Yes, owning a hedgehog is legal in Austria, but subject to strict veterinary and species protection compliance.
Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are classified as protected native wildlife under the Austrian Nature Conservation Act (Bundes-Naturschutzgesetz, B-NPG) and the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC). While private ownership is permitted, it requires adherence to veterinary health certificates and registration with local authorities. The Federal Ministry of Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) enforces these rules, with enforcement delegated to provincial governments (Länder). Recent 2026 amendments to the Animal Health Act (Tiergesundheitsgesetz) impose stricter biosecurity measures for exotic pet imports, indirectly affecting hedgehog ownership by mandating quarantine for non-native subspecies.
Key Regulations for Owning a Hedgehog in Austria
- Species Protection Compliance: Only the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) may be kept without a special permit. Non-native species (e.g., African pygmy hedgehogs) require an import permit from the Austrian Federal Office for Food Safety (BAES) under the EU Wildlife Trade Regulations (VO (EG) 338/97).
- Veterinary Certification: Owners must obtain a health certificate from an approved veterinarian within 10 days of acquisition, confirming the hedgehog is free from zoonotic diseases (e.g., salmonellosis) and not a carrier of Trichinella spiralis.
- Registration & Biosecurity: Hedgehogs must be microchipped and registered in the Austrian Animal Health Database (TSIS). Provincial authorities (Bezirkshauptmannschaften) may impose additional biosecurity measures, including mandatory enclosure inspections for outdoor housing.