Yes, owning a hedgehog in Portugal is legal but tightly controlled under national biodiversity laws and EU wildlife trade regulations. The species Atelerix algirus (North African hedgehog) is permitted with mandatory registration, while native Erinaceus europaeus remains protected. Recent 2026 amendments to Decree-Law 140/99 (transposing EU Regulation 2019/1010) impose stricter veterinary and microchipping requirements for exotic pets.
Key Regulations for Owning a Hedgehog in Portugal
- Species-Specific Permits: Only non-native hedgehog species (Atelerix spp.) may be kept, requiring prior authorization from the Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF) under Article 4 of Decree-Law 140/99. Native species (Erinaceus europaeus) are strictly protected under Annex IV of the Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC).
- Veterinary Certification: Mandatory health certificates issued by an ICNF-approved veterinarian within 30 days of acquisition, confirming absence of zoonotic diseases (e.g., salmonellosis) and compliance with EU animal welfare standards (Directive 2010/63/EU).
- Microchipping & Registration: All hedgehogs must be implanted with an ISO-compliant microchip (15 digits) and registered in the Sistema Nacional de Identificação e Registo de Animais de Companhia (SNIRA) within 15 days of acquisition. Failure to comply voids ownership rights and may result in confiscation under Article 8 of Law 8/2022.