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DEPENDS Flanders Wallonia Brussels

Which animals can I keep at home? Can I have a monkey, a squirrel or a snake?

In short

It depends. The only mammals you may keep without a permit are those on the official "positive list". For a species that is not on the list, you need separate approval from the region.

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This rule in 69 seconds
Video transcript

You saw a cute baby monkey online. You want to buy it right away. It depends: For mammals, only species on the positive list may be kept without a permit. For other species you need separate approval from the region. The right way: Check the list before buying. If the species isn't on it, ask for approval; it costs 60 € per species. Invasive species are never approved. If you break the rule: Fine: Set by region or court; Animal: Can be seized; Brussels, 6+ animals: Environmental permit.

What is not allowed, what is required?

  • All three regions have a positive list (positieve lijst / liste positive) for mammals. You may keep species on the list, such as cats, dogs, rabbits and hamsters, without a permit.
  • To keep a mammal that is not on the list, you need separate approval (erkenning / agrément) for each species. The application fee is 60 € per species. Invasive species are never approved.
  • In Flanders and Brussels, there is also a positive list for reptiles (snakes, lizards, tortoises). In Flanders, you also need approval for a reptile that is not on the list.
  • Birds and fish: invasive alien species (for example, the Egyptian goose or the red-eared slider) may not be kept. For protected species, the CITES rules also apply.
  • Brussels: keeping 6 or more small animals (dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, etc.) at home requires an environmental permit (permis d'environnement, class 3), which you get from the municipality.

Penalty and indirect consequences

PENALTY NOTICE
Fine / payment
Breaches of animal welfare rules: an administrative or criminal fine; the amount is set by the region or the court.

Legal basis:Bruxelles Environnement – Bien-être animal (chapitre 13)

Court / prison
In Flanders, the text of the law also provides for 8 days to 5 years in prison for keeping animals without approval; under the new Criminal Code this corresponds to level 3 (art. 78). An administrative fine is also possible. Animal cruelty is punished separately.

Legal basis:Codex Dierenwelzijn, art. 66

What really matters: the indirect consequences

Why does this rule exist?

Exotic animals cannot be properly cared for at home and often suffer. Animals that escape can establish themselves in the wild and harm native species. The list protects both the animals and nature.

Where can you go?

  • Regional nature agenciesFlanders: Natuur en Bos · Wallonia: DNF · Brussels: Bruxelles Environnement
  • MunicipalityMunicipal forests, animal registration and places for sacrificial slaughter
  • Social interpreterAt the municipality, the OCMW/CPAS, school and hospital, you can ask for an interpreter in your language; it is often free.

This site does not handle individual cases; it points you to the right service. All help addresses

Source and reliability

Official source
Source check
16 / 16 statements in an official source
Checked: 12.10.2026
Last checked
12.10.2026
Rules can change
Show the 16 checked statementsopen

The checked statements are in Turkish, as in the source text. This check does not replace legal advice.

General information, not legal advice. For your own situation, ask a lawyer or free legal aid. How was this information prepared?

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