Domestic Fox?

[Emviar]

Hey there.

Ever since I watched some pet fox videos on YouTube a few years ago, I've thought it would be really cool to have a pet fox. I really like the way they look, they're adorable, and-- well, I guess I just love the animal.

With the death of my dog a few weeks ago, the desire to raise a domestic fox has grown. I learned a few weeks ago that, where I live, it's legal to own and raise a domestic fox without a permit.

I've read up on the subject, and people say owning a fox is expensive, and that it takes a lot of patience. They say foxes require a lot more attention than dogs or cats do. Seeing as I've had both, I do have experience with pets. They also recommend having an outdoor enclosure for them so they can run around outside -- I've got room for that.

So... what do you think? Do you have a pet fox? Do you know someone who does? Is there any advice or opinion you can give me on the matter?

 

[aiden]

Hey there.

Ever since I watched some pet fox videos on YouTube a few years ago, I've thought it would be really cool to have a pet fox. I really like the way they look, they're adorable, and-- well, I guess I just love the animal.

With the death of my dog a few weeks ago, the desire to raise a domestic fox has grown. I learned a few weeks ago that, where I live, it's legal to own and raise a domestic fox without a permit.

I've read up on the subject, and people say owning a fox is expensive, and that it takes a lot of patience. They say foxes require a lot more attention than dogs or cats do. Seeing as I've had both, I do have experience with pets. They also recommend having an outdoor enclosure for them so they can run around outside -- I've got room for that.

So... what do you think? Do you have a pet fox? Do you know someone who does? Is there any advice or opinion you can give me on the matter?

I don't see why not.

 

[CanYouDont]

Okay so here's what you have to know. Several places do not allow the ownership of wild animals (this counts as animals that are not sold at pet stores like foxes) so make sure you can get one first. Second, they are not really domestic, a wild animal stays wild, there is no "taming" them only mellowing them out, but when it gets more mature it will act wild again and may run off forever, and you have to respect that. It's its nature. Third, they are extremely difficult to take care of, I would not recommend it unless you have the time and necessary items and money to take care of it. You also can't just take one out of the wild, that is illegal, you have to get one that's been born with humans and raised with humans.
They are very time consuming and if you are not willing to take on the responsibility please do not do it. I hate seeing wild animals being held where they shouldn't be and even worse, being mistreated. Do not do this on a whim, take some time to think about it and get over your dog, because as bad as this sounds, you could be acting on grief. It may look cool to own one, but it could be cruel to the animal and if you can't take care of it, please take it to someone who can immediately, do not wait because you think you eventually can, these beautiful creatures don't run on your idea of "eventually" they run on their time, not yours.

 

[Emviar]

I've checked, it's legal where I live. Of course, you can't just take one out of the wild -- I've only seen two in the wild at my house.

I'm not acting on grief, I'm sure of that. I've already had three pets die (he made the fourth), and I'm able to get over it relatively quickly. His sister is still here, so I wouldn't be able to raise a fox for a while anyway. I wouldn't get one "just to have one" -- I genuinely love the animal and I'd take care of it.

At this point, what's holding me back is the time/money. I live out in the country, so I'd have to build an enclosure for it. My other dog has one, but it's not nearly big enough for the needs of a fox. I have not, however, looked at the cost of raising one.

Thanks for your advice, but I'm not completely blind on the subject. I have done some research already. Right now, I'm just toying with the idea and not actually preparing to act on it.