Yes, it is. Can I own a fox in California? Get experience professionally with capuchins and get a permit for education. Much of the information in this article comes from Sybil's Message Board, an excellent place for people thinking about exotic pets to search for and read articles from experienced owners. 6. Wow After seeing Vader's story I am scared of the same thing happening to me one day in the future. So it's generally best to keep their existence quiet. However, there are only a fewexotic petslegal inCalifornia. You may have heard that Russian researchers once pioneered an experiment where they selectively bred red foxes for tameness and this resulted in animals that were significantly more "dog-like." California Fish and Game laws make it a misdemeanor to keep as a pet any animal that is. If you live in a state where its legal to have a fox, you need to know how to care for them. 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. Having a fox is almost like a full-time job. There arent many places to buy foxes, and there are some well-known breeders in Indiana, Texas, and Ohio. It is illegal to own a fox in most states because of the risks associated with the wild canine. 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. California is notorious for restricting types of household pets. You can keep the constrictor snake as a pet in California. Keep in mind thatCaliforniahas much stricter laws than most states regarding legal pets. Otherwise, they can be quite an interesting pet to have in your home. The Fennec Fox is a suitable companion animal for New York. I own one. 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. Intelligent like a dog,foxeshave been bred to live as house pets but there are not fully domesticated. In addition to a permit youll also need to find a veterinarian who is willing to microchip and vaccinate the fox. Fox kits from the wild could also carry diseases that include rabies, which can be fatal to people if they are not vaccinated before symptoms start. The Sunshine state has a requirement for a Class 3 Wildlife license to own any defined Class 3 exotic animal, which includes foxes. In Illinois, Idaho, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina . 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. Luckily, being desert animals, fennec foxes have relatively dry droppings that are easy to clean, and less urine. Answer: No, you can't own an elephant in California. Foxes are undoubtedly a unique and interesting pet. The only legal species of fox is the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). 3. Everything you need to know about the legality of owning a fox and all the special needs the animal with require will be detailed in this article. In California, it is illegal to keep any wild animal as a pet. 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. They are very playful as well as intelligent and are used almost exclusively as pets. Other larger foxes would require more attention, space, and needs. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Some signs that a fox is sick include lethargy loss of appetite and discharges from the eyes nose or mouth. Can you own a domesticated fox in California? Source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. If youre not interested in owning them yourself, you can visit one of thesealpaca farms in SouthernCalifornia. The popular fennec fox is one of the few, or perhaps the only, species that can reasonably be kept as a house pet. In North Dakota, following an anonymous bite report, the silver pet fox was confiscated from the home of Eric and Tara Hiatt by animal control. Injurious species under the U.S. Keep in mind that camels require a lot of care and attention, as this is not their natural habitat. They are also highly intelligent and extremely curious. Question: Can I have a Silver Fox in the US? Meet Gaia and Inali - See how we raise foxes https://youtu.be/HV2hq4rBRYI. Popular lizards to keep as pets include Bearded Dragons, Chinese Water Dragons, and different types of Geckos. In a small number of states, certain fox species are legal as pets, although most officials will try to discourage it. Yes you can call animal control if you see a fox. Some states might technically allow foxes but prevent you from importing them, making obtaining them impossible. Percentage of people who own a pet fox in the world? If the pet starts to become a problem, it isnt easy to be rid of. They can then store the UNIT at their secure warehouse or move it to another location. While they will sit on your shoulder or in your hand, they prefer to hang out in their cage eating crickets. Species that are native to the United States often have different rules than exotic foxes. Modern pet owners are finding more and more satisfaction from pets that are a little more exotic, maybe amonkeyor aferretor something even wilder. when doing more research i always find silver and marble listed under the red breed. Two native fox species, red and grey foxes, cannot be imported from the following states and countries: Alaska, Arizona, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming or Canada. The reason why it is not legal to own a red fox in California is because they are considered to be a non-native species. Artyom Geodakyan / Contributor / Getty Images Celebrities from Michael Jackson to Salvador Dali have popularized the idea of owning exotic animals as . 2. They will also eat fruits vegetables and insects. In captivity, foxes can live for as much as 14 years, whereas they can only survive a few years in the wild. QuestionIs an Arctic Marble Fox a different breed all together? A forgotten Russian experiment in fox domestication, Everything you've ever wanted to know about keeping a pet fox, The difficulty of navigating the complex legality of foxes, How some foxes were domesticated in Russia, Whether or not they can be litter trained. Dont get your fox in trouble because it will more than likely be euthanized. 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] . Red and grey foxes may use the litter box with nearly a 100% success rate, but this does not include scent-marking behavior. If you're looking for a quick overview of state laws regarding private ownership of rare animals, however, check out Born Free USA's helpful guide to state laws relating to private possession of exotic animals. Diet is a complex issue and should be investigated further, but always follow the evidence. Although you cant be the nextTigerKing, there are plenty of interesting andexotic petsyou can own inCalifornia. Source: Missouri Department of Conservation. The fennec fox is the most common rule that departs on the breed. But the more reserved red foxes are also great as pets. by This includes all the fox species that are available in the pet trade with the exception of the bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis). By Paul Arnold May 31, 2022. Red foxes are significantly less expensive, typically in the hundreds. Keep in mind, that not all big cats are legal in California. This scenic city gets its name after the diamond over a bar branding iron registered by, Downey is nestled in the southeast corner of Los Angeles County, situated between East Los Angeles and Anaheim. That status of non-native fox legality is unclear. Native foxes, except for the red fox, require a permit (Chapter 10) to import and possess from the Department. They are quite dangerous, however, because they are known to attack out of nowhere. