Nessie

Yes, in Queensland you must hold a valid native animal keeping licence to obtain and own reptiles or amphibians as pets.

You can find out more about the types of licence and how to apply on Queensland Government’s website.

Types of licences

In Queensland, you can keep some native reptiles, including snakes, turtles, lizards and frogs, provided you hold the correct native animal keeping licence.

Under Queensland law, all pet reptiles and amphibians must come from a licenced seller, with an in-date permit. This helps protect Australia’s species and their ecosystems, supports responsible breeding, and helps ensure the safety of you and your pets.

You can view the full list of native reptiles and amphibians that are allowed to be kept as pets, with or without an exemption, on the Queensland Government’s website.

Full list of native reptiles and amphibians

All wildlife in Queensland is protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. It is illegal to take native animals, including reptiles and amphibians , from the wild, unless you have a specific licence to do so.

Under Queensland law it is an offence to release captive bred or kept reptiles and amphibians into the wild, unless you have a specific licence to do so. Releasing captive animals into the wild is often a death sentence and poses a huge risk to biosecurity.

If you can no longer care for your pet, there are several options available for rehoming or surrendering.

Information on rehoming your pet

When adopting a reptile or amphibian from RSPCA Queensland, you’ll need to provide a copy of your current native animal keeping licence and show evidence that you have a safe, species-appropriate enclosure ready at home. This usually includes photos of your setup, such as heating, lighting, hiding spaces, and enclosure security, so we can ensure your new reptile will have the best environment and care from day one.

Before your new companion joins your family, it’s important to have everything ready beforehand so they can settle in safely and comfortably.

Our experienced team will advise you of what your new pet has been fed and how they have been housed while in our care, but here are some key things to consider:

1. Location: Where will your reptile or amphibian live in your home?
2. Enclosure: Do you have a suitably sized, secure enclosure ready, and where will you purchase it if not?
3. Furnishings: Have you prepared everything inside the enclosure, including appropriate and safe heating and lighting, perches or platforms, hides for security, and food and water dishes?
4. Home safety: Is your housing space and their enclosure escape-proof?
5. Diet: Do you know what your new pet should be fed and how it should be offered? Do you know where to source the food or any required supplements from?
6. Vet care: Have you found an experienced exotics veterinarian, should your new companion ever need vet care?