Yes, it is. William A. LaCrosse III, CC-BY-SA 2.0, via Flickr, Foxes are a vector for rabies, and it is extremely unlikely that there will be an approved rabies vaccine for them any time soon. Unfortunately, legal exotic pet ownership is on the decline because it receives little support or cultural acceptance. Non-desert foxes will generally require an outdoor enclosure measuring around 10' x 10' at the very least (such as in the video below). What animals Can you own in GA? 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. Pygmy goats These miniature domestic goats typically weigh about 60-80 lbs and are just over a foot tall. So, its not advisable to have them as pets. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. So it's generally best to keep their existence quiet. Each household is only allowed up to 6 native wild animals (foxes, squirrels, raccoons, and some other species). Photos of the enclosure may also be accepted. Fox breeders can be found in California, but they are not allowed to be sold in the state. Fish and Wildlife's Lacey Act (18 U.S.C. On Halloween in 2010, Alayna Sitterson set out to Reston Town Center in Virginia with her pet silver fox, Swiper, who was wearing a dog skeleton costume. While theyre trainable, theyre not as trainable as dogs. If the pet starts to become a problem, it isnt easy to be rid of. It is not known how obtainable these permits are. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife titles fox permits as a non-commercial propagating license. Modern pet owners are finding more and more satisfaction from pets that are a little more exotic, maybe amonkeyor aferretor something even wilder. Even if you are sure you're legally allowed to own a pet fox, you can still run into legal troubles defending that rightespecially if a stranger reports you. The Fennec Fox is visually impressive, and also extremely cute. Question: I have a pet red fox. In Illinois, Idaho, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina . 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. It's not legal in California to own a pet fox. Hybrid cat species include a variety of breeds like the Jungle cat, the Savannah cat, or the Bengal cat. Get a quote today by completing the . Tn says any fox breeds found in the wild may not be kept as pets it listed red and grey. InCalifornia, only qualified professionals and individuals get apermitformonkeysand otherprimatesfor special legal purposes including medical research and training for television and movies. Fox breeders can be found in California, but they are not allowed to be sold within the state. Answer: No, you can't own an elephant in California. This means that they are not accustomed to living in captivity and as a result can be quite difficult to take care of. Mice and rabbits are common options, and its also important that their diet include taurine, which could be from chicken hearts, gizzards, and livers. They will also eat fruits vegetables and insects. Even if you're sure that it's technically legal to own your fox, they still tend to invite negative attention from others. The answer to whether or not you can own a fox is likely to be no. The shop features the cutest items such as specialty home goods, specialty food items, and more. 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. California Fish and Game laws make it a misdemeanor to keep as a pet any animal that is. Why rent when you can own this beautiful 2 b. While children flit in and out of the house, more so as they get older, your pets are there as constant companions. No, it is illegal to own a pet sloth inCalifornia. 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. It's ok to have a Fennec Fox in California. No. Red foxes only require an importation permit. But beware, while they rarely bite they do have defensive responses that could pose some danger to your eyes. Meet Gaia and Inali - See how we raise foxes https://youtu.be/HV2hq4rBRYI. Though in a number of casesat least in terms of foxes that descend from lines of domesticationthe answer is no. Additionally, fox urine is extremely pungent and exceedingly difficult to remove from fabrics. By Paul Arnold May 31, 2022. 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. That means if you want a donkey, wild horse, or even a zebra, you can own it in California. The so-called Russian domesticated foxes are extremely rare in the U.S. (only a handful of individuals exist in North America) and can only be imported from Russia (they will be spayed or neutered). No, you can't own a fox as a pet in California. However there are a few caveats that come with this. 3 What animals are illegal to own in California? 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. These iconic animals have graced popular media for hundreds of years, and pet foxes have been trending on social media lately (see: Archer, the laughing arctic fox, and "This is why you need a pet fox"). Alabama. Not so with Tarantulas. They can then store the UNIT at their secure warehouse or move it to another location. Rules vary departing on thebreed, the most common being the fennecfox. It is Illegal to Own a Sloth in California While states like Nevada and Texas have extremely lenient rules about exotic pet ownership, the Golden State is known for its strict regulations relating to game and wildlife. So it's important to research which diet is appropriate for your species. 