The Pet Fox

by Gloria White

  THE PET FOX

  A GUIDE FOR THE NEW OR POTENTIAL PET FOX OWNER

  Published by Gloria White

  Copyright © 2014 by Gloria White. All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be copied, scanned or

  reproduced. No part of this book may be distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.

  Printed in the United States of America

  123456789

  First Edition | November 2014

  This book is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice in regards to obtaining a fox. Information in this book is presented as-is with no claims to medical or legal accuracy. Always check your state and local laws. Always consult your breeder or vet for care of any fox. The author shall not be held liable for any incident involving your fox.

  To all the new fox owners out there. Let’s make fox ownership fun and rewarding!

  — 1 —

  AN INTRODUCTION TO PET FOXES

  Red Fox (Vulpes Vulpes), Arctic Fox (Vulpes Lagopus) and Fennec Fox (Vulpes Zerda) have all been kept as pets in the United States. Although uncommon as pets, they can make wonderful companion animals. This book is intended to give the new or potential fox owner a general idea of what owning a pet fox is like, and a basic understanding of their care. It should be noted that this book will focus on Red-type Foxes and Arctic Foxes as pets in the United States. This book does not provide information on Fennec Foxes, nor does it provide information for pet foxes in countries other than the United States.

  Foxes can make fascinating pets. Not only are they beautiful animals, they are affectionate, loving and incredibly smart. However, they are also challenging and not for the inexperienced pet owner. Foxes are not domesticated animals. When we bring them into our homes as pets we are bringing them into a very foreign environment. However, with lots of love and attention, Red and Arctic Foxes can become true members of our families and provide loving companionship unlike any other animal.

  Foxes don’t have “breeds” like dogs. There are two species covered in this book: Red (vulpes vulpes) and Arctic (vulpes lagopus). Within these species you can get different color morphs. A color morph is not a “breed” but rather a fur coloration.

  Red-type Foxes include a variety of color morphs. When people think of red foxes, they generally picture the beautiful, fiery-red fox with black legs and a white tipped tail. However, red foxes encompass a number of colors. You might see pictures of Silver Fox (black or silver in color), Calico Fox (a fluffy mixture of colors, Champagne Fox (a lovely white and cream color), Marble Fox (usually white and silver), etc. These are ALL Red-type Foxes. All of them Vulpes Vulpes.

  Arctic Foxes also have some color morphs. Arctic Foxes are generally pure white in the winter months and turn brown during the summer months. However, there are also Shadow Foxes (pure white year round with some darker, shadowing on them) and Blue Foxes (always a bluish color year round). Again, these are just color morphs and they are all part of the Arctic Fox species.

  Should I Get a Fox for a Pet?

  “Oh my! Is that what I think it is?! He’s so cute! Can I pet him!”

  I hear that phrase almost every time I take my fox for a walk. Of course, I also hear horrified gasps and whispers of, “Don’t go near that honey, it’s a wild animal!” almost as often.

  Having a pet fox is not like having a dog or a cat. Some people will affectionately marvel at the majestic animal you keep as a pet. Others will try to run you out of town…literally.

  Before you consider getting a pet fox you need to do your due-diligence and find out if owning a fox is legal in your state. Even if it is legal to own a fox in your state, there may be city or county ordinances against such a pet where you live. In some states obtaining a fox for a pet is as easy as picking one up from a breeder; in other states you may need to apply for permits. Even if your state and city allow for a pet, you might consider asking your neighbors if they mind you owning such an animal.

  Right now some of you are probably shaking your head and saying to yourselves, “It’s my house and if I want to own a fox it is nobody else’s business!”. Of course you’d be right to say that, unfortunately the hard truth of the matter is that there have been many fox owners who have had to fight numerous legal battles because of an angry neighbor or two. Believe me when I say that you will get just as many gasps of awe as you will of horror when people see you with a fox. In some circles foxes are actually considered vermin. Yes, these sweet, cuddly, smart and affectionate creatures are actually considered vermin by more people than you might realize. It’s sad, but it’s also a hard truth. For this reason, I urge you to please check with your neighbors and see if they would mind you owning such an animal, especially if you plan to keep it outside in a pen.

