There are issues with having foxes as a pet, such as their high energy, marking territory with urine, and their loud noises. Can you own an anaconda in California? States likeNevada and Texas have some of the most lenient laws regardingexotic petownership, but the Golden State is known for its strict regulations. For fennec foxes, the litter box is intermittently used. You must determine with concrete certainty that foxes are legal in your state, county, and residential association. Source: Missouri Department of Conservation. If you're interested in owning a fox as a pet there are a few things you should keep in mind. In Illinois, Idaho, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina . California is home to two species of red fox, one native and one not. To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. The Fennec Fox is a suitable companion animal for New York. Many states regulations have been unchanged for years, however, it is not impossible for any of the below information to be incorrect, therefore if there is any confusion about the legality of an animal that you are serious about obtaining, you may need to verify that information by calling the proper governing bodies. California is notorious for restricting types of household pets. However, you may be able to find a backyard breeder that sells their foxes for as little as $200 to $700, with the red fox often being the cheapest option. They dont require a lot of space so if youre interested in condos for sale in Irvine CA or other communities in the area, youll have enough room for these unique pets: 4. They are also highly intelligent and extremely curious. Foxes are considered to be non-traditional livestock. However, aside from this, Indiana is considered to be a relatively exotic pet friendly state. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Foxes are very intelligent animals with lots of similarities to a dog. Foxes can be flighty. Modern pet owners are finding more and more satisfaction from pets that are a little more exotic, maybe amonkeyor aferretor something even wilder. Even without the urine, they have a skunk-like scent. Diet is a complex issue and should be investigated further, but always follow the evidence. Having the opportunity to live and bond with an animal like a fox is an amazing experience. This article will provide you with all you need to know about the legality of owning a fox and detail the complex care needs of having one as a pet. This might mean they are legal without a permit. In the case of foxes, they can destroy their enclosure, among other things. 10+ Interesting Rhino Facts and Their Role in the Ecosystem, Things To Know: 4 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Beehive, A Guide to Hyenas: 10+ Interesting Hyena Facts You Should Know, 5 Reasons Why Your Rabbit Is Howling & What To Do About It, The Ultimate Guide to Rabbit Care for Pet Parents. First and most importantly, do not take your exotic pets out in public placesespecially carnivores and primates. Some species of fox will not be allowed in some states. They also lack the potent scent glands that are common in so many animals. Therefore, exercise caution. You cant have a pet fox in California. Some states might technically allow foxes but prevent you from importing them, making obtaining them impossible. There is however, a catch. Yes you can own a fox in California but there are some restrictions. Though it might be tempting to rush out and get a cute little pet fox as soon as possible, it's important to think about all of the various factors that go into ownership of this exotic animal. The water is fair game, too as far as the eye can see.. 42) are also not allowed. The best thing about these exotic pets? California only allows people to own native . As a result, you might have to occasionally hide food for them to find or possibly even construct something that the fox will then need to rip apart in order to get their food. Question: Are red foxes legal to own in Texas? Can you own a domesticated fox in California? 0 Comments. Rules vary departing on thebreed, the most common being the fennecfox. This means a large enclosure with plenty of space to run and play. Only a few years ago, the range was around $800$1,000. Fennec foxes are the only species of fox legal in New York State because fennec fox owners got into contact with lawmakers and brought their pets in to sway this decision. Fox breeders can be found in California, but they are not allowed to be sold within the state. You have to have a rehab permit. Vader was taken to the pound, and the Hiatts received his collar the very next day, as he was euthanized immediately. Animals kept for personal pet or livestock purposes include, but are not limited to, cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, and rabbits. Youd need to check with yours. This state may or may not allow foxes. Their fluffy bodies and cute stature make them one of those exotic animals that many want to keep as pets. Less common, but sometimes available, are the swift, pale, and bat-eared foxes. Georgia: Bison You can also, with a permit, own an alligator, a crocodile, various primates, and even bearsall of which are rather dangerous! If you see a fox you should leave it alone and give it space. Sitterson's pet was likely a fox domesticated for the fur trade. Among other popular exotic animalsthat you should steer clear of (without a specialpermit) according to theCalifornia Code of Regulations (CCR) 671, includingraccoons,skunks,deer,alligators, lemurs, zebras, severalvenomous reptiles, prairie dogs, wolf hybrids, andlarge catssuch asbobcats,leopards,jaguars, servals, andcheetahs. Before buying a fox, finding out your local laws is the first step before doing essential research to determine if a fox would make a good pet for you. Rebecca Gold<br>The Life Business Coach <br> <br> <br>Rebecca Gold is a coach driven by a relentless passion to help CEO's, business owners, executives and coaches get what they really want, in . This is a big part of why foxes that aren't exclusively house pets can be an extreme burden to owners, due to the complexity of the laws regarding their possession. Otherwise, they