Picture this: you’re scrolling through social media when a video of an adorable fennec fox playing with its owner pops up. Those oversized ears, that playful energy, the way it curls up like a cat – suddenly, you’re wondering if foxes might be the perfect pet for you. It’s a question I hear constantly from fellow dog lovers who are drawn to these captivating creatures.
The truth about fox ownership might surprise you. While these intelligent animals share some traits with our beloved canine companions, the reality of keeping a fox as a pet is far more complex than those charming videos suggest. From legal hurdles to specialized care requirements, experts have plenty to say about whether foxes truly make suitable household companions.
Legal Reality: Where You Can Actually Own a Fox
Let me start with the hard facts that catch most people off guard. In the US, the answer to whether you can own a fox is more than likely “no.” Only 15 states allow private individuals to own foxes as pets. That’s right – the vast majority of states have outright bans on fox ownership, and honestly, there are good reasons for these restrictions.
States that allow fox ownership include Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, and others, though the exact list varies by source and regulations change frequently. However, even within these states, the rules can be incredibly complex. In Mississippi, Texas, and Tennessee, foxes can be kept as companion animals with special permits.
What really gets tricky is that some states appear to allow foxes with permits that they will not give you, such as Maine and Delaware. Others make foxes legal to own in the state but illegal to import, and with no breeders in the state, this is the same thing as banning them. It’s like being told you can have cake, but there’s no bakery in town and you can’t drive to the next state to buy one.
The Domestication Myth: Why Foxes Aren’t Dogs
Here’s something that might shock you: despite decades of selective breeding experiments, foxes remain fundamentally wild animals. It’s 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.
The famous Russian fox experiments that started in 1959 did produce more docile foxes, but even these selectively bred animals aren’t truly domesticated in the way dogs are. While domesticated foxes are friendlier than those in the wild, they can still be unpredictable. “[You can be] sitting there drinking your cup of coffee and turning your head for a second, and then taking a swig and realizing, ‘Yeah, Boris came up here and peed in my coffee cup,'” said Amy Bassett, the Canid Conservation Center’s founder. “You can easily train and manage behavioral problems in dogs, but there are a lot of behaviors in foxes, regardless of if they’re Russian or U.S., that you will never be able to manage.”
Think of it this way: dogs have been evolving alongside humans for thousands of years. Foxes have had maybe sixty years of selective breeding, and they’re still wired to be wild.
Behavioral Challenges That Break Most Owners
Let me paint you a realistic picture of fox ownership that those cute videos don’t show. 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. Imagine coming home to find your fox has marked your favorite armchair – permanently.
Foxes, unlike many pets, do not and will not understand discipline. THIS INCLUDES HOUSEBREAKING. Foxes cannot all be guaranteed to be house broken either they will always ‘mark’ on whatever they deem is theirs. This isn’t a training problem you can solve with patience and treats. It’s hardwired behavior that no amount of positive reinforcement will change.
Foxes can be very loud, especially if they are cooped up inside all day. Red foxes are notorious for their “skunky” urine, and most will scent mark. The smell is said by owners to be impossible to remove. If you are sensitive to the idea of your house having a permanent odor, an indoor red fox is not for you.
Housing Requirements That Will Reshape Your Life
Forget everything you know about pet housing – foxes need something completely different. Foxes also do not do well in most apartments because they need plenty of space to run and play, and access to the outdoors. We’re not talking about a dog run in your backyard; foxes need specialized, escape-proof enclosures that most homeowners aren’t prepared for.
A fox will require an outdoor fox-proof and safe enclosure. The enclosure should be dig proof, (fencing that extends underground so that foxes cannot just dig under the fence at the bottom) and also have a secure and stable roof. We recommend always locking your enclosure for your fox’s safety. This is also the safest place for your fox to be when you’re not home. Never leave your fox alone inside the home unattended, they cannot be trained to stay out of things (such as garbage, drawers, etc.)
Non-desert foxes will generally require an outdoor enclosure measuring around 10′ x 10′ at the very least, and that’s considered minimal. Most fox rescues recommend much larger spaces for the animal’s wellbeing.
The Financial Reality: It’s More Expensive Than You Think
Let’s talk numbers, because the sticker shock of fox ownership extends far beyond the initial purchase price. A pet fox costs between $2,000 – $4,600 up front, and $1,920-$7,320 annually. This does not include the costs of permits, which will depend on your state, and the costs of any emergency vet care. That’s potentially more than many people spend on their car payments!
After the cost of enclosures, vet care is the next largest cost associated with owning a pet fox. Exotic Vets are always going to be much more expensive than vets for domestic animals. On average, it is roughly between $300-$600 to have your fox fixed, microchipped and vaccinated here in Tennessee. Additionally, pet foxes require monthly flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. The costs can vary, but on average it is around $40-$60 a month.
The real financial gut punch comes with emergencies. Emergency visits are where the cost of owning a fox will hit you hard, though. As they are still wild animals, foxes are great at hiding illness until it’s an emergency. Not to mention, they manage to get hurt in ways you wouldn’t imagine possible.
Veterinary Care: Finding Experts in a Desert
Not all veterinarians are licensed to treat exotic animals; finding a veterinarian who is willing and capable of treating a fox patient can be difficult to do. This isn’t just inconvenient – it can be life-threatening for your fox when you need emergency care and can’t find a qualified vet within driving distance.
Foxes are a common carrier for rabies in North America. The animal rabies vaccine hasn’t been tested on foxes, so if your pet fox bites or is bitten by another animal, local animal control authorities will likely confiscate and put down your pet to test for the disease. This harsh reality means that even minor incidents can result in losing your beloved fox forever.
Annually, with a healthy red fox, an owner should still expect to be spending approximately $2500 in vet bills for general health and checkups. Regular veterinarians are generally unable to treat foxes since they are wild animals with highly particular needs. When foxes require medical assistance, they must instead visit a veterinary professional who specializes in the care of exotic animals like foxes.
What the Experts Really Think
When I dig into what animal behaviorists and veterinarians actually say about fox ownership, the consensus is pretty clear. If you talk to wild animal experts, you’ll find some that some are OK with the idea of people owning foxes, but most strongly discourage it. Foxes require a lot of time, energy, money and expertise that most people simply don’t have.
Dr. Clive Wynne, a dog and wolf behavior expert, states, “Selective breeding for friendliness in foxes is a fascinating experiment but comes with significant welfare and ethical considerations.” With the potential for domestication comes great responsibility. The animals’ welfare must be paramount, ensuring their physical and psychological well-being.
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. Even rescue organizations that work with foxes daily emphasize how challenging these animals are to keep as pets.
So, do foxes make good pets? After digging through expert opinions, research, and real-world experiences, the answer is overwhelmingly clear: for the vast majority of people, absolutely not. These aren’t domesticated animals that happen to look wild – they’re wild animals that might occasionally tolerate human company. The legal restrictions, massive financial commitment, specialized housing needs, and behavioral challenges create a perfect storm that most pet owners simply can’t handle.
If you’re genuinely drawn to the idea of helping foxes, consider supporting fox rescues or sanctuaries instead. You’ll get to appreciate these amazing animals while leaving their care to true experts who understand their complex needs. What do you think about the reality of fox ownership? Tell us in the comments.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