  We’ll explore the state laws of owning a fox momentarily, but right now we’re still on the subject of determining if YOU should own a pet fox. In the spirit of that topic, let’s ask some questions. Please be 100% honest with your answers:

  Are you OK with animals that stink? I ask this because Red Foxes and Arctic Foxes have a natural odor. You cannot “descent” a fox like you can a skunk. This is going to be a potent and musky odor that will permeate your house (or yard) and everything in it. Red foxes have a more potent odor than Arctic Foxes.

  Are you OK with animals that are not fully potty trained? Although Red and Arctic Foxes can be litter trained or trained to go outside like a dog (with Reds having a much higher success ratio with litter training than Arctics), never expect your fox to be 100% potty trained. I have never heard of anybody who has a fox who goes in the litterbox 100% of the time. At best, expect 75% with a Red and about 10% with an Arctic. Outside potty training (like you might do with a dog) can be met with similar success, though Reds seem to take to litter better than outdoors. If you plan to keep your fox as an outdoor-only pet this might not be a big concern. However, keep in mind that when you DO bring your fox inside, he will likely pee and poop in places you never, ever, wanted to have pee or poop (think your bed, in the kitchen sink, on top of your refrigerator, etc.).

  Can you deal with an animal that gets into EVERYTHING? And I do mean everything. Foxes are nimble, agile, crafty, and smart. They are also good climbers and good jumpers. I know you think the top of your refrigerator is too high and well-protected for him to get at, but trust me, he will. And forget child gates. The lattice type are easy for them to climb over, and most are nowhere near high enough to thwart them. I liken a fox to having all the mischief of a puppy with all the agility and prowess of a cat. A fox can jump higher than most cats and believe me, they will find a way to get into anything they want. I have had a fox open up the pantry doors and tear through all the food. I have had a fox knock everything off the top of our refrigerator. I have had a fox crawl behind our appliances and had to spend the day trying to extract him. Again, if you want a fox, think mischievous puppy with all the skills of a cat…and then some.

  Can you deal with destructive animals? Do not think you won’t lose your most valuable pair of shoes. Do not think you won’t come home to a couch that has been torn to pieces. Do not think you won’t come home and find your television cables ripped from the wall. Some foxes are more mischievous than others. Our Arctic is not very destructive, but that’s not to say he hasn’t ruined his fair share of things (he tore up all the carpet at the doors). Foxes are smart. This means they get bored easily. Having plenty of toys or a room specifically designed for your fox as a “play room” will help. However, search the internet and you’ll find stories of owners who have had foxes chew through their drywall.

  Can you devote enough time to love and nurture an exotic pet? I emphasize the word exotic because you will NEVER find a domesticated fox. There were some cl
aims a few years ago about Russian silver foxes being sold that were “domesticated”. They cost about $8,000. The project that started the “Russian Domesticated Fox” is no longer in business to my knowledge, and their efforts were never confirmed to be effective. A fox is an exotic pet. They do not have hundreds of years of domesticated breeding, and therefore retain much of their wild instinct. It is difficult for them to adjust to life with humans. It is going to take a LOT of time and effort on YOUR part to have a fox that makes a wonderful, affectionate companion animal.

  Do you have room in your HOUSE for a fox? I say house because there is absolutely no way you can have a fox in an apartment. Please trust me on this. Also, do you OWN your house? If you rent, getting a fox is a huge no-no. Even if you beg and plead with your landlord and he relents, please keep in mind the above points I already made. Are you prepared to pay for the damages to the house? Does the landlord realize that the fox might tear up all the carpeting? It is almost a necessity that you own a house. Ideally you will have a yard where you can put a pen. Keeping a fox as an indoor-only pet can be done, but ALL foxes will appreciate outdoor time (especially Arctics, and especially in the winter). Having an outdoor pen is also a good idea if you’re going to be gone for most of the day.

  Do you have somebody who can care for your fox if you go on vacation? Think about this. Do you have anybody that you can call up and say, “Hey, I’m going to Hawaii for a week. Do you mind keeping my fox at your place? He might destroy your house, and will certainly stink it up. That’s ok with you, right?” Yeah. Nobody is going to want to take your fox while you are gone.

  If you answered “No” to even one of those questions, please do not get a fox. I know you think I am writing this as the “obligatory pet warning” that is so often found in every pet book on the shelves. It is not. This is a very serious warning. You might be tempted to go online and find stories of people who have foxes that don’t stink, or are 100% litter trained, or have never destroyed so much as a sock. Don’t be fooled. A fox is a challenging pet. There are always exceptions to every rule. Arctic Foxes are supposedly more aggressive and destructive than Reds, but our Arctic is a sweetie. But again, this is the rare exception. You must get a pet fox assuming all of the worst because, unlike an unruly cat or dog that can be taken to the local shelter and re-homed, you cannot do that with a fox.

  I want to state that I am appalled by people who give up their animals. People all too often get a puppy or a kitten, then decide they’re too much work and take them to the shelter. As terrible as that is, it’s even worse when you have an exotic. There are very, very few shelters who will take an unwanted fox. More than likely, it will have to be put down. That is unfair for an animal who never asked to be taken into a person’s home. If you get a fox, please prepare for a challenging pet.

  — 2 —

  LEGALITIES OF

  OWNING A FOX

  Is a Fox Legal to Own Where I Live?

  So you’re still all-in on owning a fox for a pet? Great! Now comes the million-dollar question: Can I legally own one?

  Generally speaking, you need to speak with your state’s Department of Natural Resources. When you call them, tell / ask the following:

  I am interested in obtaining a Fox for a pet

  I am purchasing it from a USDA breeder and it is a ranch-raised animal; this is NOT a wild animal*

  Do I need to have a permit to have possession of a Fox?

  Are there any requirements to import** a Fox into our state?

  *At least, I HOPE you are planning to purchase your Fox from a licensed breeder! There will be more on this later. Please do not try to obtain a wild fox!

  **If your breeder is out-of-state there might be additional requirements for importing it. Please check!

  Keep in mind that state laws change constantly. Please check with your local ordinances as well. Just because the state says you can have a fox does not mean your city will allow it.

  The below list can help you get started on the right course and will give you a basic look at the legalities of owning a Fox in your state. Please note that neither the author nor publisher will be held accountable for the accuracy of this information. It is up to YOU to follow the laws of your state and local government. The below list is informational only and not intended to represent any legal advice.

  Alabama

  www.outdooralabama.com

  No Foxes allowed unless you are an Exhibitor or a Zoo.

  Summary of Law: No person, firm, corporation, partnership or association may possess, sell, offer for sale, import or cause to be brought or imported into the state the following fish or animals: fish from the genus Clarias; fish from the genus Serrasalmus; Black carp; any species of mongoose, any member of the family Cervidae (deer, elk, moose, caribou), species of coyote, fox, raccoon, skunk, wild rodents or wild turkey. However, there are no requirements for a person possessing exotic animals, such as lions, tigers, monkeys, etc.

  Alaska

  No Foxes allowed

  Summary of Law: No person may possess, import, release, export, or assist in importing, releasing, or exporting, live game animals as “pets.” Live game animals are defined as any species of bird, reptile, and mammal, including a feral domestic animal, found or introduced in the state, except domestic birds and mammals. The Department interprets live game to include all animals, including exotics, such as wild felines, wolves, bears, monkeys, etc., not listed as domestic under Alaska Admin. Code tit. 5. §92.029. No person may possess, transport, sell, advertise or otherwise offer for sale, purchase or offer to purchase a wolf hybrid possessed after Jan. 23, 2002.

  Arizona

  www.gf.state.az.us

  No Foxes allowed except for education.

