Caring for a pet fox requires you to research their diet and exercise needs. While foxes are distant relatives of domesticated dogs, they have unique care requirements, including a specialized diet, ample exercise, proper training, and a suitable habitat. The most important thing to know is that caring for pet foxes takes a lot of time, money, and expertise that most people don’t have. This is why animal advocates try to urge people away from adopting pet foxes from rescues or breeders. Still, if your heart is set on it, you’ll want to know what you’re signing up for.
If you’ve checked the legal requirements in your state and want to learn more about whether a fox is the right pet for you, you’re in the right place. Here’s what you need to know about caring for a pet fox.
What are the basics for caring for a pet fox?
To begin, the most important thing to know about foxes is that they need large and secure enclosures for them to roam, dig, chew, and hide. Unlike dogs, foxes will never be happy with a bit of playtime and ordinary mental stimulation dogs get from exercise and toys. Foxes are still closely tied to their wild nature and need space to do, well, fox things. Enclosures should include places for them to tunnel, platforms to climb, and other things that feel like their natural environment. They’ll never be happy just living indoors.
You’ll also want to know that potty training a fox isn’t the same as housetraining a puppy. Foxes will likely never fully be housebroken but can be trained to use litter boxes, although it’s difficult. Beyond housetraining, any behavioral training and socialization may be difficult. Foxes weren’t bred to listen to humans. Furthermore, discipline doesn’t work the same way it does for cats or dogs. You should only ever use positive reinforcement methods for training.
Lastly, a pet fox diet is very specific and includes high-quality raw (yes, raw) and cooked meat, along with grain-free dog food. Raw meat is essential and should be provided at least every other day. As omnivores, foxes also need fruits and vegetables as part of their diet.
What do pet foxes eat?
In the wild, foxes primarily hunt small rodents. To replicate this nutrition, they need a high-protein diet that includes raw meat, along with pre-killed mice, rats, pinkies, or other small prey. These foods naturally contain taurine, an essential amino acid found in meat. Dark turkey meat has the highest taurine levels, but it is also present in other animal sources such as heart and muscle meat, fish, shellfish like scallops, and dairy.
Raw meat is generally believed to have more taurine than cooked meat, as the amino acid can leach out during the cooking process. It is recommended to include raw meat in a fox’s diet to ensure they meet their nutritional needs. Adequate taurine intake is essential, as a deficiency can lead to severe health issues, including seizures, blindness, and other serious conditions. Taurine needs vary among foxes, but they typically require between 500 mg and 1,000 mg per day.
Beyond protein with taurine, you can round out your pet fox’s diet with leafy greens, fruits like berries and bananas, and other vegetables like carrots, squash, or pumpkin. High-quality, grain-free dog food or food formulated for foxes can be used as a base for their meal. The most important thing with diet is that the diet profile is balanced and complete. Do your research to make sure you’re giving your pet fox everything they need to stay healthy.
Should I keep a pet fox indoors or outdoors?
Pet foxes are considered outdoor pets, although they should have time indoors under supervision, especially during severe weather. If you’re planning on having a pet fox, you’ll need to build a secure enclosure that includes a resting area, such as a dog house with bedding, and plenty of enrichment activities. Foxes are escape artists, so the perimeter must be secure, at least 6 feet tall, with an angled overhang to prevent climbing. Additionally, the fencing should extend underground or have a dig-proof barrier.
You’ll also need to fox-proof your home by protecting any wires (they love to chew!) and ensuring that windows and doors are secure. Fox kits will spend their early months indoors until they are about 5 or 6 months old, at which point they can be moved to the outdoor enclosure.
How much exercise does a pet fox need?
Foxes are high-energy animals and need at least 3 to 4 hours of exercise per day. Mental stimulation is just as important to keep them happy. Be sure their enclosure has features that encourage play, like toys, tunnels, platforms, interactive items, and digging areas. You should also set aside time each day to play with your pet fox, not only for exercise but also for socialization. With patience, it’s possible to train your fox to walk on a harness, though this process is often more like leash-training a cat than walking a dog.
If you’re unable to provide the exercise and mental stimulation a fox requires, a low-energy, couch-potato dog breed might be a better fit. Some breeds even resemble foxes — without the unique care requirements. Foxes need a lot of time and attention, so it’s essential to meet their needs to keep them happy. Many fox rescues and sanctuaries are filled with owner surrenders, which is unsurprising given the significant commitment and financial investment needed for their proper care.
