How to Own a Pet Fox

When most people decide to get a pet, they choose a dog, cat or goldfish. Some more adventurous pet owners go with the exotic, such as a fox. Foxes are part of the canid family, related to the dog. The fennec fox is the most common pet fox, as a result of its small size--2 to 4 pounds fully grown--and social nature.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Own a Pet Fox

1. Think about your lifestyle carefully before deciding to own a pet fox. If you have other pets in the house or small children, a fox may not be the choice for you. Even if the fox has been raised around people at a breeding farm, it still possesses the hunting and fighting instincts of its species.
2. Determine the legality involved if you want to own a pet fox in your state. Foxes and other wild animals are not allowed in most areas due to their potentially violent nature.
3. Ask your veterinarian if he is equipped to treat a pet fox before you purchase one. You want to be sure, should the fox become ill, that you have someone who is licensed to take care of it.
4. Buy your pet fox from an animal breeder who specializes in exotic or wild animals. A breeder of this type exposes the animals to people on a regular basis so that they are used to human contact.
5. Build a habitat for your pet fox that gives him plenty of room and will be safe for him. Your fox should have plenty of space where he can run around and not escape.
6. Provide a healthy diet for your pet fox. Foxes in the wild eat small animals, fruit and vegetables. Pet foxes can eat raw meat, very good quality canned dog food, fruit and vegetables. The Derbyshire Fox rescue website contains good information about food for foxes (see Resources below).
7. Vaccinate your fox for canine diseases such as rabies, distemper and parvovirus. As with other domestic pets, foxes should be checked for fleas and heartworm each year.
8. Interact with your fox gently until she is used to you. Patting and brushing your fox are good ways to spend time with your pet as she gets to know you.

Tips & Warnings

• Although foxes should be vaccinated for many of the same diseases as dogs, certain kinds of vaccinations are not safe. Make sure your vet only uses the killed vaccine for rabies.