No, owning a raccoon in Switzerland is prohibited under federal wildlife protection laws, as the species is classified as invasive. Cantonal authorities enforce strict biodiversity preservation policies, with no exceptions for private ownership. Recent 2026 amendments to the Ordonnance sur la protection des animaux further restrict exotic pet trade, aligning with EU biosecurity protocols.
Key Regulations for Owning a Raccoon in Switzerland
- Federal Prohibition: The Ordonnance sur la protection de la nature (RS 451.1) lists raccoons as non-native species, banning their possession without special permits—rarely granted.
- Cantonal Enforcement: Local wildlife agencies (e.g., Service de la faune in Vaud or Amt für Natur und Umwelt in Zurich) actively confiscate unauthorized pets under cantonal biodiversity acts.
- EU Alignment: Switzerland’s 2026 compliance updates mirror EU Regulation 1143/2014, which classifies raccoons as invasive, prohibiting trade and private ownership across all cantons.
Violations incur fines up to CHF 20,000 (Art. 29 Loi sur la protection des animaux), with repeat offenders facing criminal charges. Exceptions exist solely for research institutions or zoological facilities licensed by the Office fédéral de l’environnement (OFEV).