How to Care for a Pet Fox

A pet fox can be an intriguing and rewarding companion. However, it’s important to realize that a fox will always be somewhat of a wild creature, whether you adopt a red, silver or artic fox, or a fennec fox. Regardless of the type of fox you have, you will need a good veterinarian who is comfortable working with your pet. Beyond that, the care your fox requires depends on the type of fox you adopt. Your goal should be to encourage their most natural behaviors while also establishing a strong bond with them. Without these elements, your pet will become stressed in captivity.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Fine mesh
• Lumber
• Concrete
• Sand
• Warm den or doghouse
• Dog kibble or wild canid food
• Dog brush
• Harness and leash
• Ferret or cat cage
• Pet bed
• Dog kibble or wild canid diet
• Cat or dog brush
• Harness and leash
• Covered litter box

If You Have a Red, Silver or Arctic Fox

1. Construct housing that will make your pet fox happy. Your fox is an active animal and will need a large pen of at least 250 square feet. Use fine mesh for the sides and the roof of the enclosure and sink a concrete foundation at least 24 inches into the ground so your fox does not dig her way out. Locate the enclosure in a private area so your fox is not disturbed by too much activity.
2. Furnish the enclosure to provide for your fox’s needs. Provide a weatherproof den, such as a dog house, and a high place where your fox can sun and observe. Foxes enjoy digging, so put 6 to 8 inches of sand on the pen’s floor to encourage this.
3. Feed your fox an omnivorous diet. Though a high quality dog kibble or wild canid food is a good base food for your pet fox, you will need to supplement it with fruits and vegetables. Allow approximately ¼ cup of fruits and vegetables for your fox per day. You can mix the fruits and vegetables with canned dog food.
4. Brush your fox to encourage bonding. If your fox has been hand raised, he should enjoy the brushing. However, brushing is not required because foxes groom themselves.
5. Train your fox as you would a dog. Though not fully domesticated, foxes can readily be leash trained and will come when they are called. A fox will not be allowed in a dog obedience class, but a good dog training book will help you train her. Some dog trainers will be open to training sessions at your home. Call local trainers, letting them know you have a fox rather than a domestic dog.
6. Spend quality time with your fox. Interactions with your fox are important to maintain his socialization and to ensure his happiness. Foxes love to play with humans and with other animals.
   
   
7. Remember that your fox is a wild animal, even if she has been raised by humans and is bonded to you. Unsupervised children should not interact with your pet fox, and your fox must be on leash at all times when they are not in an escape-proof enclosure.

If You Have a Fennec Fox

8. Provide a large cage for your fennec fox so she will have a place in your house that is just hers. A ferret or a cat cage with shelves works well. A small pet bed will give your fennec a cozy place to sleep.
9. Fennec-proof your house. Fennec foxes are small, agile and quick, so you must keep windows closed or screens in excellent repair. Keep doors closed at all times when your fennec is loose in the house. Also, avoid having breakable items on surfaces that your pet might climb on.
10. Leave your pet fennec in his cage when you are not around to supervise. It is difficult to fully fennec-proof your home, so this will keep him safe. Leave the door to his cage open when you are around so he will see it more as his home than a cage. He will probably retreat to his bed for naps throughout the day.
11. Feed your fennec fox a high-quality dog food or wild canid diet. To this basic diet, you can add cooked chicken, fresh fruit and thawed frozen vegetables. Fennecs also like dates and figs, and you can give canned dog food as a treat.
12. Brush your pet fennec fox with a cat or dog brush on a daily or weekly basis. Most fennecs like to be brushed, but it is more of a bonding activity than a real grooming need.
13. Train your pet fennec fox to be on leash as you would a dog. You can also train your fennec to use a litter box by placing her in it on a regular basis and praising her when she uses it. Fennecs like to dig, so use a litter box with a cover.

Tips & Warnings

• You can feed your fox thawed frozen fruits and vegetables, but don’t use canned vegetables.
• Neuter your male fox to reduce aggression and discourage an urge to wander.
• Do not obtain your fox from the wild. This is dangerous and may be illegal in your area.
• Foxes have a strong odor. Though their scent glands can be removed, this is not healthy for your fox.
• Never leave your fox unsupervised in your home. Foxes are agile and curious, and will get into everything!
• Never let your fox outside off leash. Your pet will probably run away and will be impossible to catch. Even on leash, your pet may flee if you are in an unfamiliar or busy location.
• Use a harness rather than a collar on your fox. A harness will make your fox more comfortable.
• Never feed your pet fennec fox pork, grapes, raisins or chocolate. These foods are toxic for a fennec!
• Do not have your veterinarian use the usual MLV canine cell line origin distemper vaccine on your fox, as this may give your pet distemper. If your veterinarian does not normally work with fennecs, tell her about this problem.