I’ve been following Save a Fox Rescue for a while, a sanctuary for foxes in Minnesota. I adore their videos of the foxes they’ve rescued from fur farms and other situations, but I recently saw that they adopt out foxes if they find suitable places for them. It got me wondering - can you have a pet fox? And if so, what are the restrictions involved with owning one?
With any pet, I advise people to thoroughly do their research before bringing them home. This is more true than ever with exotic pets, such as foxes. So, no matter how cute a pet fox sounds, make sure you’re 100% sure you have the time, money, and requirements needed to care for a fox before adopting one.
Can You Have a Pet Fox?
While it’s not a good idea for the average person to own a fox, it’s possible. Owning a fox is legal in certain places, as long as you get necessary permits and follow local regulations. You cannot take a fox out of the wild to keep as a pet (the same is true for all wild animals).
Remember - just because you can have a pet fox doesn’t mean you should. Even domesticated foxes can be unpredictable and noisy in a way that more common pets aren't. Plus, it can be difficult to find a vet that takes foxes. Of course, there are some people out there who can take great care of a fox, but whoever owns one should be fully prepared and know what they’re getting into beforehand.
Which States Allow Pet Foxes?
Foxes as pets are only legal in certain U.S. states. These laws can vary based on county or city, so always check your local laws. According to the general 2024 statistics from Data Panda, these states allow pet foxes:
Arkansas
Delaware
Florida
Illinois
Indiana
Maine
Michigan
Mississippi (with permits)
Missouri
Nebraska
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania (with permits)
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas (with permits)
Virginia
Wisconsin
Again, these laws may change and may vary based on the individual counties and cities. Always double check your local laws before trying to get a pet fox (or any exotic pet).
How to Know if You’re Ready for a Pet Fox
If it’s legal to get a pet fox in your area, you might feel eager to do it. After all, foxes are adorable and have qualities similar to both cats and dogs. Yet, you should never get any animal on a whim, especially one that requires such specialized care.
There are pet foxes that need homes. Fox rescues like Save a Fox adopt out domesticated foxes to people who are a good fit because some foxes, such as those from fur farms or surrendered by former owners, can’t be released into the wild. So, if you genuinely feel that you would be a good fox parent, there are foxes that need homes.
However, you need to do a lot of preparations before adopting a fox. Below are a few important things to consider before making that huge decision.
Check Local Laws
Foxes are illegal in many locations for good reason. First of all, they’re wild animals. Even when domesticated, they have complex needs and can be unpredictable. They can also spread lots of diseases, such as roundworm, rabies, and leptospirosis. Plus, many places selling pet foxes are inhumane.
So, these laws aren’t strict for no reason. Make sure you always check local laws and regulations for exotic pets like foxes. Don’t just check your state - also check your specific county, city, and town. See if you need any special permits or other requirements before getting one. If a fox is illegal where you live, then you’re not meant to have one when living there.
Thoroughly Research Care Requirements
Make sure you know everything a fox needs before getting one, such as their housing and feeding requirements. While foxes can explore your home freely like dogs and cats, they should still have an area that’s specifically for them. After all, they can easily get into trouble if they’re roaming free when you’re not monitoring them.
Their space when left alone should be a minimum of 60 square feet. They should have their basic necessities in there, including food, water, beds, hiding places, and toys. You may also want a litter box if you plan to litter train your fox. If you also have an outdoor area for your fox, make sure it’s secure so they can’t escape.
Your fox can eat some dog and cat kibble, but they should also have raw meat, such as deer meat and raw fish. Raw eggs are beneficial too. Foxes are omnivores like dogs, so they should also get some fruits and vegetables. A lot of foods that are toxic to dogs and cats are dangerous for foxes, so don’t give them random table scraps.
Foxes have the energy of puppies even as adults. They need an exercise routine consisting of walks and playtime for at least an hour daily. Without enough exercise and mental stimulation, they could become destructive indoors. You can work on training with foxes, but it will require a lot more patience and consistency than it would with a dog since foxes are wild animals that don’t normally bond with humans.
