Prohibition against possession of certain animal species

General information

According to Austrian law, if you keep certain types of animals, you must notify the authorities that you are doing so. This provision applies to certain wild animals that must be kept under certain conditions. In addition, you need official permission to keep some other types of animals in certain circumstances (for example, if you keep animals in zoos or circuses or use them for events or other commercial purposes).

Tip

The precise provisions of the regulations, including lists of the species covered by the law and relevant exemptions, are set out in the Tierschutzgesetz and its associated ordinances.

The ban on keeping certain types of wild animals is described in section 9 of the 2. Tierhaltungsverordnung.

Competent authority

Further information

For detailed information on this topic, contact the relevant authority in the province concerned.

Legal basis

Certified Translation
Last update: 17 March 2023

Responsible for the content: Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection