Can I keep an exotic animal as a pet?
It depends on the species: increasingly restricted. Not every animal can be kept as a pet. Already banned are invasive alien species (listed in an official catalogue) and, without the proper papers and permits, protected species under the CITES convention. The Animal Welfare Law (Law 7/2023) introduces a positive list of companion animals: a list that will define which species can be kept, banning the keeping, breeding and sale of those not on it. That list is still in development (its regulation is in process / public consultation in 2026), so it's worth following its approval. Meanwhile, dogs, cats and ferrets are clearly allowed; for exotic reptiles, birds or invertebrates, check that the species is not banned and has the papers.
📋 The rules
- Banned: invasive alien species (official catalogue)
- CITES species: only with papers and permits
- Law 7/2023 plans a positive list of pets
- The list is in development (in process in 2026)
- Dog, cat and ferret allowed; for exotics, check the species
🔓 Exceptions
- Animals with CITES papers in order: keeping allowed where applicable
- Falconry birds and non-invasive aquarium fish: planned as allowed
- Zoos, centres and professionals: specific regimes
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Keeping a banned species (invasive alien or protected without permit) can carry high fines and the seizure of the animal, plus welfare and public-health problems. Trading or breeding non-allowed species is also sanctioned. As the positive list is still being developed, before getting an exotic animal it's best to verify the species isn't banned, that it has the papers (CITES, invoice, microchip where applicable) and to check the regional rules, which can add restrictions. Buying outside legal channels worsens the risk.
📎 Official sources
- BOE · Law 7/2023 on animal rights and welfare →
- MITECO · Spanish Catalogue of Invasive Alien Species →
- Ministry of Social Rights · Positive list of companion animals →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I keep any exotic animal as a pet?
No. Invasive alien species are banned and, without the proper papers, protected CITES species. Also, the Animal Welfare Law plans a positive list that will define which species are allowed, still in development in 2026.
What is the positive list of companion animals?
It's a list, planned in Law 7/2023, that will set out the species that can be kept as pets. Those not on it will be banned for keeping, breeding and sale. The list is being drawn up and its regulation is in process, so follow its approval.
Are dogs and cats on the list?
Yes. Dogs, cats and ferrets are considered allowed companion animals. The positive-list debate mainly affects wild and exotic species (reptiles, birds, amphibians, fish and invertebrates), not traditional pets.
What if I keep a banned species?
It can carry high fines and the seizure of the animal, plus the welfare problem it entails. Trading or breeding non-allowed species is also sanctioned. So always verify the species is allowed and has papers.
How do I know if I can keep a particular species?
Check it's not in the invasive-alien-species catalogue, whether it's CITES-protected (and require its papers), and check your region's rules. As the positive list is in development, follow its approval to know the final list.
🔎 Common searches
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