Snake nearby? Stay calm and follow these steps
Urgent help without adding to the panic
An emergency snake call-out is usually less about the species and more about the setting. A snake inside a home, beside a child’s play area, near a dog or in an active workplace needs calm scene control and prompt professional advice.
The attending catcher will ask where the snake was last seen, whether it is still visible, who is nearby and whether doors, traffic or machinery create extra risk. Do not delay the call while trying to identify or photograph it.
When a sighting should be treated as urgent
Call immediately when a snake is inside a building, close to a doorway or path, near children or pets, or in a place where customers, staff or contractors could encounter it unexpectedly.
Urgent does not mean chasing or cornering the animal. Move people away, keep a safe line of sight if possible and allow the snake an escape route while you speak with Harley.
Inside a home
Bedrooms, bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, hallways and garage-connected rooms.
Near children
Play areas, schools, childcare grounds, sports areas and shared residential spaces.
Near animals
Backyards, kennels, poultry areas, stables and places where pets cannot be safely contained.
At a workplace
Warehouses, shops, loading areas, strata property and other high-traffic locations.
What to do while arranging help
The safest response is controlled and simple. Avoid sudden attempts to move the snake or prove where it is hiding.
- Move children, visitors, workers and pets away from the area.
- Do not touch, trap, strike, spray or crowd the snake.
- Watch from a safe position and note where it moves.
- Close an internal door only when that can be done without approaching it.
- Call Snakes in the City on 0411 103 488 and explain the last known position.
Information that helps the attending catcher assess the call
Give the exact address, property type and safest access point. Explain whether the snake is visible and whether anyone or any animal may have made contact.
Our back office checks which catchers are working, their known mapped locations and whether they are already on a job. The team allocates the call-out based on availability and proximity, and can discuss current attendance timing. Having several catchers helps us coordinate a prompt Sydney-wide response; traffic and active jobs still affect arrival.
Professional reptile capture and relocation
NSW catch-and-release work requires the appropriate wildlife licence. Harley operates under NSW General Licence MWL000102655, uses specialist handling equipment and focuses on safe, lawful and humane relocation.
A call-out cannot guarantee capture if the animal has already left or cannot be located. The attending catcher will give straightforward advice based on the site and last known position.
Cost-effective snake removal — every day of the year
We offer cost-effective snake removal, day or night. No extra loading applies on weekends or public holidays. Call our team to discuss the call-out fee and arrange attendance.
The fee pays for the catcher's time travelling to your property, the expertise and equipment needed to handle a potentially dangerous snake, and safe, humane relocation. It covers more than the minutes spent making a capture.
A snake that has left or cannot be located cannot be guaranteed to be caught. Tell us what has happened when you call so we can explain the attendance arrangements.
One call. A coordinated Sydney response.
Our back office checks which snake catchers are working and where they are located, then allocates your job according to availability and proximity. Having several catchers available helps us arrange a prompt response across Sydney.
Call 0411 103 488 with the exact location. We will check who can attend and discuss current timing. How our Sydney dispatch works →
