Yes, Owning a hedgehog in Belgium is legal but tightly controlled under the Royal Decree of 22 June 2017 on invasive alien species and welfare standards. The Flemish, Walloon, and Brussels-Capital regions enforce distinct rules, with Brussels requiring a détention déclarative permit for exotic pets. Recent 2026 EU regulations may further restrict cross-border trade, necessitating pre-acquisition compliance checks with regional authorities.
Key Regulations for Owning a Hedgehog in Belgium
- Species-Specific Permits: Only the Erinaceus europaeus (European hedgehog) is exempt from invasive species restrictions, while African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) require a certificat de détention in Flanders or Wallonia. Brussels mandates registration regardless of species.
- Welfare and Housing Standards: Regional governments enforce the Code wallon du bien-être animal (Wallonia), Dierenwelzijnsdecreet (Flanders), or Ordonnance relative à la protection des animaux (Brussels), requiring enclosures with minimum 2m² space, species-appropriate substrates, and veterinary care access.
- Source Verification: Hedgehogs must originate from EU-approved breeders with CITES-compliant documentation. Imports from non-EU countries are prohibited under EU Regulation 1143/2014 on invasive alien species, with penalties up to €10,000 for violations.