In the Beginning...

Snakehandler began as a simple reptile removal business, which grew to include educational talks, displays, birthday parties and courses.

The business changed hands in 2005; with Sean McCarthy taking the reins. Together with Sean’s father, Rod McCarthy, we expanded our repertoire to include tailor made education programs focusing on practical learning and safety.

In 2009 Sean made the bold move to Accredit the venomous snake handling course we had been doing for years.  This was done to create a course that not only was educational, but also met National Standards in Education and Training, something never done before in this industry.  Now setting the standard in snake handling courses not only in Australia but around the world.

With over 50 years combined teaching experience in both primary and secondary, The Snakehandler Team can fit our programs into any modern curricula. Sean brings with him a largely scientific background completing a bachelor of science at Deakin University and has practical experience in biology, ecology and chemistry.

A new era for Snakehandler!

In 2015 we have had a number of changes to the structure of the business, now, sole Director Sean McCarthy takes the helm and is guiding the business in a new direction, reflecting the needs of our large client base. We no longer offer Birthday Parties, but are a common sight at schools, preschools and kindergartens.

With our unique Venomous Snake Handling Courses, as described by Dr. Bryan Fry in his book "Venom Doc", as possibly the only higher education course of its kind in the world, together with new developments in our safety programs we aim to provide the best Industry based services in Australia. Meanwhile we will continue to improve our school programs which have always been a smash hit.

In 2018 Snakehandler launched its online theory component for the Venomous Snake Handling Course, yet again a world first, this program is constantly evolving with new videos and resources added frequently.  Giving our students far greater access to the most up to date information and training. This set us in good stead for the sudden changes forced onto business world wide with the outbreak of COVID-19.

Snakehandler business relationships

As Snakehandler we only purchase products from companies who have demonstrated positive social and environmental values, we are talking with the companies we work with to provide us with a company profile for people to review:

Snakehandler branded products come from Pakistan, the company we deal with have been checked to ensure the welfare and wages for the staff meet the appropriate standards of living, that they company has a good community focus and there is reasonable working hours and conditions. The products are made to our specifications after years of working with ideas we have had, all products sold on this page are used or have been used by Snakehandler staff, these have shown to be strong, reliable and fit for purpose, we will not sell products that we would not use ourselves. More specifically, the hooks, tongs, bags etc used for snake catching are used in our snake handling courses, transported around Australia (and internationally) and used by hundreds of people every year.

Midwest products are all sourced from American company Midwest Tongs based in Greenwood Missouri. Midwest Tongs is an American based wildlife handling company with a wealth of experience and owner, Dana, has set up numerous projects to help communities and animals in a variety of countries. 

Survival First Aid All of our first aid products are sourced from one company, with the world leading SMART bandage in all the kits we sell there is simply no compromise.