. This is a more stringent threshold and very few reptiles will be classified under this class.
Where to Start
To be eligible for a Class 1 Licence, you will need to be at least 16 years old. If you are under the age of 16, parental approval is needed to keep the reptiles at home.
For a Class 2 Licence, you need to have had a Class 1 Licence for at least 2 years. In addition, only people aged 18 and over are eligible for a Class 2 licence. If you are wanting to keep venomous reptiles (good luck to you…) you will need to satisfy additional criteria such as owning specific enclosures. There are also a few more requirements which can be downloaded in a PDF.
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How to Apply for a Licence?
There are two separate forms to be filled out for each licence.
For a Class 1 Licence you can either apply online OR download a form to be posted to Wildlife Licensing and Management Unit.
For a Class 2 Licence you will need to download this form and send it to the Wildlife Licensing and Management Unit.
One final note – a Class 1 Licence will last for 2 years, a Class 2 Licence will last for 5.
Final Thoughts
The Lawpath network extends to lawyers dealing in compliance matters and who can help you with making sure your licence applications are as smooth and carefree as possible.
Now that you are equipped with all the information you need to legally own your beloved reptile, all you have to worry about now is taking care of your reptile – and keeping it enclosed.
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