Vertebrates of the specially protected species are subject to the obligation to register. The keeper must notify the competent authority in writing immediately after the beginning of the keeping of the animals and after the stock notification of the inflow and outflow as well as their identification. Likewise, a change of location must be reported immediately.

Species under special protection include the majority of exotic animal species, e.g. monkeys, parrot birds, tortoises, giant snakes, lizard species (such as day geckos and chameleons), but also numerous native species. All European bird species are also included.