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Are exotic pets illegal in the Netherlands?

Yes. Exotic pets are banned in the Netherlands. Since 1 Jul 2024 only 30 mammal species may be kept as pets.

Besluit of 25 Apr 2024 (Stb. 2024, 117) under the Wet dieren: since 1 July 2024 only the 30 mammal species on the huis- en hobbydierenlijst may be bought, kept or sold; servals, meerkats, capybaras and armadillos are out; animals held before 1 Jul 2024 may be kept for life but not bred (RVO and Rijksoverheid pages, current).

Source: Huis- en hobbydierenlijst

• The Netherlands is one of 11 countries where exotic pets are banned, and 48 more restrict them.
• Its neighbours: banned in 1 of 2 (Belgium).
• In Europe: banned in 5 of 39 countries.

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Other countries that ban exotic pets

SingaporeCosta RicaBoliviaCyprusLithuaniaLuxembourgSouth KoreaNorwayAustraliaBelgiumAll 11 on the map ›

What else is banned in the Netherlands