These are just the basics, so make sure to do a lot more research on your own. If any of the care requirements sound like something you can’t handle, such as having extra space for a fox area or serving raw meat, a fox probably isn’t a good pet for you.
Find a Fox Vet
One of Save a Fox’s requirements for fox adoption is that you find a vet that cares for foxes before adopting a fox. This is an incredible idea to ensure someone is serious about caring for these unique animals. It’s already hard enough to find vets that take smaller exotic pets like axolotls, so I can’t imagine how few vets take in foxes.
Check with local vets near you to see if any are capable of providing vet care for a fox. There’s a good chance the closest fox vet will be a long drive, so decide if you’re willing to drive that distance for medical needs. Figure all this out before getting a fox. After all, if there are no fox vets within your preferred driving distance, then you shouldn’t have a fox in your care.
Ensure You Have the Time, Space, and Money
With any pet, you need to think about how much time, space, and money you’ll need. Consider the amount of supplies you’ll need to buy upfront, along with the estimated cost of food and vet care annually. Also, think about where you will set up your fox’s space and if you’ll have enough time to exercise and feed them daily.
After calculating all those aspects, ask yourself if that’s something you can commit to right now. Remember, you should have more than enough of the required time and money in case of an emergency. If you can’t commit to all those aspects, your fox won’t get the life they deserve. Getting a pet is about more than simply wanting one - you also need to ensure you can give them proper care.
Where to Find a Pet Fox for Sale
I don’t recommend finding a pet fox “for sale.” I don’t like to use that term for any pet because it makes them sound like a product instead of a family member. However, it’s especially important not to use that wording for exotic pets because, in many cases, it’s illegal to sell them like products. And even if it’s legal, there are a lot of sketchy sources out there that probably don’t care about the animal’s well-being.
So, if you genuinely think you’re ready to get a pet fox, I recommend checking out exotic animal sanctuaries and rescues. I’ve mentioned Save a Fox a few times because they specialize in saving foxes, so it’s a great place to adopt a fox from. However, there are other great organizations out there as well.
When adopting an animal, always make sure the place you're getting them from is ethical. Ask lots of questions and avoid places that are trying to make a quick sale. A fox is a huge commitment, so any good source will want to ensure you’re 100% committed to adding a fox to your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Have a Fennec Fox Pet?
Fennec foxes are the most popular pet foxes due to their small size. However, like all foxes, they’re only legal in certain states, and permits may be required. Also, don’t let their small size fool you - they require advanced care just like other foxes. So, they're only ideal pets for someone who has thoroughly done their research.
What Should You Feed Pet Foxes?
Pet foxes do best with a mixture of dog and cat kibble, raw meat, raw eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Always double check if a human food is safe for animals before giving it to a fox (for example, grapes are toxic for foxes just like they are for dogs).
Which Type of Fox Makes the Best Pet?
No foxes make “good pets.” Foxes are challenging pets that can be unpredictable. Always thoroughly research the exact fox species you’re interested in before adopting one.
Will a Fox Let You Pet Them?
Never pet wild foxes! However, if you have a pet fox, they may warm up to physical touch as they bond with you. Don’t force your fox to be pet if they don’t seem comfortable with it.
Do Foxes Bond with Humans?
Yes, domestic pet foxes can bond with their humans. However, it may take longer to form a bond with a fox than it would with a cat or dog. Be patient and give them space to help them get comfortable around you.
Most People Should Not Get a Pet Fox
The reality is that most people shouldn’t get a fox as a pet. I’m not saying that to be mean. I’m saying it because I care about foxes. I’d hate to see foxes get adopted and then returned or neglected. Foxes are expensive, require special care requirements, and are hard to find vetting for. So, the average person likely can’t commit to the level of care they need.
Luckily, there are plenty of easier pets out there that need forever homes. Check your local shelters and rescues to see if there’s an animal that’s a good fit for you. (Make sure you still do your research though).