Canidae Central

Are foxes capable of being pets?

NO!!  There is a large issue over exotic pet animals, like exotic pet foxes. Meaning that they are wild and should not be contained as pets. The issue goes for nearly every animal that is more common in wild places, like tigers, etc.

I attempted to learn about the minds of exotic pet owners rather than just say "it's flat out wrong." Though my experiment in contacting with pet fox owners, and understanding them, was a failure for many reasons.

First, most didn't know barely anything about foxes. They had no idea what they were getting themselves into and would get rid of the fox as soon as they realized what they got themselves into. Most haven't done the research required to own a pet fox therefore it ends up worse on the fox's end. But if you have, then you'll realize that foxes are better off in the wild. Still want a fox? Continue reading.

Second, there are also those who want a fox no matter where they live. Like a request I saw of a Southern kid, wanting to own a pet arctic fox. Arctic foxes have an extremely difficult time adjusting to such warm weathers. Winters need to be far below zero and summers can't go up any higher than 60 degrees for more than a week. The arctic fox will suffer. If they were capable of living in warm weathers with comfort, then they would have migrated closer to the equator a long time ago. But now you know about foxes, you have the appropriate living conditions and you think you can own a fox. But the last is the most concerning.

Thirdly, and worst of all, when I was talking with some pet fox owners, I strongly disliked their relationships that some seemed to have with fox farms, farms that slaughter thousands of foxes for their fur. And like I mentioned before, if someone tries to get rid of the fox, they could be selling it to a fox farm resulting in the fox’s death. Or, one could be buying a fox from a fox farm. True, you do save the life of that fox, but you will be giving the fox farm money to continue their slaughter and that $100 dollars for the pet fox can become another three dead foxes. Fox breeders seemed to have the strongest relation with the fur farm personnel.

That's three of my main points. On the forum, the "pet foxes" debate has raged where I've had others help argue on both sides. The debates are very long, but if you wish to view them, go to my forum and scroll down to 'News about Foxes' and look for the locked topics...

Foxes are not very social animals and like isolation from foreign species, they need room to survive… This cannot be achieved in a household, near people and other foreign species, with fences, and/or cages surrounding them. 

Though I agree with most people, that it'd be the most amazing thing to have a fox as a pet; but it's a selfish impulse that should NOT be acted upon. The only reason why one should house a pet fox is ONLY if it is part of a Sanctuary program and the fox cannot go back into the wild.

What do I if/when a fox visits my garden?

Believe it or not, foxes aren't always welcome in gardens. If you dont' wish to have a fox making caches in your garden, contact your local animal control center and request for the fox/foxes to be relocated.

If you enjoy the company of a fox, there's a few things that you should be aware of. Do not feed the fox very much, if anything. It's very important that they don't become to rely on you for food.

Also, if the fox ever enters your home, or a building, do NOT shut the door or attempt to grab the fox. They will panic. Either wait for the fox to leave or try to get the fox leave by giving it only the way out of the house, the way out. Do not get too close to the fox though.

What do foxes eat?

Foxes are omnivores and they eat anything from birds to worms and apples to berries. They will usually dig for worms to eat and eat a wounded bird. Foxes are also scavengers and if they find something, they will eat it or either cache it. Foxes also like eggs, they'll sometimes climb trees to get to a birds nest.

Are foxes dangerous?

No, foxes are not dangerous unless they have a disease. Foxes do not attack cats most of the time. They usually flee from cats that come after them or they'll defend themselves against cats. They do not attack unless they feel threatened or feel their young is threatened.

What are fox new-borns called?

Foxes offspring are more commonly called kits in the American regions, though in England I they're more commonly called pups. Both are accurate, and can be called either.

Should I touch the fox that visits me?

No, they could carry fleas, ticks or mange. Also, you probably don't want to put a human scent on them. If they get nervous, they'll nip at you and with their sharp teeth, I'm sure you don't want that to happen.

Do foxes smell?

Yes, so do you. Everything has a scent. But foxes do have a musky smell that is different and unique. It doesn't smell 'bad' by any means, it's just a different scent. They do have a special smell, but I never seen a fox nor been near one so I really can't say.

What do I do if I find an injured fox?

If it is still mobile, do not attempt to capture it or go near it. Contact you local wildlife rescue and keep an eye on the fox with some distance. If the fox is immobile, call you local wildlife rescue immediately. If it's in any hazardous area, remove it from there such as a road. If it isn't mobile, remove it from the hazardous area and call wildlife rescue explaining the situation and care for the fox until vets arrive.

If you find a kit, do not move it or go near it. There is a great possiblility that the parents are nearby but they won't go retrieve the kit until you're gone. If the kit is still there after a long period of time, it probably has been abandoned so call a local wildlife rescue and keep a close eye on it until it can be cared for.