Apply for a wildlife carer's permit

You need a permit to care for sick, orphaned or injured native wildlife.

A permit to keep protected wildlife (carer), also known as a wildlife carer's permit lets you rehabilitate sick, injured or orphaned wildlife to release them back into the wild.

It does not let you keep wildlife permanently.

When you apply for a wildlife carer's permit, all of the following will be considered:

• previous experience
• qualifications
• membership to a local wildlife care group
• if you have an experienced mentor
• facilities and resources.

Your application may be refused if you do not meet the requirements.

How to apply

To apply for a permit, follow these steps.

Step 1. Fill in the application for a permit to keep protected wildlife (carer).

Application for a permit to keep protected wildlife (carer) PDF (321.9 KB)
Application for a permit to keep protected wildlife (carer) DOCX (172.8 KB)

Step 2. Submit your application to the permits and concession office within Parks and Wildlife.

Releasing animals

To release animals as a carer, follow these steps.

Step 1. Fill in the application for a permit to release wildlife.

Application for a permit to release wildlife PDF (588.0 KB)
Application for a permit to release wildlife DOCX (170.7 KB)

Step 2. Submit your application to the permits and concession office within Parks and Wildlife.

Renewing your permit

Permits need to be renewed every second year.

More information

To find out more about looking after specific animals, read about caring for wildlife.

For more information, contact Wildlife Operations.