A pet fox may seem like an exciting companion, but they might not be the ideal choice and have very specific care requirements. Before researching all there is to know about owning a pet fox, you might want to start with whether or not it’s even allowed where you live. While more than half of U.S. states prohibit fox ownership, some do allow it under specific conditions. Here’s what you need to know about the legality of keeping a pet fox in the United States.
Is it legal to have a pet fox in the US?
Yes, owning a pet fox is legal in the United States, but only for certain species. Domesticated varieties of the Fennec, Red, Silver, Arctic, Gray, Swift, Kit, Pale, and Corsac foxes can be kept as pets in some states. However, laws vary by location, and not all states that allow pet foxes permit every species for reasons like behavior or conservation status. For example, Gray foxes cannot be owned in some states due to their more aggressive behavior. It is also illegal in every U.S. state to keep a wild fox as a pet. To legally own a pet fox, they must be obtained from a registered breeder, fur farm, or fox rescue.
it’s also important to understand that foxes don’t make great companion animals for several reasons, primarily due to their unpredictability. Despite some domestication lines, foxes retain much of their wild nature. As a result, they are more reactive and harder to socialize. They are also significantly more challenging to train than dogs. Difficulties extend beyond basic behavior to include housetraining. While some foxes can be trained to use a litter box, they are notorious for marking their territory. Unfortunately, this behavior is hard to eliminate and they may spray in various areas of the house.
Furthermore, there are significant safety concerns when keeping foxes as pets. Foxes have a strong prey drive and should never be housed with smaller animals, such as birds or cats. Additionally, while rabies vaccines can be administered off-label to foxes, the vaccines are not officially approved. Depending on state procedure, if your fox bites someone, they may be subject to euthanasia for rabies testing as a precaution. For instance, in Michigan, any fox that bites a person must be tested for rabies, which requires euthanasia.
Pet fox legality by state
Owning a pet fox is legal in some U.S. states, including:
- Arkansas
- Delaware
- Florida
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
However, some states have additional restrictions at the city or county level. In Mississippi, Texas, and Tennessee, foxes can be kept as companion animals with special permits. Before bringing a pet fox home, always check state and local regulations and make sure your knowledge of ownership laws is up to date.
