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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.

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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 2024 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 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.

Wildlife held under a Wildlife Demonstrator or Wildlife Displayer licence must be kept at the address specified on the licence, unless the wildlife is:

  1. going to or returning from a veterinarian
  2. subject to a transaction with another licence holder
  3. being displaying to the public in accordance with the conditions of the licence in a travelling display or demonstration in Victoria
  4. being used in the making of a commercial film with the prior written approval of the Conservation Regulator.

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 can now complete and submit your Annual Return online. It is a condition of your wildlife licence that you submit a summary of all wildlife that that has been in your possession and any other required activities for the period between 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

If you have a wildlife licence, you must submit your Return even if –

You must retain a copy of your Return. You may be asked to produce this copy by Authorised Officers.

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:

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 v24.2 Word 101.4 KB (opens in a new window)

Wildlife Licence Amendment Form - Body Corporate v24.2 Word 44.69 KB (opens in a new window)

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 v25.1 Word 104.27 KB (opens in a new window)

Escaped or stolen wildlife, or lost or damaged licence or record book

Inform us if your wildlife has escaped or been stolen, or if your licence or record book is missing or has been destroyed. You must report these issues within 2 business days of becoming aware of the loss. You must report theft of wildlife to the police and retain a copy of any police report. In the case of the theft, escape or loss of a dingo, you must report the microchip number of the dingo to us within 2 business days of becoming aware of the loss.

Notify now

Alternatively, you can download the form below:

Notify Theft, Loss, Damage or Escape (July 2025) Word 106.13 KB (opens in a new window)

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 2024 for the current wildlife regulations in Victoria. Additional licence conditions may apply.

The Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions has a number of mandatory and voluntary codes of practice which have minimum standards and practices for keeping wildlife. Mandatory codes of practice include:

For more information:

Updated 2 April 2026

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