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. You can see plenty of squirrels out in the wild while youre camping inCalifornia, but its illegal to keep one as a pet. The cost of the application is $45. Tarantulas Often, exotic animals require a lot of care and can be a huge time drain for someone not prepared for the responsibility. #2. . The enclosure must have a double-door entrance and be triple-checked to be escape proof. Has the idea of owning a pet fox piqued your interest? Answer: You really need to see a vet. California is the first state to ban fur, but it is following the lead of a number of its own municipalities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco and Berkeley. These facilities (sometimes this is a persons house) often can get permits in most states. They are very demanding, requiring money, time, and expertise. And 95% of pet owners in the U.S. consider their pets to be family members no surprises there. No North Carolina natives. There are about 15 states where it would be legal to have a fox as a pet, such as Arkansas, Idaho, New York, etc. Answer: No foxes are legal in California. Its known for not being extremely large, and the animal is not a part of the Lacey Act that prohibits owning a multitude of different reptiles. The mating season usually falls in January, and they usually scream out at night during this period. Here are a few interesting stories of fox ownership in the U.S. that can also be read as cautionary tales. This includes security, next boxes, shade, bedding, ect. Simply ask for the written laws pertaining to the ownership of exotic pets. Only a few years ago, the range was around $800$1,000. October 18, 2019, 8:48 pmupdated October 27, 2019, 5:01 pm. Is Now The Time To Buy? ive been piddling for about 5 years with this but always stop when im not sure what the law means. The fox has had little to no human contact while in captivity. Question: Are fennec foxes legal to own in California? Several states ban people from keeping foxes as pets, including California, Texas, and Oregon. Fennec Fox. It is not advisable for you if you are renting an apartment to have an exotic pet as it will make it more difficult to find future places to live. 4 Can you own a domesticated fox in California? No, you cant own a fox as a pet in California. For California Residents Only: All native species obtained from a licensed California Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility require a Native Species Exhibiting Permit.7 Sept 2021. "Fennec Fox" by Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar is licensed under CC BY 2.0. They are quite likely to get into and potentially wreak havoc on anything within their vicinity, especially if left alone for long durations of time. Welcome to 75 Fox Court! When you apply for this permit, and inspection of the enclosure will be made to ensure it meets the proper specifications. They are very high-energy animals that needs lots of opportunities to run, play, forage, and dig. Native foxes (reds and greys) are Class 2 animals that require a permit which is reportedly distributed to pet owners. There is no evidence that the current rabies vaccine works in foxes. This animal is playful, full of energy, and they can be obedient too. Raising a toucan in the US is not that complicated, as they are pretty much accommodated with this type of climate. 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. So make sure you check the laws in your county before you get a fox. Many websites will model their fox diets off of what the species consumes in the wild under the impression that "natural" is best. Can I call animal control if I see a fox? Are foxes good pets? Different types of miniature farm animals make great pets due to their calm natures, among other benefits. So, if youre choosing to have a fox as a pet, you must be ready for the long-term commitment of ownership. However, much likeferrets, they arent allowed in the state. These pets require an active home prepared to give the animal attention. This state requires a Captive Wildlife Permit for grey and red foxes. What is your spirit Animal? 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. The red fox is the most common fox in the world and is native to Europe Asia and North America. Just remember to get your pet arabiesvaccine. Without taurine, foxes can have seizures, go blind, and even die in some cases. Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The most commonly available domesticated foxes are those which originate from the fur trade. . 2023 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. While theyre trainable, theyre not as trainable as dogs. Question: I have a pet red fox. These animals are renowned for their beauty, and they are mostly raised for pleasure and entertainment. 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. Owning a Toucan is legal in California. There are issues with having foxes as a pet, such as their high energy, marking territory with urine, and their loud noises. This is a complicated question that doesn't exactly have a straightforward answer. They also require a lot of time and attention. If youre planning to adopt a fox, go for one born in captivity. However, the rules on fox ownership differ from one state to another. Regardless of domestication, red foxes will likely not be a good match for people expecting a dog-like temperament. ft. townhouse located at 75 Fox Ct, Gates, NY 14606 sold for $75,000 on May 18, 2020. I adopted her.. what do I need to make her legal to keep here? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. California law prohibits the ownership of any non-domesticated animal and foxes are considered non-domesticated. If youre looking for unusual pets legal inCalifornia, know youve got a fun selection to choose from. California's climate is a suitable environment for gerbils and it could propagate and become a problem for other wildlife if it made its way. The cost of the permit is $33 and it is only for animals that are captive-bred. The Fennec Fox is visually impressive, and also extremely cute. Mice and rabbits are common options, and its also important that their diet include taurine, which could be from chicken hearts, gizzards, and livers. With the exception of New York, I cannot say with certainty whether or not a fox is "legal" in a state.