Commercial licence obligations and record keeping

Requirements for commercial wildlife holders. Find licence conditions, record keeping, annual return forms and how to update your personal information.

Licence conditions

It is the licence holder’s obligation to understand and abide by the conditions of their licence and the rules established in the Wildlife Regulations 2013 and the Wildlife Act 1975.

Once you receive your licence and record book, you are able to keep and trade wildlife.

Specified premises

Any wildlife being held under a Wildlife Dealer, Wildlife Farmer, Wildlife Processor or Wildlife Taxidermist licence must be kept at the address specified on the licence. The only exception is if the licence holder is going to or returning from a veterinarian or is trading an animal with another licence holder.

A commercial wildlife licence only applies to a single premise which must be listed on the licence.

Record keeping

Five key record keeping obligations are required as condition of a wildlife licence.

Failure to keep accurate and up-to-date records is an offence under the Wildlife Act 1975.

Record books

Licence holders must maintain complete and accurate records of all wildlife transactions in the record book issued with their licence. All wildlife transactions must be recorded in your record book by the close of the same business day.

Entries must be permanent and legible. Record books must not be tampered with – this includes erasing, or editing entries, removing pages, or damaging your record book in any way.

You must ensure that your record book is kept safe and secure at all times – licence holders must report damaged, lost and stolen record books.

The record book remains the property of the Conservation Regulator. Should you choose not to renew, or surrender your wildlife, your record book must be returned to us within 10 business days.

Wildlife Displayers are also required to keep additional records relating to the opening and closing times of their premises.

Wildlife Demonstrators are required to keep a log of all wildlife demonstrations, including the date, time and venue of all wildlife demonstrations.

Annual return forms

You must submit a completed return form by 14 April each year, detailing wildlife in your possession and any transactions that occurred during the 12 months between 1 April and 31 March.

You can now complete and submit your Annual Return online.

Submit here

If you are unable to complete the online form, you can request a form from our Customer Contact Centre by phoning: 136 186.

A Return Form must be submitted even if you:

  • have not acquired any wildlife
  • no longer have wildlife in your possession
  • have not bought, sold or traded any wildlife
  • have not caught any wildlife (if you are a Wildlife Controller).

In these instances, licence holders should mark their return as 'nil' and submit by 14 April.

Changes in personal details

You must inform us of any changes to your personal details recorded on your licence (including name, contact details and address).

You must also inform us of any changes to the nominated person responsible for managing the premises specified in the licence.

If any details are incorrect, complete and return the licence amendment form below. An amended licence will be posted to you. You must notify us within 10 business days of any changes.

Wildlife Licence Amendment Form - Natural Person (July 2023)
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Wildlife Licence Amendment Form - Body Corporate (July 2023)
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Changes to employee employment status

Inform us of any changes to the employment status of any employees who undertake activities under your wildlife licence. You must notify us within 10 business days of any changes.

Register of Employees Amendment Form (July 2023)
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Escaped or stolen wildlife or lost or damaged Record Book

Inform us if your wildlife has escaped or been stolen, or if your record book is missing or has been destroyed. You must report these issues within 2 business days of becoming aware of the loss. If you report theft of wildlife to the police, you should retain a copy of any police report.

Notify now

Alternatively, you can download the form below:

Notify Theft, Loss, Damage or Escape (July 2023)
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Renewing a Commercial Wildlife Licence

Licence holders will receive a renewal notice approximately 4 to 6 weeks before their licence expires on 30 June of the relevant year.

More information

These forms are also available by calling our Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

Visit Wildlife Regulations 2013 for the current wildlife regulations in Victoria. Additional licence conditions may apply.

Updated