What licence do I need?

There are three (3) licences which allow people to keep, breed or trade protected animals in Queensland. Licences are based on the number of animals you have and your intention to keep, breed or trade them.

Some animals are exempt from requiring a licence, allowing you to keep these animals without a licence.

Animals not listed as exempt, Class 1 or Class 2 are by default prohibited from being kept and traded on a Standard, Specialised or Advanced Licence.

Standard licence

  • This licence is granted for five (5) years
  • Up to 10 Class 1 animals
  • Class 2 animals not permitted
  • Breeding is not permitted
  • Trading is restricted within six (6) months of acquisition of the animal
  • Online record keeping
  • Dangerous snakes not permitted.

Specialised licence

  • This licence is granted for five (5) years
  • Up to 50 Class 1 and 2 amphibians, birds, and reptiles permitted at any given time and unlimited protected scorpions and spiders
  • Breeding permitted within animal limit
  • Trading restricted within six (6) months of acquisition
  • Online record keeping
  • Dangerous snakes with approval.

Advanced licence

  • This licence is granted for five (5) years
  • Unlimited Class 1 animals
  • Unlimited Class 2 animals with an exception of maximum of 50 permitted dangerous snakes (unless approved for more)
  • Breeding permitted
  • No restrictions on trading
  • Online record keeping
  • Dangerous snakes with approval.

Licence fees

The cost of a Standard, Specialised or Advanced licence is provided in the Information sheet – Schedule of Fees (PDF, 226KB).

Compliance with relevant codes of practice

Licence holders must comply with the standards and requirements of the relevant code of practice. These are: