Is it legal to own a pet fox in California? You will find that many care sheets online are basing their recommendations off of myths and speculation. Yes foxes have a strong odor that some people find unpleasant. Its illegal to keep foxes as pets in California. QuestionIs an Arctic Marble Fox a different breed all together? Exotic foxes such as fennec foxes appear to be legal without a permit requirement, but they must have a health certificate if imported from out of state. 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. 1. You can see plenty of squirrels out in the wild while youre camping inCalifornia, but its illegal to keep one as a pet. %privacy_policy%. Where can I get more information about foxes? To get this permit, certain enclosure specifications and other rules apply. but you will be subjected to yearly inspections. This probably means that exotic foxes are legal without a permit. Its not advisable to keep these animals as pets. What kind of animal can you own in California then? Keeping Stoats (Short-tailed Weasel)/Ermines as Pets, A kit fox rests on a rock Renne Grayson CC BY-2.0 Via Flickr. 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. Get experience professionally with capuchins and get a permit for education. The Ultimate Guide to Picking Up Your Pet Rabbit Like a Pro! Man's new best friend? There is some confusion that red foxes are legal in New York, but they arent. InCalifornia, only qualified professionals and individuals get apermitformonkeysand otherprimatesfor special legal purposes including medical research and training for television and movies. But beware, while they rarely bite they do have defensive responses that could pose some danger to your eyes. They will also eat fruits vegetables and insects. You can keep the constrictor snake as a pet in California. You may be able to get a permit if you do exhibition at a library, school, media, ect. They can then store the UNIT at their secure warehouse or move it to another location. Sitterson naively saw her pet fox as being good as any "normal" pet. Thank you! Category 2: Kit of swift fox, red fox, grey fox. In some states, like North Carolina, you can obtain a USDA license for exhibitingyou must "exhibit" the animal to get this license, such as doing library showsand keeping foxes, but they are otherwise illegal to pet owners. We have special categories for dogs, cats, exotic pets, and house pets. While it's possible to breed foxes as pets, it's hard for this animal to be fully domesticated. Wow After seeing Vader's story I am scared of the same thing happening to me one day in the future. Foxes can eat somewhat similarly to dogs and cats, but generally require more complex nutritional needs. If you think an exotic animal is a pet you would like to keep in your California home, make sure you know exactly what your citys or countys laws are on legal pets before purchasing one. 2 Why is it illegal to own a fox in California? It's important to keep in mind, however, that owning a fox is unlike owning dogs and cats. 42) are also not allowed. Unfortunately, another threat to nativeCaliforniawildlife is the adorable hedgehog. In addition to a permit youll also need to find a veterinarian who is willing to microchip and vaccinate the fox. Though some owners find relative success litter training their foxes, it's important to remember that even trained foxes still occasionally urinate to mark their territoryand the smell is extremely pungent and difficult to remove. If youre keeping a fox in captivity, you need to provide enough activity to keep it busy. 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. You have to have a rehab permit. Required fields are marked *. As a wild animal, a fox would usually have to spend its days in the wild doing everything such as hunting, protecting its territory, finding shelter and water, searching for mates, etc. For instance, fennecs also have a higher need for taurine found in many forms of cat food or in chicken heartsand could suffer seizures, blindness, or even death if they do not consume enough. The only U.S. state with more regulations on game and wildlife is Hawaii. Answer: No foxes are legal in California. They also can become territorial and aggressive around other animals. Diet is a complex issue and should be investigated further, but always follow the evidence. Foxes are very high-energy animals that need lots of opportunities to run, play, forage, and dig. Meet Gaia and Inali - See how we raise foxes https://youtu.be/HV2hq4rBRYI. For fennec foxes, the litter box is intermittently used. Some states were inconclusive because they may allow foxes with a permit but this permit has been said to be difficult or impossible for a pet owner to get. Some of the traits that make a fox a bad pet include: Theyre high-energy animals who would need lots of exercise and enrichment. 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. 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. It's ok to have a Fennec Fox in California. The spot definitely at the size of quality over quantity. Red foxes are significantly less expensive, typically in the hundreds. Answer: Yes, with a Class 3 permit. There are up to 15 states where keeping a fox as a pet is permitted, but California is not one of them. In this article a pet owner is NOT a USDA-licensed facility that does exhibition or educational work. If a bite report from a fox (or other exotic mammal) is made, the animal will likely be confiscated to be killed and tested for rabies, unless the bite recipient volunteers for rabies treatment. If you follow all of these guidelines you can successfully own a fox in California. Fennec Fox. It can also have the unintended consequence of introducing unnecessary bacteria that can be harmful to the owner and, in some cases, even the animal. There is no evidence that the current rabies vaccine works in foxes. Do you have any remedies for upset stomach in foxes? Some animals are banned as pets because they arent meant to be domesticated, others are dangerous toCalifornias ecosystem. If you found a farm raised fox, then yes. It's not advisable to own them. I adopted her.. what do I need to make her legal to keep here? 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. Others are regulated and controlled with permits; however this is rarely, if ever, given to private pet owners. The California Natural Resources Agency, which includes the Department of Fish and Wildlife, bans a variety of exotic pets, one of them being ferrets. Thank you for this informative article so people understand the reality of raising foxes! Here, we discuss rules on fox ownership in California and why its not advisable to own them. I'm wondering if she has a belly ache. Can you own a kangaroo in California? Like all uncommon exotic pets, their unique traits and behaviors will keep their owner interested and captivated. Foxes can be flighty. 11/21/2022. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Is it legal to own a pet fox in California? The following information was gathered through the use of several resources with the hopes of finding the most current laws (this information was collected in November, 2018). She's suddenly very weak and distant. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. It is illegal to keep a hedgehog as a pet in California. But if you dont mind that, they can be a loyal pet. It's not legal in California to own a pet fox. 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. One animal that is clearly restricted is the sloth. Llamashave historically helped people haul goods, and thus tend to be more comfortable interacting with humans. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Mammals often mark their territory with urine, and this cannot be trained out of them. In some states, like North Carolina, you can obtain a USDA license for exhibitingyou must "exhibit" the animal to get this license, such as doing library showsand keeping foxes, but they are otherwise illegal to pet owners. How much does a fox cost? 5. And those particular foxes have between 30 and 35 generations of selective breeding behind them and are thus quite different from legitimately wild animals. Imported. 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. Thank you so much I have been looking for a pet Fox to help me get over the death of my poor dog I miss him dearly this info has been very nice and will restrain on buying my fox from amazon still have to cheack if its allowed were i live. Where can you find red foxes in California? They are wild animals and are not suited for life in captivity. The camel is also legal to own in California. This program continues at The Institute of Cytology and Genetics in Novosibirsk, Siberia. 162. 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? How much wond be to buy a wolf and fox as a pet, How much for a fox im a big fox fan and i want one so bad, i want to have a pet fox do you have any sugestions. In a perfect world, this might be the case. If you need more information, contact the License and Revenue Branch at (916) 928-5846 or SPU@wildlife.ca.gov. California Fish and Game laws make it a misdemeanor to keep as a pet any animal that is. The outdoor venture ended when Fairfax County animal control officers confiscated the animal and charged Sitterson with unlawful possession of wildlife. They are legal to own all over the country except a few states like Washington, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nevada. All species are restricted from possession as pets in California primarily because they can become pests where introduced into the wild where they dont naturally occur. The cost of the permit is $33 and it is only for animals that are captive-bred. This is due to their wild nature, and they dont usually make good pets. 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. Theyre playful and curious animals who enjoy having several things around them. Without taurine, foxes can have seizures, go blind, and even die in some cases. Because these pigs are so intelligent they will learn to open cupboards, pantries, and the fridge door. Restricted Species Permits Information Renewal Notice (PDF) Laws and Regulations (PDF) How to Apply for Restricted Species Aquaculture and Fish Permits (PDF) Restricted Species Permit and Native Species Exhibiting Permit Applications For information call (916) 902-9107. Foxes are generally shy around humans and will not attack unless they feel threatened. There are about 15 states where it would be legal to have a fox as a pet, such as Arkansas, Idaho, New York, etc. Question: Are red foxes legal to own in Florida? This is mostly due to a bias against unusual animals being kept as pets and the perception that owning anything other than a dog or cat is unnecessary. It is quite possible that you will pull your hair out trying to make sense of exotic pet laws. Here are a few more additional resources: This content is accurate and true to the best of the authors knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional. You are allowed to own any member of the Equidae family. The water is fair game, too as far as the eye can see.. This outlier may technically be legal to import due to a loophole, which means obtaining this animal would almost certainly invite the interest of state officials. The chances of these animals turning to pests when introduced into an ecosystem where they dont naturally occur is a major issue. Sara Nelson There are issues with having foxes as a pet, such as their high energy, marking territory with urine, and their loud noises. Foxes are crepuscular, meaning they are primarily active during the twilight hours from the evening. But, can you own a fox in California? While they may look soft, theyre wild animals who dont do well indoors. However, aside from this, Indiana is considered to be a relatively exotic pet friendly state. This is important because it will help to ensure the fox is healthy and wont pose a risk to other animals or people. Here is a quick breakdown of some pros and cons of keeping a fox as a pet. October 18, 2019, 8:48 pmupdated October 27, 2019, 5:01 pm. Many animals one might only expect to find in a zoo can be privately owned and some even as house pets. It is not known how obtainable these permits are. This is not always the best route for foxes (or even domesticated pets), because relying on raw foods likely will result in the diet being nutritionally incomplete. In these states, owning a red fox can result in penalties like fines. If you find a sick or injured fox you should call your local wildlife agency or animal control. 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. They do this using urine which has a powerful smell. A few other states may permit pet foxes but prevent you from importing one from outside the county or the state. Goats require a minimum of two hundred square . when doing more research i always find silver and marble listed under the red breed. Though in a number of casesat least in terms of foxes that descend from lines of domesticationthe answer is no. Native foxes, except for the red fox, require a permit (Chapter 10) to import and possess from the Department. 3. They are illegal to own in most states, and activists are eternally fighting to make it so in all states. A captive human-imprinted or socialized animal is different from a wild animal. To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. If they don't have an outdoor enclosure, an outlet for their energy, and a training-savvy owner, they may destroy furniture. I live in Dandridge, TN. Ferrets are Mustelids, the biological family that also includes otters, mink, weasels, and polecats. Foxes need a large enclosure that is at least 10 feet by 10 feet. Fox breeders can be found in California, but they are not allowed to be sold within the state. The popular fennec fox is one of the few, or perhaps the only, species that can reasonably be kept as a house pet. Is a permit required to own a red fox (or fennec fox) in Montana? Foxes have been raised to live as house pets because of their intelligence and resemblance to dogs; yet, they are not completely tamed. 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. Foxes are considered non-native animals and as such there are rules and regulations governing their ownership. Additionally foxes are known to be . They are legal to own all over the country except a few states like Washington, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nevada. A fox is a wild animal, and California doesnt issue any permit that allows anyone to own them. Feeding foods similar to what foxes get in the wild can be helpful as supplementary variety in the diet, however. Fish and Wildlife's Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. The only legal species of fox is the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Several states ban people from keeping foxes as pets, including California, Texas, and Oregon. They determined the fox was legal due to his silver coloring, proving he was a "domesticated" fox, which is legal in Virginia. Always check the legality of owning a fox in your state before adopting one. In captivity, foxes can live for as much as 14 years, whereas they can only survive a few years in the wild. The cost of the application is $45. is the law specified by a breed or just the actual color. The permit appears to be available to the general public, and also includes owners whove owned the animals before the rule was enacted (no grandfather clause). Wildcats, such as theLynx Wild cats may not seem that different from your average house cat, but these are much bigger and have personalities closer to domestic dogs. For starters,llamasare muchbigger averaging between 400 and 500 pounds whereas alpacas are lightweight by comparison, at only 200 pounds. While they often get grouped together, llamas and alpacas are very different. They may not want to cuddle with you very often! If youre planning to adopt a fox, go for one born in captivity. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. These animals are renowned for their beauty, and they are mostly raised for pleasure and entertainment. Non-native foxes are Class 3 animals and only require an import permit if being imported from out of state. You will also need an importation permit if the animal is being imported from out of state. Raising a toucan in the US is not that complicated, as they are pretty much accommodated with this type of climate. Approximately only 15 states allow some type of fox with or without a permit. The license costs $10 and needs to be renewed annually. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. But despite Swiper's legal status, the knee-jerk reaction that the public will likely have to such a shocking sight can invite trouble. Keep in mind that camels require a lot of care and attention, as this is not their natural habitat. 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. A variety of countries have. What is known is that a permit (wildlife hobby permit) can be given for native species of fox (they fall under Class 1 Wildlife), which are red and grey foxes. Yes you can own a fox as a pet in California! It's likely that it doesn't have a skunky odor to its urine, and neither does the bat-eared fox (which is also not closely related to true foxes), however I have not been able to determine one way or another. While theyre trainable, theyre not as trainable as dogs. Foxes dont have these same characteristics, and training them requires serious dedication, which wont take away all their wild habits. In Illinois, Idaho, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina . In 1959, the Russian geneticist Dmitry K. Belyaev began experimenting with breeding domesticated foxes. The most commonly available domesticated foxes are those which originate from the fur trade. Tarantulas are legal to own throughout the US, aside from the state of Hawaii. The fox has had little to no human contact while in captivity. What animals Can you own in GA? If you have neighbors, this could become a serious problem. Other Applications Restricted Species Permit Amendment Request (PDF) Its not advisable to own them. Even without the urine, they have a skunk-like scent. Is it legal to own a pet fox in California? Though they may be amazingly cute, owning a pet fox can function similar to a full-time job and should not be taken lightly. by What is your spirit Animal? 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. I've also written the PetHelpful guide Exotic Animals for Sale: Dos and Don'ts, which can help you expertly navigate this site for rare animals. Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Native foxes (reds and greys) are Class 2 animals that require a permit which is reportedly distributed to pet owners. Exotic pet laws change constantly, and just because something is legal in your state doesnt mean it is legal in your city, town, or even neighborhood association. Some states where owning a red fox are illegal include the following: Alabama Alaska Arizona California Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Species allowed: All (if permit is given to pet owners). The spot also features a Cafe, coffee, bakery items, and art and baking classes. They bear a strong resemblance to the domestic dog, begging the question: can they also be kept as pets? This license costs $25. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. That status of non-native fox legality is unclear. How to Market Your Business with Webinars? Ball Pythons This particular type of python is non-venomous and the perfect starter snake if you are into reptiles. California only allows people to own native . Why is it illegal to own a fox in California? It's important to check your state, county, and residential association laws regarding pet ownership. For such a positive experience to persist, however, you will need to overcome the drawbacks of fox ownership. No, you can't own a fox as a pet in California. 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. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on June 25, 2018: Marble foxes are domesticated red foxes with unique coloration. If youre looking for unusual pets legal inCalifornia, know youve got a fun selection to choose from. Choose a high-quality and nutritionally complete (AAFCO) commercial food as the base of the diet. Foxes can be very loud, especially if they are cooped up inside all day. Answer: You really need to see a vet. Red and grey foxes may use the litter box with nearly a 100% success rate, but this does not include scent-marking behavior. They generally cost between $300 & $1000. No, you cant own a fox as a pet in California. Animals like foxes can hide their illness until something is really wrong. Therefore, exercise caution. Ranch-raised foxes are domesticated forms of red foxes. 466. For non-native fox species, proof that they were legally obtained and a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian is required, which is reasonable. If you are adaptable and do not have unreasonable expectations for foxes to behave like calmer domesticated pets, perhaps a fox can be for you. Why is it illegal to own a fox in California? In New York, only fennec foxes are allowed. It can be quite tasking to take care of it. Some permit you to own them as pets with special licenses, while others prevent importation outside the state. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on July 26, 2020: I got a pearl fox from a vet in Morristown, TN. Youll have to hide it so they can find it, or you put the food inside something they can rip apart. Some states might technically allow foxes but prevent you from importing them, making obtaining them impossible. Another habit of foxes is that they have an urge to mark territory. When cleaning the cage or handling your tarantula, its advisable to wear protective eye gear. In fact there are only a handful of counties where they are allowed. So, if youre choosing to have a fox as a pet, you must be ready for the long-term commitment of ownership. Different breeds have different sets of guidelines, with the fennec fox . Take The Quiz To Find Out, 15 Famous Dogs Of Instagram you have to Follow, 12+ Pomeranians For Anyone Whos Having A Bad Day, 10+ Wild Animals People Found a Place for in Their Homes and Hearts, The Buzz About Bee Hives A Guide To Cost Of Beekeeping, How To Take Care Of A Hamster Tips and Tricks from Petpress. If you're interested in owning a fox as a pet there are a few things you should keep in mind. If you live in Alabama and did not obtain a permit before January 13th, 2021, you are not allowed to own a variety of exotic animals including Giant African Land Snails, most non-native wildlife like bobcats, black bears, foxes, and raccoons, and venomous reptiles. You can find more information about foxes from your local wildlife agency or from online sources. Licensed breeders are aloud to house the pet but have trouble selling to a open market inside California. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. However, the best to keep as house pets are Fennec foxes and red foxes. Question: I have a pet red fox. Ferretsare part of theMustelidsfamily, making them related tootters, mink, weasels, and polecats.