  Summary of Law: Persons possessing restricted wildlife must obtain a wildlife holding permit to lawfully possess the animal. The Department issues wildlife holding permits to: (1) individuals who legally possess restricted live wildlife and are moving into the state, (2) for educational display, (3) or advancement of science, and (4) to foster an animal unable to return to the wild. Persons already residing in Arizona are not permitted to possess restricted live wildlife as “pets” unless they qualify for a permit. Restricted live wildlife includes, but is not limited to the following species: all species of Carnivora (canines, felines, excluding domestic); orangutans, chimpanzees, gorillas, alligators, crocodiles, cobras, vipers, etc. However, you can possess all other non-infant primates as “pets” if the animal is free from any zoonotic diseases.

  Arkansas

  www.agfc.co

  It is possible to own a Fox in Arkansas, however you cannot IMPORT a Fox from most states.

  Summary of Law: It is unlawful to own or possess a large carnivore for personal possession. A large carnivore is defined as a lion, tiger or bear. It is unlawful to possess 6 or more bobcat, coyote, deer, gray fox, red fox, opossum, quail, rabbit, raccoon and squirrel. If a person wishes to possess other animals not originally from the state and not listed above then the person must show upon request verification that the animal was legally acquired in the previous state.

  California

  www.dfg.ca.gov/

  Only exhibitors and zoos with special licenses are allowed to own Foxes.

  Summary of Law: It is unlawful for persons to possess wild animals unless the animal was in possession prior to January 1992. Wild animals include, but are not limited to the following orders: Primates; Marsupialia; Insectivora (shrews); Chiroptera (bats); Carnivora (non-domestic dog and cats); Proboscidea (elephants); Perissodactyla (zebras, horses, rhinos); Reptilia (crocodiles, cobras, coral snakes, pit vipers, snapping turtles, alligators); etc.

  Colorado

  www.dnr.state.co.us/

  No Foxes allowed

  Summary of Law: It is unlawful for persons to possess most exotic species unless it is for commercial purposes. Persons may, however, possess up to 6 live native reptiles, and unregulated wildlife. Unregulated wildlife includes but is not
limited to: sugar gliders, wallabies, wallaroos, kangaroos, etc.

  Connecticut

  www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/

  Allowed with Exhibitor License only

  Summary of Law: It is unlawful for persons to possess potentially dangerous animals. Potentially dangerous animals include: the Felidae family; the Canidae family; the Ursidae family; and Great apes (gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans).

  Delaware

  www.dnrec.delaware.gov/

  Possible with permit

  Summary of Law: All persons must obtain a permit before they can possess a live wild mammal or hybrid of a wild animal. It is illegal to possess, sell, or exhibit any poisonous snake not native to or generally found in Delaware.

  Florida

  www.myfwc.com/

  Permit and Import Permit needed

  Summary of Law: It is unlawful for a person to possess any Class I Wildlife unless the animal was in possession prior to August 1, 1980. Class I Wildlife includes, but is not limited to the following: chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, baboons, leopards, jaguars, tigers, lions, bears, elephants, crocodiles, etc. Persons may possess Class II Wildlife if he or she obtains a permit from the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Class II Wildlife includes, but is not limited to the following: howler and guereza monkeys, macaques, cougars, bobcats, cheetahs, ocelots, servals, coyotes, wolves, hyenas, alligators, etc. All other wildlife in personal possession not defined as Class I or II Wildlife must obtain a no-cost permit. In addition, FL has promulgated regulations governing possession of Class II and III animals (caging requirements, etc.). In 2010, Florida passed state regulations prohibiting importation, sale, use and release of non-native species. The regulations include a ban on capturing, keeping, possessing, transporting or exhibiting venomous reptiles or reptiles of concern (listed python species, Green Anaconda, Nile monitor and other reptiles designated by the commission as a conditional or prohibited species.) Persons who hold pre-July 1, 2010, permits for these species may legally possess the species for the remainder of the reptile’s life. Traveling wildlife exhibitors who are licensed or registered under the United States Animal Welfare Act and licensed zoos are exempted.