Welfare of pets

Not all animals are suitable as pets

Not all animals are suitable as pets. Some animals may suffer in a domestic environment or they may be dangerous.

You may only keep, sell or breed mammals that appear on the list of pets and animals kept for hobby purposes. This list was updated on 1 July 2024.

If you owned a mammal on 1 July 2024 that is not on the list: 

• You may keep the animal until it dies. 
• You are not allowed to use the animal for breeding.
• You may still sell the animal, either in the Netherlands or abroad.

The government also plans to make lists of birds, reptiles and amphibians that may be kept as pets. It is not yet known when this will be done.

Ban on keeping hairless cats and cats with folded ears

From 1 January 2026, it will be prohibited to keep hairless cats and cats with folded ears as pets. These physical traits are the result of breeding and cause animal suffering. Cats with folded ears have a defect that affects the development of cartilage and causes painful joint problems. Hairless cats get sick more easily. 

If you currently own a cat with folded ears or a hairless cat, it must be microchipped. You may keep the cat until it dies. But you may not get another cat with folded ears or hairless cat. From 2026, you may not enter the cat in cat shows or competitions. 
The government is also studying the possibility of prohibiting images of animals with harmful physical traits in advertising and on social media. When people see fewer images or videos of unhealthy breeds of cats and dogs, they will be less likely to buy them.

Rules for keeping pets

Over half of all households in the Netherlands have one or more pets. People who keep, sell and breed pets must take proper care of their animals. This is laid down in the Decree containing rules for keepers of animals.

The main rules are about:

• Animal housing

  Animals must be housed in suitable accommodation. They must have enough space to move freely to prevent undue suffering.

• Animal care

  Animals must be given enough water and the right type and amount of food. Animals must also be seen by a veterinarian if necessary.

• Selling animals

  Pets may not be sold to anyone younger than 16. Animals for sale may not be displayed in shop windows. The person selling the animal must give the buyer written information about the animal.

• Breeding animals

  Professional or hobby breeders may not use animals that have serious genetic defects, diseases or behaviour problems for breeding purposes. Female dogs may not have more than one litter over a 12-month period. Female cats may not have more than two litters in 12 months, or more than three litters in 24 months.

Invasive procedures

It is forbidden by law to mutilate or remove any part of an animal for non-medical reasons. Some procedures are allowed, like neutering, microchipping or ear tagging.

Tackling the problem of aggressive dogs

Dog owners are liable if their dog bites someone. The Public Prosecution Service (OM) may prosecute an owner if their dog attacks a person or another animal. Municipal authorities can order a dog owner to keep their dog muzzled or leashed in public.

The Pet Information Centre (LICG) gives information on dog bite incidents: what to do if it happens to you as well as how to prevent them.