Can I keep a wild or exotic animal (NAC)?
It depends on the species. Keeping a 'new pet' (NAC) isn't free for every species. Domestic species (ferret, rabbit, some rodents, ornamental birds and fish) can be kept freely. But non-domestic species (reptiles, primates, some birds, big cats…) are regulated: depending on the species, its danger and the number of animals, you may need a keeping declaration, a prefectural authorisation, even a competence certificate and an establishment-opening permit. Protected species and those on CITES are banned or tightly framed. The lists are set by the order of 8 October 2018.
📋 The rules
- Domestic species (ferret, rabbit…): kept freely
- Non-domestic species: regulated
- By species: declaration, authorisation or competence certificate
- Protected / CITES species: banned or tightly framed
- Lists set by the order of 8 October 2018
🔓 Exceptions
- Common small NAC in small numbers: often no formality
- Dangerous or venomous animals: competence certificate required
- Keeping in a zoo/breeding facility: specific establishment regime
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Keeping a regulated species without the required authorisation, or a banned protected species, exposes you to sanctions: seizure of the animal, fines, and up to 3 years in prison and a €150,000 fine for trafficking protected species (stronger for the most threatened). Beyond that, some species pose a health or safety risk. Before acquiring a NAC, check its status and formalities with the DDPP or the prefecture.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Keeping non-domestic animals →
- Ministry of Ecological Transition · Non-domestic animals →
- Légifrance · Order of 8 October 2018 (keeping non-domestic species) →
❓ Frequently asked
Can you keep a reptile or exotic animal?
It depends on the species. Some non-domestic species are allowed with no formality in small numbers, others require a keeping declaration, prefectural authorisation or a competence certificate. Protected species are banned.
What's a competence certificate?
It's an authorisation attesting to the keeper's competence to care for demanding or dangerous non-domestic species. It's required, with an establishment-opening permit, above certain species thresholds or for dangerous animals.
Which NAC are free?
Domestic species: ferret, rabbit, some rodents, ornamental birds and fish, for example. They can be kept without special formality, respecting animal welfare and neighbour rules.
What's the risk of keeping a protected species?
Seizure of the animal and heavy sanctions: fines and, for trafficking protected species, up to 3 years in prison and a €150,000 fine. Buying a protected animal feeds a heavily punished illegal trade.
Where to check an animal's status?
With the departmental population-protection directorate (DDPP) or the prefecture, and by checking the order of 8 October 2018 that sets the lists and formalities by species. Check before any purchase.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “keep nac reptile law”
- “competence certificate animals”
- “non-domestic animals authorisation”
- “8 october 2018 order nac”
- “protected species keeping banned”
- “keeping declaration animal”