Government requires exotic pets to be registered

Santo Domingo.- The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has launched a mandatory registration process for exotic animals owned by private individuals. The initiative, led by the Vice Ministry of Protected Areas and Biodiversity and its Biodiversity Directorate, seeks to improve control, responsible management, and conservation of exotic species within the Dominican Republic, in line with current environmental laws.

Owners have three months from November 20, the publication of the notice, to complete the registration. Requirements include submitting a formal application to the Vice Ministry, providing documentation that proves the legal origin of the animals—such as previously issued permits—and allowing technical inspections by the Biodiversity Directorate when necessary.

The Ministry warns that any exotic animals not registered within the deadline may be detained, seized, or subjected to administrative procedures under Law 64-00, Law 333-15, and other relevant regulations. Authorities encourage owners to comply, emphasizing that public cooperation is key to protecting biodiversity and ensuring responsible species management nationwide.