Embarking on the journey of becoming a bearded dragon owner is an exciting venture filled with anticipation and joy. However, it’s essential to start this journey by complying with state regulations. A licence to keep a bearded dragon varies across Australian states and territories.
The information below is a guide. Care has been taken in gathering the information which has includes speaking to the relevant state authorities however, things change. Contact your state authorities prior to obtaining a Bearded Dragon.
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Key Takeaways
- In Australian all states will only allow you to keep the species of Pogona that are native to the state.
- In most states you are required to obtain a reptile licence to keep a bearded dragon.
Understanding the Need for a Licence
The thought of obtaining a licence might seem daunting or confusing at first. However, the requirement for a licence to keep a bearded dragon is in place to ensure the welfare of these unique creatures and the ecosystem. By understanding and complying with these regulations, you’re taking the first step in providing a responsible home for your new reptile.
State-by-State Guide to Bearded Dragon Licences
Australian Capital Territory (ACT): No Licence to Keep a Bearded Dragon
Key Points:
- No licence required to keep Pogona barabata in ACT.
In the ACT the Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata) is on the list of reptiles exempt from requiring a licence.
New South Wales (NSW): Licence to Keep a Bearded Dragon
Key Points:
- NSW requires a reptile licence.
- Must be over 16 years of age for a licence.
- 5 year licence costs approximately $50.
In NSW, you’ll need a Native Animal Keeper’s Licence to house a bearded dragon. This licence ensures that you’re prepared to care for your pet responsibly. The NSW Government’s Department of Planning, Industry and Environment offers various licence categories, catering to different levels of experience and commitment.
The applicant must be over 16 years of age.
The application form is basic and really just covers which class you want to keep, your name, address and contact details plus payment. Five year licence is around $50.
The following species are listed by the NSW department for reptile keepers:
- Eastern (Common) bearded dragon (Pogona barbata)
- Eastern/central bearded dragon hybrid (Pogona barbata x Pogona vitticeps)
- Black-soil bearded dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni)
- Western Bearded Dragon (Pogona minor, Pogona minima)
- Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
- North-west bearded dragon (Pogona mitchelli)
- Kimberley bearded dragon (Pogona microlepidota)
New South Wales has a Code of Practice for the Private Keeping of Reptiles which has mandatory and recommeded guidelines for keeping your bearded dragon.
Northern Territory (NT): No Licence to Keep a Bearded Dragon
Key Points:
- NT does not require a reptile licence.
Species available in the Northern Territory are:
- Central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
The Central Bearded Dragon may be kept without a permit in the Northern Territory as long as they were obtained lawfully.
Queensland (QLD): Licence to Keep a Bearded Dragons
Key Points:
- QLD require a reptile licence.
- Standard licence costs around $70 for 5 years.
- Free of specific criminal convictions.
- 13 years old or more.
- Allow 40+ days for the application process.
Queenslanders must apply for a Recreational Wildlife Licence to keep a bearded dragon. The Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science makes it easy to apply online, unless the licence is for a child which requires a paper form. The application process takes 40 or more days.
The licence requires applicants to be free of criminal convictions related to animal welfar or conservation within the past 3 years and be 13 years of age or over.
There is a tiered licence structure with the standard licence being the most restrictive in what you can do such as preventing breeding limit.
Species that can be kept in QLD are:
- Bearded dragon (Pogona barbata)
- Central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
- Downs bearded dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni)
- Dwarf bearded dragon (Pogona minor)
- North-west bearded dragon (Pogona mitchelli)
- Small-scaled bearded dragon (Pogona microlepidota)
The QLD department has a code of practice to comply by.
South Australia (SA): No Licence to Keep a Bearded Dragon
Key Points:
- SA does not require a reptile licence.
Species available in South Australia are:
- Central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
- Downs bearded dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni)
- Dwarf bearded dragon (Pogona minor minor)
- Eastern bearded dragon (Pogona barbata)
- Kimberley bearded dragon (Pogona microlepidota)
- North-west bearded dragon (Pogona minor mitchelli)
- Western bearded dragon (Pogona minor minima)
Tasmania (TAS): Illegal to Keep a Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons cannot be legally kept in Tasmania.
Victoria (VIC): Licence to Keep a Bearded Dragon
Key points:
- Victoria requires a wildlife licence to keep bearded dragons.
- Licence costs approximately $140 per year.
- Minimum of 4 weeks application processing time.
The Victorian state goverment requires a licence to keep bearded dragons.
The application will take around 4 weeks but the form is basic and easy enough to complete.
The species that can be kept in Victoria are:
- Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata)
- Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
- Downs Bearded Dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni)
Western Australia (WA): Licence to Keep a Bearded Dragon
Key points:
- WA requires a licence to keep a bearded dragon.
A licence to keep bearded dragons in Western Australia is required and is relatively simple in the online portal. A fauna licence cost $30 for a 3 year period.
The species that can be kept in Western Australia are:
- Western Bearded Dragon (Pogona minor minor)
In terms of controls on what reptiles can be kept WA is propably the most frustrating state of all.
Ensuring Compliance: The Bearded Dragon Licence
Understanding and obtaining the necessary licence to keep a bearded dragon in Australia is a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership. However, not all states and territories require a licence and in Tasmania, it is not legal to keep a bearded dragon.
For the states it is necessary, secure your licence before buying a bearded dragon. Also check out post on the treasure trove of names for your new bearded dragon.
