About Us
About Us
Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence!
In 2025, we are thrilled to celebrate 20 years of providing professional courses and products to clients worldwide. Join us in July for special offers as we commemorate this milestone!
Our Journey
In the Beginning... Snakehandler started as a humble reptile removal business, which soon expanded to include educational talks, displays, birthday parties, and courses. In 2005, Sean McCarthy took over the business, and together with his father, Rod McCarthy, they broadened the scope to include tailor-made education programs focused on practical learning and safety.
Setting New Standards In 2009, Sean made a groundbreaking move by accrediting the venomous snake handling course, ensuring it met National Standards in Education and Training. This initiative set a new benchmark for snake handling courses, not just in Australia but globally. With over 50 years of combined teaching experience, the Snakehandler Team can integrate their programs into any modern curriculum. Sean's scientific background, with a Bachelor of Science from Deakin University, adds depth to the team's expertise in biology, ecology, and chemistry.
A New Era for Snakehandler
In 2015, the business underwent significant structural changes. Now, as the sole Director, Sean McCarthy is steering the company in a new direction to meet the evolving needs of our extensive client base. While we no longer offer birthday parties, we are a familiar presence in schools, preschools, and kindergartens.
Our unique Venomous Snake Handling Courses, praised by Dr. Bryan Fry in his book "Venom Doc" as possibly the only higher education course of its kind, along with our innovative safety programs, position us as leaders in industry-based services in Australia. We continue to enhance our school programs, which have always been a hit.
Embracing Innovation
In 2018, Snakehandler launched the online theory component for the Venomous Snake Handling Course, another world first. This program is continually updated with new videos and resources, providing our students with the latest information and training. This innovation proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing us to adapt to the changing business landscape.
Our Commitment to Ethical Practices
At Snakehandler, we are committed to purchasing products from companies that demonstrate positive social and environmental values. We ensure that our partners meet appropriate standards of living, community focus, and reasonable working conditions. Our products, including hooks, tongs, and bags used in our courses, are made in Pakistan to our specifications and have been tested for reliability and purpose.
Our snake bite first aid kits are sourced directly from the manufacturer in China, allowing us to offer high-quality products at competitive prices. We also source products from Midwest Tongs, an American wildlife handling company known for its community and animal welfare projects.
Trusted Partnerships
We are proud to partner with Lifeaid Pty Ltd (RTO 21037), our Registered Training Organisation, to offer Nationally Accredited Training in snake handling. This partnership, beneficial to both parties, enhances our training offerings in the mining and construction industries. Lifeaid Pty Ltd is also an excellent provider of first aid and fire and rescue training.
Join us as we continue to lead the way in snake handling education and safety, setting new standards and embracing innovation every step of the way.