Can I keep an exotic pet?
This is only allowed if the species is on the relevant positive list — Belgium works with a closed white list of animals you may keep as pets, and for everything else you need an individual ministerial derogation. Since the sixth state reform this is a regional competence, so the rules differ per region. The mammal positive list holds 42 species (Royal Decree of 16 July 2009): dog, cat, rabbit, ferret, guinea pig, chinchilla, various rodents … Big cats and most wild species are not allowed. Flanders has, since 1 October 2019, also a reptile positive list (422 species); Brussels adopted it on 26 November 2020. Important in 2024–2026: the Walloon reptile list was annulled on 16 July 2024 by the Council of State, so Wallonia currently has no valid reptile list and a new list is in preparation. On top of the positive lists, the CITES rules apply federally for protected species.
📋 The rules
- Mammals: only the ~42 species on the positive list (RD 16 July 2009) may be kept freely
- Reptiles (Flanders/Brussels): only species on the reptile positive list (422 in Flanders since 2019)
- Wallonia: the reptile list was annulled on 16 July 2024 — no valid list currently, a new one in preparation
- Non-listed species: only with a ministerial recognition (Zoo Commission advice); costs €60 per species
- CITES (federal): protected species (turtles, parrots, some snakes) require CITES documents
- Flanders (VLAREM): keeping more than 30 reptiles requires an environmental permit
🔓 Exceptions
- Animals you already kept before a list came into force may be kept on with proof (grandfathering)
- A derogation for an unlisted species is not granted automatically (advice within 6 months)
- In Flanders you need an environmental permit under VLAREM once you keep more than 30 reptiles, even if the species are listed
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Keeping a non-permitted species breaches animal welfare law, and the sanction is twofold. First the animal: the authorities can seize an illegally kept animal and place it in a shelter or zoo, and you do not get it back. Then the fine. In Flanders the administrative fines rose sharply on 1 January 2026: from 26 to 100,000 euros (before surcharges), depending on gravity and repetition, with criminal prosecution for serious cases. Wallonia and Brussels apply comparable sanctions, seizure included.
📎 Official sources
- Animal Welfare Flanders · reptile positive list →
- Animal Welfare Wallonia · positive list →
- Brussels Environment · which animals you may keep →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I just keep an exotic animal?
No. Belgium works with closed positive lists: only mammals on the list (42 species), and in Flanders and Brussels only reptiles on the reptile list. An unlisted species needs an individual ministerial derogation.
Which mammals are on the positive list?
Around 42 species, including dog, cat, rabbit, ferret, guinea pig, chinchilla and various rodents. Big cats, monkeys and most wild species are not on it, however tame an individual animal may seem.
Can I keep a reptile?
In Flanders and Brussels only if the species is on the reptile positive list (422 species in Flanders since 2019). In Wallonia the reptile list was annulled on 16 July 2024: there is currently no valid list, and a new one is being prepared.
What does a derogation for an unlisted species cost?
The ministerial recognition costs 60 euros per species and follows advice from the Zoo Commission, within six months. It is not granted automatically, so do not count on it before you buy an animal.
What do I risk if I keep a banned animal?
Seizure of the animal, which goes to a shelter or zoo. In Flanders, since 1 January 2026, an administrative fine of 26 to 100,000 euros is added depending on gravity; serious cases bring criminal prosecution.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “exotic pet belgium positive list”
- “positive list mammals 42 species”
- “keep reptile flanders list”
- “walloon reptile list annulled”
- “cites protected species pet”
- “ministerial derogation unlisted species”