No, owning a raccoon as a pet is illegal in the Netherlands under the Flora and Fauna Act (FfW) and the Animal Act (Dierenwet). The Dutch government classifies raccoons as invasive species, prohibiting private ownership to protect native ecosystems. Violations may result in fines up to €10,000 or confiscation under the Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (RVO) enforcement guidelines.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Netherlands
- Prohibition under FfW: Raccoons (Procyon lotor) are listed in Annex C of the Flora and Fauna Act, requiring a permit for restricted species, which is denied for raccoons.
- Animal Welfare Act (2024 amendments): Keeping wild or exotic animals like raccoons is prohibited unless for conservation, research, or licensed zoos, per Ministerie van Landbouw, Natuur en Voedselkwaliteit (LNV).
- Municipal Enforcement: Local authorities (e.g., Gemeente Amsterdam, Gemeente Rotterdam) may impose additional penalties under municipal ordinances, including mandatory euthanasia for illegally kept raccoons.
Exemptions exist only for licensed wildlife rehabilitation centers or scientific institutions with RVO-approved permits. The 2026 Invasive Alien Species Regulation further tightens controls, aligning Dutch law with EU IAS Regulation (EU) 1143/2014. Transporting or breeding raccoons without authorization constitutes a criminal offense under the Wet milieubeheer.