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 took effect may be kept on with proof (grandfathering)
- A derogation for a non-listed species is not granted automatically (advice within 6 months)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Keeping a non-permitted species is an offence under animal welfare law. In Flanders, administrative fines rose sharply from 1 January 2026: from €26 to €100,000 (before surcharges), depending on seriousness and repeat; in serious cases there is criminal prosecution. The authorities can seize illegally kept animals and place them in a shelter or zoo. Wallonia and Brussels apply comparable sanctions plus seizure.
📎 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. You may only keep mammals on the positive list (42 species), and in Flanders and Brussels only reptiles on the reptile positive list. For a non-listed species you need a ministerial derogation.
Which mammals are on the positive list?
About 42 species, including dog, cat, rabbit, ferret, guinea pig, chinchilla and various rodents, plus some deer species and alpaca. Big cats, primates and most wild species are not on it.
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 has been annulled since 16 July 2024; there is currently no valid list and a new one is in preparation.
What do I risk if I keep a forbidden animal?
Seizure of the animal and, in Flanders since 1 January 2026, an administrative fine of €26 to €100,000 depending on seriousness. In serious cases, criminal prosecution follows.
🔎 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”