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Today, a friend I was chatting with on MSN was telling me about a trip she had been on and happened to say "I got a new pet, and you'll never guess what it is"After coming up with some of the sillyist guesses I could think of ( elephant, alien, dinosaur, homer simpson, ect) she finnaly gave in and just told me, a skunk.She also said that the place she had bought her new pet also had a fox for sale o.O When I heard this, I had to resist the urge to grab my shoes and run to the states. I have always dreamed of having a pet fox, even more then a huskie or German Shepard ( my favroite dog breeds)...well, maybe not more, but just as much ^.^''Anyhow, at first I was quite suspicious, this almost sounded like some sort of black market selling wild animals, but she told me that it was 100% legal I still had some doubts, but could not keep myself from doing a little research on google. And what I found was anything but dissapointing.It seems that people really can and do keep foxes as pets. Most places seem to require you to have a speacil permit to own one, and there are plenty of places where they aren't allowed at all, but still, having a fox to cuddle and live with really isn't just the wonderful fantasy I always thought it was.After reading this, it probably comes as no suprise tht I really...REALLY want a pet fox, but I am not about to rush into anything, in fact, even if I do decide to get one, it probably won't be for at least a few years. I really want to know everything I can about keeping a fox as a pet, what one requires to live a healthy, safe and happy life, and if they are even allowed where I live, Nova Scotia, Canada. There's only so much research I can do on my own and I don't want to miss anything important. Any information you can give would be GREATLY appreciated.On another note, how do you guys feel about having a pet fox. I am really quite conflicted. I mean, they are a wild animal and really belong in the nature, but if I can provide a loveing, comfortable home for a fox that was going to end up as someone's pet anyway, is there really anything wrong with that?I'd like nothing more then to have a pet fox, but if the animal wouldn't be able to live a happy life, then there is no point in getting one.
Some of the most common problems I have seen mentioned so far are1. Many people are saying they require a speacil permit which can be quite costly and difficult to obtainIt really dosen't matter how hard it is to get or what it costs, if I need one, I won't give up untill I have it.2. Foxes stinkCall me crazy, but I actually kind of like the smell. And like skunks, ferrets and other animals, the scent glands can be removed ( I don't really like that idea though ) 3. They are really energetic and even when raised from a kit ( which is the only way i would consider buying one) keep some of there wild habbitsI would be more then willing to spend plenty of time training and playing with the fox,. Granted, they may be nearly impossible to train, but I wouldn't mind putting up with a few bad habbits.if for any reason I couldn't do any of these things, I would not get the fox to begin with.sigh... I may be coming off as ignorant and just plain stupid, but I would do nearly anything for a fox
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I have heard some interesting things about foxes, here, check this out: http://www.ozfoxes.com/aafoxes.htm#PetsTheres a FAQ section in there with links to questions regarding foxes as pets. EDIT: Linked directly to the pet section.
Its a nice idea but doesn't seem very likely for most people, and after reading that article doesn't make you feel all that confident about it, good luck
TI have had a gray fox visiting my yard for several years now. I call him Michael J. He is very tolerant and I can approach him to about 6 feet if I avoid direct eye contact. He is definitely not domesticated and I would not want to change him.Foxes are often nocturnal also. Beverly
owning exotic animals is not for everyone, however you sound like you would make a good owner.For one thing you have thought about it and would only do it if the conditions are right. You have the animal's needs at mind first and foremost, and put that above your desires.Some people will think "I want something different" and run out and buy the first exotic species they find.10 for you for thinking this through.I really want a kinkajou (south american critter, related to raccoon, if you don't know) and have researched on them. This has been on my mind for many years, and it will be many more years before I ever get one. These type of animals are expensive. A very important thing you must remember is vet care. Do you know a vet that would be willing to care for your fox if you got one? It would have to have proper shots (rabies, especially) and have frequent check-ups, not to mention if it gets sick, its important to know who can help your pet get well again.
Thank you for the replies everyone. I was half expecting to get at least a few "Don't do it. it's a bad idea"but I'm very grateful that everyone can see that I am quite serious about it and have the animal's best intrests in mind.That site looks pretty helpful, Ravana. Many thanks for posting it From what I have heard, vets need some kind of speacil training to deal with exotic animals, so I will search around and find one who is quallified beforehand so that I can get my baby his/her shots and keep him/her in good health.One of my main fears is, if for some reason I am owning a fox dosen't work out, I don't know what I would do. There is no way I could stand to have it put down, and a human raised fox wouldn't stand a chance in the wild.
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QUOTE One of my main fears is, if for some reason I am owning a fox dosen't work out, I don't know what I would do. There is no way I could stand to have it put down, and a human raised fox wouldn't stand a chance in the wild.yeah, that is a very important thing to keep in mind. A pet of any kind is a full responsibility, and you can't dump a fox at the pound like some people do with dogs/cats. And of course release him into the wild, and he will go to the wrong guy begging for food... Personally I think movies like "fox and the hound" give people the wrong idea.
Yes, in the US, you can own foxes as pets. I advise against it though. Foxes are not domestic animals. They are wild creatures and do not enjoy being in captivity. Unlike dogs and cats, they are not companion animals. I know the thought of owning an exotic pet can be exciting, but its just not a wise thing to do. Foxes kept as pets are no more than a few generations from the wild, most being the offspring or grand-offspring of wild foxes. Foxes are still being captured from the wild to make "pets" and this causes them extreme distress. Those that aren't killed for other purposes end up spending their lives in cages, which is unnatural and stressful to them. Trappers routinely kill the parents and take the pups to sell as pets. It's impossible to provide a fox, or any other wild animal, with the proper care in captivity. Zoos are constantly being asked to take in exotic animals, and other than the Austin Zoo, most refuse to. Most "breeders" will not take back the foxes they produce, and unwanted animals are dumped back in the wild or at rescues, where they will die or be euthanized because they cannot survive in the wild. Foxes can also transmit disease to humans. The most common problem in captive foxes is mange. Ones that are not vaccinated can contract rabies, distemper, lepto, and other diseases. Sadly there is little to no government regulation on exotic pets. They are considered native wildlife and the sale of them is very hard, if not impossible, to control. There are hundreds of unwanted foxes in rescues or sanctuaries because they cannot be placed in homes and are unable to return to the wild. Currenlty no state has a ban on keeping foxes as pets. Please do not purchase a fox as a pet. Adopt or purchase a small dog. Shiba Inus resemble foxes, in my opinion. They are tons of them in rescues. There are also some very nice Shibas from breeders. Be careful, as it is very hard to find a quality Shiba Inu breeder. I attached a picture of a fox in a trap. Her babies were sold into the pet trade. She was made into a coat.
QUOTE I attached a picture of a fox in a trap. Her babies were sold into the pet trade. She was made into a coat. That makes my soul hurt. (Which is to say, I didn't really need to know that.)
very good post, lucky13
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QUOTE Personally I think movies like "fox and the hound" give people the wrong idea.Exactly the movie I thought of, when I read the OP
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