can be quite an interesting pet to have in your home. Keep in mind thatCaliforniahas much stricter laws than most states regarding legal pets. It is legal to own bothllamasand alpacas inCalifornia, however, unlike the other unusual pets on our list, these unique animals are best kept in herds aslivestockinstead of as individual pets. There are few veterinarians that can treat your pet, food, and shelter may be expensive, or the animal needs specific or time-consuming care. When searching for a house to accommodate these pets, search by lot size to find the right fit. I've always liked gray foxes though. We love our pet foxes! The video updates from the ICG show their development nd training while they await transfer to the USA. How do people get around the law and own foxes in California? It is unknown if this applies to foxes in Category 2. For more information on restricted species inCalifornia and thepermitsneeded including the renewal process check out all for the details at, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Is Now The Time To Buy? The Ultimate Guide to Picking Up Your Pet Rabbit Like a Pro! Choose a high-quality and nutritionally complete (AAFCO) commercial food as the base of the diet. Here is a link to the document from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife which clearly states the laws for Importation, Transportation and Possession of Live Restricted Animals, including fox: Page on ca.gov [Pages 8 & 9]. They will grow a maximum of 3-5 feet and are very easy to handle. The Fennec Fox is visually impressive, and also extremely cute. So make sure you check the laws in your county before you get a fox. The animals must be captive-bred, not taken from the wild. Various success is reported with foxes using the litter box. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Others are regulated and controlled with permits; however this is rarely, if ever, given to private pet owners. Sitterson naively saw her pet fox as being good as any "normal" pet. Enter a Melbet promo code and get a generous bonus, An Insight into Coupons and a Secret Bonus, Organic Hacks to Tweak Audio Recording for Videos Production, Bring Back Life to Your Graphic Images- Used Best Graphic Design Software, New Google Update and Future of Interstitial Ads. States where you can legally own a fox: Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Tennessee, and Wyoming. 2023 PetPress. Here you'll find all collections you've created before. Question: Are red foxes legal to own in California? What kind of animal can you own in California then? However, the (current at that time in 2017) state veterinarian has confirmed to one caller that this pertains to native foxes (red, grey) and not exotic foxes like fennec foxes. 2. He did this largely for the purpose of studying why there appeared to be so many anatomical and physiological characteristics being passed down through the domestication of wolves and dogssuch as changes in body size and fur coloration, wavy or curly hair, and drooping earseven when the domestication process was largely based on breeding for behavioral traits. Massachusetts, for example, has a large number of animals that are considered domesticated based on color forms; some of them, like the mink, I don't think would be legal if MA legislators weren't deluded about what domestication is. No. Most people think that foxes belong in a zoo or in the wild, and this sentiment often contributes to states, cities, and towns pushing to ban alternative pets. who would i call to get 100% clarification on this? Is it legal to own a pet fox in California? There probably isnt a better conversation starter. Whilestatistics showthat 44% of all households have a dog, and 35% have a cat, what about the other types of pets that arent so common? True Russian domesticated foxes are quite rare, and only a limited number of them have been shipped to the U.S. for private citizens. You will also need an importation permit if the animal is being imported from out of state. You are allowed to own any member of the Equidae family. Red foxes are notorious for their "skunky" urine, and most will scent mark. Foxes are undoubtedly a unique and interesting pet. Even in places where theyre legal, its still not advisable to keep these animals because caring for them requires more than an average owner can handle. They have a large beak and pretty small body, and they tend to stand out with their great visuals and coloring. However, they arent very large, so you dont need to worry about being attacked. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on July 26, 2020: I got a pearl fox from a vet in Morristown, TN. Animals like foxes can hide their illness until something is really wrong. First foxes are not domesticated animals and they will never be truly tame. It will cover the following topics: Due to the confusing nature of their legality and the complexity of their needs, it's absolutely vital to make sure you do extensive research before deciding to own a fox as a pet. Foxes have an inherent need to forage, so you cant just give them food. but you will be subjected to yearly inspections. October 18, 2019, 8:48 pmupdated October 27, 2019, 5:01 pm. The permit application must include a description of how you intend to care for the fox as well as proof that the fox will have a suitable habitat. Cousins tocamels, alpacas are kept for their fine wool, andllamasare commonly kept on farms as guard animals because of their large size to keep awaycoyotesand other preditors. Siberian Cupcakes are based in San Diego and have imported 2 foxes directly from the ICG, they are currently awaiting for 2 more to be transfered. Although wild animal experts will differ on whether you can have them as pets, animal advocacy groups strongly advise against it. They do this using urine which has a powerful smell. What is your spirit Animal? I've heard both that the gray fox is both the most "cat-like" and the most "dog-like" of foxes, but I've never talked to anyone who kept one firsthand. Luckily, being desert animals, fennec foxes have relatively dry droppings that are easy to clean, and less urine. Rules on Fox Ownership in California It's illegal to own a fox in California as the state doesn't issue any permits for these animals. This is because legal has different meanings. The fox was found as a pup, rehabilitated with the intention of release, and returned to the wild. It is legal to own a fennec fox everywhere in the United States except Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, and Washington.. Can I own a pet fox in Alabama? The exotic farm I got him from gave me a permit which is $31 in mine. Approximately 14 states allow the private possession of red foxes. Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password. Approximately only 15 states allow some type of fox with or without a permit. Answer: No, you can't own an elephant in California. If youre living in a state where its legal to own a fox, you still need to consider the decision. Foxes are individuals. Homebuyers Mortgage Watch February 27, 2023, Best Restaurants in Diamond Bar, California. Also, these foxes cannot come inside the house, they can only be maintained in outdoor enclosures. Night hunting fox in California. Red foxes only require an importation permit. There is conflicting information about Missouri from different sources. One former fox owner claimed that exotic foxes are legal and dont require a permit, but several sources (with no references cited) claim exotic species like fennecs and arctic foxes arent legal. They can go up to 7-8 feet in length, so you need lots of space and sometimes even a permit to own a Monitor Lizard. Answer: Foxes are furbearers and aren't legal to own in Texas. If youre keeping a fox in captivity, you need to provide enough activity to keep it busy. Source: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, "Red Fox Pup(s) Morro Bay, CA 28 May 2008" by mikebaird is licensed under CC BY 2.0. If you live in a state where its legal to have a fox, you need to know how to care for them. 8. 56. While foxes are technically legal in Kentucky, the foxes in the following genus are illegal to import, making them impossible to obtain since there are no breeders in the state: Vulpes spp. They are very demanding, requiring money, time, and expertise. Species that are native to the United States often have different rules than exotic foxes. 3. While it's possible to breed foxes as pets, it's hard for this animal to be fully domesticated. Unless one of these scenarios apply: Wild animals come from and are raised in the wild. For California Residents Only: All native species obtained from a licensed California Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility require a Native Species Exhibiting Permit.7 Sept 2021. Yes you can own a fox in California but there are some restrictions. The shop features the cutest items such as specialty home goods, specialty food items, and more. ive been piddling for about 5 years with this but always stop when im not sure what the law means. Foxes can eat somewhat similarly to dogs and cats, but generally require more complex nutritional needs. Pygmy goats behave a lot like a dog because they are full of energy, enjoy being handled, and will follow you around if you let them. Petfoxesare legal in up to 15 states, but not inCalifornia. The popular fennec fox is one of the few, or perhaps the only, species that can reasonably be kept as a house pet. Yes foxes have a strong odor that some people find unpleasant. A pet lynx will play fetch, take walks, and even pant when tired or hot. There are up to 15 states where keeping a fox as a pet is permitted, but California is not one of them. Please check settings. Source: Kentucky Legislative Research Commission. Yes foxes are difficult to take care of because they have specific diet and housing needs. However it's actually not kept all that often, and information on foxes seems to be mostly on the genus /Vulpes/. Feeding foods similar to what foxes get in the wild can be helpful as supplementary variety in the diet, however. In fact there are a number of different types of foxes that are native to the state including the red fox gray fox and kit fox. At many of the state's beaches, that accounts for plenty of room on the sand to lay out or toss around a football most of the day. If your state is not on this list its likely that a fox species is not legal and to find out otherwise will require firm confirmation from a state official. Chinchillas are popular pets because they are adorably cute and their fur is so soft. Also, I'd rather not disabuse legislators of the idea that non-wild colors makes for a domesticated species. The story of Vader the fox is a good example of the consequences that could occur if your pet isn't legal. Whether or not this permit is distributed to pet owners is unclear, therefore they might not technically be legal. Question: Can I have a Silver Fox in the US? Unfortunately, this permit only allows the holder to obtain the animal from within the state from a breeder who holds a wildlife breeders permit, and apparently there are no breeders in the state. when doing more research i always find silver and marble listed under the red breed. It can be quite tasking to take care of it. The uncommon bat-eared fox will be towards the higher end of the fennec fox range. Monkeysare legal in roughly17 different U.S. statesincluding Washington state, Nevada,South Carolina,West Virginia, and Ohio. Numerous cases of neighbors reporting the existence of pet foxes to their local, state, or other government agency have created headaches for many fox owners. States where you can legally own a fox: Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Tennessee, and Wyoming. Each household is only allowed up to 6 native wild animals (foxes, squirrels, raccoons, and some other species). Californiahas very strict laws about what types of animals homeowners can keep as pets. First and foremost foxes are considered to be non-domesticated animals. Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Species allowed: All (if permit is given to pet owners). But beware, while they rarely bite they do have defensive responses that could pose some danger to your eyes. Follow us or one of our many popular group boards: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.