Before you get your frog
Licencing
In most states frogs and tadpoles are protected and you need a licence to keep any in captivity. Every state in Australia has its own rules and regulations, so you will have to check with your state authorities before getting a frog.
For further information about your state rules visit 'Licences and frog keeping information '.
Frog characteristics
Frogs are not like other pets. They have several characteristics that set them apart. These include:
- most frogs do not enjoy being handled.
- frogs are nocturnal and will remain hidden throughout the day
- frogs can be very noisy during their breeding season
Frog requirements
A captive frog's home must replicate its natural environment as closely as possible. This includes monitoring the temperature, daylight and humidity ranges of your frog's enclosure. Frogs also need suitable shelter and live food such as insects. Do not feed your frogs any insect that may have been in contact with any insecticides and do not let your frog come into contact with any chemicals (especially cleaning products).
For further information about caring for your frog visit 'Licences and frog keeping information '.
Where do I get my frog from?
In Australia it is illegal to take a frog from the wild (this includes your property). Where you get your frog from will depend on which state you live in. Places to get frogs from include herpetological societies, private breeders, wildlife rescue groups and pet stores. For further information about where you can get frogs from in your state visit 'Licences and frog keeping information '.
Long term Commitment
Remember - a frog is a long term commitment. Frogs can live for over 20 years in captivity. If you decide to become a frog owner you must be willing to accept the responsibility of providing the best care you can for the life of your frog.
Tadpoles
Tadpoles are easier to keep than adult frogs. Their basic requirements include:
- a container that is kept in a warm place without too much exposure to direct sunlight.
- sloping rocks to climb onto when they turn into frogs.
- clean water that is changed at least once a week. If you are using tap water, it needs to be treated to remove chemicals such as chlorine.
- plant food such as boiled lettuce. Uneaten food should be removed, as it will contaminate the water.
This list above serves as a basic guide only. Please make sure to consult more detailed sources of information on raising tadpoles if you wish to keep them.
Like frogs the rules about keeping tadpoles depend on what state you live in. For further information about your state rules visit 'Licences and frog keeping information '.
Licences and frog keeping information for each state
Each state in Australia has its own regulations about keeping frogs. Use this list to check the rules of your state authority.
New South Wales
New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service
Keeping frogs or tadpoles
http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Frog+keepers+licence
Frog and Tadpole Study Group
So you want a frog as a pet?
http://www.fats.org.au/frogs/captive.html
Australian Capital Territory
Licencing of plants and animals
http://www.environment.act.gov.au/nativeplantsandanimals/licplantanim.html
Queensland
Queensland Government - Plants and animals
Recreational wildlife licence
http://www.env.qld.gov.au/ecoaccess/plants_and_animals/
Queensland Museum
Keeping frogs in captivity
http://www.qmuseum.qld.gov.au/features/frogs/attracting_captivity.asp
Raising tadpoles
http://www.qmuseum.qld.gov.au/features/frogs/attracting_tadpoles.asp
Frog Decline Reversal Project, Inc.
Information on keeping frogs
http://www.fdrproject.org/pages/POtads.htm
Victoria
Department of sustainability and environment
Choose 'Private Wildlife Licence Application'
http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/dse/nrenpa.nsf/LinkView/
05BDD86A5166A6514A256896001CF6AEB1BECDD7C74958EE4A2567D7000250FE
Amphibian Research Centre
Keeping frogs
http://frogs.org.au/arc/frogs.html
Licensing
http://frogs.org.au/arc/legal.html
South Australia
Department for Environment and Heritage
Fauna permits
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/fauna_permits/introduction.html
Western Australia
Department of Conservation and Land Management
Keeping reptiles and amphibians as pets
http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/plants_animals/reptiles/index.html
Keeping advice for tree frogs
http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/plants_animals/reptiles/advice/tree_frogs.html
Tasmania
Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment
Scroll down to the herpetology permit
http://www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/Topics/LVAE-55535W?open
Landcare Education Tasmania
Keeping tadpoles
http://www.discover.tased.edu.au/landcare/leapfrog/Keeping%20Tadpoles.htm