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. Chinchillas The average life span for a chinchilla is about 15 years. This state may or may not allow foxes. Various types of Lizards There are tons to pick from so the best thing to do is find a local pet store and see which one catches your eye. Foxes are very intelligent animals with lots of similarities to a dog. You can encourage foxes to go in one area with positive reinforcement, or just place a litter box where they tend to go most often. They may not want to cuddle with you very often! Also, I'd rather not disabuse legislators of the idea that non-wild colors makes for a domesticated species. They are legal to own all over the country except a few states like Washington, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nevada. If you need more information, contact the License and Revenue Branch at (916) 928-5846 or SPU@wildlife.ca.gov. Like all uncommon exotic pets, their unique traits and behaviors will keep their owner interested and captivated. Some states might technically allow foxes but prevent you from importing them, making obtaining them impossible. Red foxes are significantly less expensive, typically in the hundreds. Is it legal to own a fox in Georgia? Required fields are marked *. While they are very popular pets and legal in almost every state in North America, they are illegal inCaliforniaand Hawaii. Once you have a permit and a healthy fox youll need to provide the fox with a suitable habitat. In addition to a permit youll also need to find a veterinarian who is willing to microchip and vaccinate the fox. What kind of animal can you own in California then? In Alabama, you cannot possess any member of Cervidae (deer). How do people get around the law and own foxes in California? Here is a quick breakdown of some pros and cons of keeping a fox as a pet. Is it legal to own a Fox in California? If you found a farm raised fox, then yes. Even Just Having a Pet Fox Can Invite Trouble. 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. There are up to 15 states where keeping a fox as a pet is permitted, but California is not one of them. Miniature horses A benefit of miniature horses is that you will never have to worry about fleas in your home since their skin naturally repels fleas, they effectively keep your lawn mowed, and they dont get very big; on average, they weigh between 55 and 80 pounds and are about 34 to 38 inches tall, or roughly 3 feet. Foxes can be very loud, especially if they are cooped up inside all day. One animal that is clearly restricted is the sloth. You also can't have foxes, raccoons, or skunksbut you can own big cats like tigers.Alabama is one of four states (along with Nevada, North Carolina . Your email address will not be published. Are they legal through the Rocky Mountains? Source: Oklahoma Administrative Code and Register. The fox was taken from the wild from a sub-adult age. Is it legal to own a pet fox in California? A noncommercial wildlife breeders license is needed for native fox species and presumably other species except the fennec fox, which requires no permits to keep. The fox has had little to no human contact while in captivity. Answer: Foxes are furbearers and aren't legal to own in Texas. The water is fair game, too as far as the eye can see.. Sara Nelson Exotic foxes are not mentioned, so likely arent regulated by this department. The enclosure must have a double-door entrance and be triple-checked to be escape proof. What should I do if I find a sick or injured fox? This includes all the fox species that are available in the pet trade with the exception of the bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis). 3. Additionally foxes are known to be . Answer: Foxes are furbearers and arent legal to own in Texas. This animal is playful, full of energy, and they can be obedient too. Red and grey foxes may use the litter box with nearly a 100% success rate, but this does not include scent-marking behavior. They have a large beak and pretty small body, and they tend to stand out with their great visuals and coloring. The outdoor venture ended when Fairfax County animal control officers confiscated the animal and charged Sitterson with unlawful possession of wildlife. The Fennec Fox is visually impressive, and also extremely cute. Many states that had a fox species legal last month might be different now. First and most importantly, do not take your exotic pets out in public placesespecially carnivores and primates. Yes you can call animal control if you see a fox. You might have to deal with the smell of animals around your house if you choose to have a fox as a pet. You must determine with concrete certainty that foxes are legal in your state, county, and residential association. 7 Where can you find red foxes in California? The Department of Conservations website states in relation to exotic foxes: Other state and federal agencies have regulations regarding nonnative foxes. The DOC does not regulate non-native foxes, but provides no information on other possible governing bodies that do. However, there are only a fewexotic petslegal inCalifornia. Furbearers may be hunted at any hour of the day or night except that they may not be taken between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise in the area described in Section 474 (a) of these regulations. Keep in mind that camels require a lot of care and attention, as this is not their natural habitat. If you have neighbors, this could become a serious problem. Yes you can own a fox in California but there are some restrictions. 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. Though being desert foxes, urination is not excessive and the droppings are dry. Approximately 14 states allow the private possession of red foxes. Choose a high-quality and nutritionally complete (AAFCO) commercial food as the base of the diet. Answer: Not without hard to acquire permits. However, they arent very large, so you dont need to worry about being attacked. This means a large enclosure with plenty of space to run and play. Pet foxes are illegal or require specialized permits in nearly all states, cities, and counties in the US. Foxes are part of the Canidae family, along with dogs. 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). It has been repeatedly found that owning a pet improves your happiness and length of life. The only U.S. state with more regulations on game and wildlife is Hawaii. 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. Only a small number of states allow private individuals to own animals. 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. The Sunshine state has a requirement for a Class 3 Wildlife license to own any defined Class 3 exotic animal, which includes foxes. Successful lobbying by fennec fox owners have kept the 3-pound canid legal in what is considered a "ban state. The Ultimate Guide to Picking Up Your Pet Rabbit Like a Pro! Can you own an anaconda in California? It is a type of snake with the capacity to kill a human. Pet owners used to be allowed to own domesticated foxes in Virginia due to a loophole that was meant to make it legal for fur farmers, but this was reversed in 2017. Some people get around the law by acquiring a fox through illegal means such as buying one from a breeder outside of California or finding a wild fox and taming it. Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password. Keeping Stoats (Short-tailed Weasel)/Ermines as Pets, A kit fox rests on a rock Renne Grayson CC BY-2.0 Via Flickr. You must acquire a Permit To Hold Game In Captivity (PR1350) in order to possess grey and all color phases of red foxes. If farm animal descendants are not as exotic as youd like, there are still a handful of interesting pets legal in California for the adventurous. But they are often banned when the family canidea or exotic carnivores are unfortunately listed as "dangerous wildlife. A captive human-imprinted or socialized animal is different from a wild animal. Another habit of foxes is that they have an urge to mark territory. MLS# R1255899. Its ok to have a Fennec Fox in California. Some species of fox will not be allowed in some states. They can eat commercial cat food, whole prey like mice, quail chicks, ect., eggs, fruit, vegetables, and insects. Older animals come full of habits that the owners may not want to deal with. Sara Tung QuestionIs an Arctic Marble Fox a different breed all together? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Keep in mind thatCaliforniahas much stricter laws than most states regarding legal pets. Foxes have an inherent need to forage, so you cant just give them food. However, the rules on fox ownership differ from one state to another. In this article a pet owner is NOT a USDA-licensed facility that does exhibition or educational work. For starters,llamasare muchbigger averaging between 400 and 500 pounds whereas alpacas are lightweight by comparison, at only 200 pounds. They will grow a maximum of 3-5 feet and are very easy to handle. 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. Hybrids can have different behavior when compared to a domestic cat. Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Species allowed: All (if permit is given to pet owners). Their fluffy bodies and cute stature make them one of those exotic animals that many want to keep as pets. Yes you can own a fox as a pet in California! If you find a sick or injured fox you should call your local wildlife agency or animal control. Ranch-raised foxes are domesticated forms of red foxes. There is however, a catch. The main reason why ferrets are illegal in California is to Protect Agriculture and Wildlife. All species are restricted from possession as pets in California primarily because they can become pests where introduced into the wild where they don't naturally occur. I live in Tennessee where it is illegal to own native foxes, but since I have a permit I can own my red marble fox. These animals are renowned for their beauty, and they are mostly raised for pleasure and entertainment. Shes suddenly very weak and distant. 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. Owning a Toucan is legal in California. Fennec foxes are small and quite communicative, making them the better option. Foxes can eat somewhat similarly to dogs and cats, but generally require more complex nutritional needs. The cost of the permit is $33 and it is only for animals that are captive-bred. Bringing a new pet into your home is a great way to build your emotional attachment to your living space. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Answer: Fennec foxes only. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Foxes dont have these same characteristics, and training them requires serious dedication, which wont take away all their wild habits. They tend to be mostly on farms in rural areas. California is notorious for restricting types of household pets. A variety of countries have. I own one. 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. If you are sensitive to the idea of your house having a permanent odor, an indoor red fox is not for you. To put it simply: no, . 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. Is a permit required to own a red fox (or fennec fox) in Montana? All foxes arent domesticated, even if theyve adapted to living with people. Whole prey for foxes, such as mice and chicks, can provide more variety and enrichment. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. There are issues with having foxes as a pet, such as their high energy, marking territory with urine, and their loud noises. The popular fennec fox is one of the few, or perhaps the only, species that can reasonably be kept as a house pet. This license costs $25. 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. A fox is a wild animal, and California doesn't issue any permit that allows anyone to own them. You may be able to get a permit if you do exhibition at a library, school, media, ect. I will still have to do some research. This is because theyre considered wild animals whore best left non-domesticated. 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. 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. Is it illegal to own a pet fox in California? I want a red fox, and its legal in my state according to your list. The spot also features a Cafe, coffee, bakery items, and art and baking classes. Taylor, a marble is a color phase of a red fox. No. Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Still, one must be careful not to invite consternation at the thought of someone trying to obtain a dangerous wild animal that might lead to a ban where there previously wasnt one. There are about 15 states where it would be legal to have a fox as a pet, such as Arkansas, Idaho, New York, etc. This animal is playful, full of energy, and they can be obedient too. ", "Many fennec fox owners living in New York protested by writing letters to senators and taking their animals in to see them in person. However, the best to keep as house pets are Fennec foxes and red foxes. Foxes must be purchased from USDA-licensed facilities. What animals are illegal to own in California? I live in Dandridge, TN. There are few veterinarians that can treat your pet, food, and shelter may be expensive, or the animal needs specific or time-consuming care. Yes foxes are difficult to take care of because they have specific diet and housing needs. The animals must be captive-bred, not taken from the wild. Where can I get more information about foxes? It is also specified that some Category 2 species require a Permit to Possess, Propagate, or Domesticate from the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, which is distributed from the Animal Health Division of the North Dakota Department of Agriculture. For starters youll need to obtain a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Other larger foxes would require more attention, space, and needs. The enclosure should have a secure roof and be escape-proof. There is one that keeps coming near my property and I try to scare him/her off but fail. Foxes might seem like sneaky animals, but theyre loud, especially during their mating season. 0 Comments. is the law specified by a breed or just the actual color. While it's possible to breed foxes as pets, it's hard for this animal to be fully domesticated. While they will sit on your shoulder or in your hand, they prefer to hang out in their cage eating crickets. Has the idea of owning a pet fox piqued your interest? This is indeed true. If you follow all of these guidelines you can successfully own a fox in California. California is home to two species of red fox, one native and one not. Thats particularly true when it comes to many celebrities that have lions in their homes. Dont get your fox in trouble because it will more than likely be euthanized. So if youre considering amove out of state, you could get yourself aferret! The cost of a truly domestic fox can cost around $5,000 to $9,000 for just the purchase from a reputable organization that truly breeds domesticated foxes. With strict California laws if a residence is found to own a fennec fox the state kills the small cuddly creature. Thats not a surprise. When you keep them in captivity, they can quickly get bored and frustrated, leading to stress that triggers stereotypic behaviors. 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. Always check the legality of owning a fox in your state before adopting one. All exotic pets will benefit from some form of comfortable interaction with their owners for enrichment purposes. Their smaller size and lack of offensive odor makes them uniquely suited for the indoors, while the larger foxes can be expected to require some form of outdoor housing. Many animals one might only expect to find in a zoo can be privately owned and some even as house pets. Its not advisable to keep these animals as pets. Of the states that are pet fox legal states, Ohio offers the freedom to own a fox with a permit for any species. There is no evidence that the current rabies vaccine works in foxes. The red fox is the most common fox in the world and is native to Europe Asia and North America. 5 Popular Animals that are Illegal as Pets 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 due to their wild nature, and they dont usually make good pets. The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. You have to have a rehab permit. One of the reasons why you are allowed to own such a pet is mostly related to its size. In a perfect world, this might be the case. But, can you own a fox in California? 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.