Teaching with Animals

Additional approval requirements for keeping and teaching with wildlife species

Schools can keep and use some wildlife species (specific amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) for non-teaching activities, and Category 1, 2 and 3 non-invasive teaching activities.

To keep wildlife, government and Catholic schools must download, complete and store the pre-approved authorisation permit for their school type. The permit does not need to be lodged or submitted, only stored in case of inspection or audit. The pre-approved authorisation permit is available from: Animal Welfare Victoria - Wildlife in schools.

Independent schools can apply for an authorisation permit by contacting the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on 136 186 or customer.service@delwp.vic.gov.au

Using the information outlined in the authorisation permit, all schools must:

• determine whether the wildlife species is permitted to be kept
• ensure that they meet their obligations regarding the wildlife species, outlined in the relevant Code of Practice
• download, complete and sign the authorisation permit on a yearly basis, and store it in case of audit or inspection.

The authorisation permit also outlines mandatory requirements for record keeping, cage and enclosure types, and tank or enclosure labelling.

Schools with a permit to keep wildlife (and Victorian Schools Animal Ethics Committee approval, if required) must not take the animals from the wild, including collecting frog spawn and tadpoles.

Injured or orphaned wildlife must be delivered as quickly as possible to an approved wildlife carer. For assistance, contact Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300.