Many animals keep

You may keep pets and hobby animals, but they must not cause any nuisance to your neighbors. You must therefore try to prevent any noise or odor nuisance. You must also ensure that the environment is not damaged. This means, for example, that you must do everything you can to prevent soil and water pollution.

Do you have a lot of farm animals? Then you must also ensure that the animal housing is located far enough away from buildings where people are present. Such as houses, schools, childcare centers, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. The minimum distances can be found in the environmental plan. These minimum distances are mandatory from:

• 10 sheep
• 5 horses and ponies
• 10 goats
• 25 pieces of poultry
• 25 rabbits
• 10 other farm animals

Only mammals from the list of domestic and hobby animals

The mammals must be on the list of domestic and hobby animals. If a mammal is not on this list, you may not buy, keep, or sell it. You are also not allowed to breed them. Do you have a mammal that is not on the list, but did you already have the animal before July 1, 2024? You may keep the animal until it dies. And you may resell or pass on the animal. You are no longer allowed to breed with the animal.

There is an exception for deer parks. Fallow deer and red deer are not included in the list of domestic and hobby animals. However, you are allowed to keep them and breed them.

Zoos

Do you keep several wild or rare animals on your property? Then you may need a zoo permit. You can apply for this at the Netherlands Enterprise Agency.

The Requirements :

• You must comply with the municipal regulations for keeping animals.
• As the owner or caretaker, you must provide the animals with proper care.
• The animals must have sufficient space that is appropriate to their natural needs.

More information about the Netherlands Enterprise Agency

Information about the list of domestic and hobby animals on RVO.nl

Information about the zoo license on RVO.nl