A few other states may permit pet foxes but prevent you from importing one from outside the county or the state. They determined the fox was legal due to his silver coloring, proving he was a "domesticated" fox, which is legal in Virginia. Some states might technically allow foxes but prevent you from importing them, making obtaining them impossible. Photos of the enclosure may also be accepted. In this article a pet owner is NOT a USDA-licensed facility that does exhibition or educational work. "Fennec Fox" by Marit & Toomas Hinnosaar is licensed under CC BY 2.0. There are about 15 states where it would be legal to have a fox as a pet, such as Arkansas, Idaho, New York, etc. With that in mind, you have to wonder what exotic animals are legal to own in California? Gerbilsare a very common pet in the United States and some might be surprised to find them on the list of illegal pets inCalifornia. In California it is technically legal to own a fox as a pet. 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. Mice and rabbits are common options, and its also important that their diet include taurine, which could be from chicken hearts, gizzards, and livers. 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. The camel is also legal to own in California. In addition, to import any fox from out-of-state, you will be required to obtain a one-time importation permit, presumably this is given to pet owners for the cost of $25. Shes suddenly very weak and distant. This includes the Burmese python, reticulated python, and green anaconda. 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. I live in Dandridge, TN. Fennec foxes are the only species of fox legal in New York State because fennec fox owners got into contact with lawmakers and brought their pets in to sway this decision. Beyond the food requirements, you have to stimulate the feeding process. For starters you'll need to obtain a permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Foxes are considered to be non-traditional livestock. Where can I get more information about foxes? Always check the legality of owning a fox in your state before adopting one. If youre living in a state where its legal to own a fox, you still need to consider the decision. The California Natural Resources Agency, which includes the Department of Fish and Wildlife, bans a variety of exotic pets, one of them being ferrets. 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). Many states regulations have been unchanged for years, however, it is not impossible for any of the below information to be incorrect, therefore if there is any confusion about the legality of an animal that you are serious about obtaining, you may need to verify that information by calling the proper governing bodies. Fennec Fox. They also can become territorial and aggressive around other animals. Animals kept for personal pet or livestock purposes include, but are not limited to, cattle, sheep, swine, poultry, and rabbits. but you will be subjected to yearly inspections. Your email address will not be published. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on April 19, 2017: What if I get a marble fox or whatever it's called but it had some red in it but it was a marble fox and someone saw the red and called the animal place .oh I live in VA But what if they called on me and it had red and. Keep in mind, that not all big cats are legal in California. Thats not a surprise. As an average pet owner, a fox shouldnt be an animal you should consider. Because these pigs are so intelligent they will learn to open cupboards, pantries, and the fridge door. Native foxes (reds and greys) are Class 2 animals that require a permit which is reportedly distributed to pet owners. They are legal to own all over the country except a few states like Washington, Minnesota, Missouri, and Nevada. They will be able to provide you with more information about what to do. If you're interested in owning a fox as a pet there are a few things you should keep in mind. No. In California it is legal to own a fennec fox but it is not legal to own a red 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. Even if foxes are legally allowed as pets, they have peculiar needs and habits that make it challenging to have them as pets. All fox species require a Possession permit which costs $10 an animal to a maximum of $100. Foxes can be flighty. 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. I've heard both that the gray fox is both the most "cat-like" and the most "dog-like" of foxes, but I've never talked to anyone who kept one firsthand. The weakness is especially concerning. The chances of these animals turning to pests when introduced into an ecosystem where they dont naturally occur is a major issue. Although wild animal experts will differ on whether you can have them as pets, animal advocacy groups strongly advise against it. These facilities (sometimes this is a persons house) often can get permits in most states. The main reason why ferrets are illegal in California is to Protect Agriculture and Wildlife. It will cover the following topics: Due to the confusing nature of their legality and the complexity of their needs, it's absolutely vital to make sure you do extensive research before deciding to own a fox as a pet. California Fish and Game laws make it a misdemeanor to keep as a pet any animal that is. What should I do if I find a sick or injured fox? 2 Why is it illegal to own a fox in California? Here is a quick breakdown of some pros and cons of keeping a fox as a pet. Their behaviors might frustrate a person expecting the adaptability of a socialized dog or cat. Medical professionals are mandated to report such bites to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But beware, while they rarely bite they do have defensive responses that could pose some danger to your eyes. Red foxes are notorious for their "skunky" urine, and most will scent mark. Here is a quick breakdown of the regions where you can legally own certain species of foxes: Note: There are some other red fox color variations, including: marble, champagne, silver, silver cross, albino, piebald, and cinnamon. You can keep the constrictor snake as a pet in California. This is because legal has different meanings. The cost of the permit is $33 and it is only for animals that are captive-bred. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife states that escaped or abandoned pet ferrets pose a significant threat to Californias rare native wildlife including animals and birds, so they cannot be legally imported, transported, or possessed in California except with a permit issued usually for medical research or transporting rescued ferrets out of state. Licensed breeders are aloud to house the pet but have trouble selling to a open market inside California. 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. Foxes are individuals. The subject of domestication is a complex one, especially since there is little, if any, set criteria to define what a domesticated animal is. 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. 2. Less common, but sometimes available, are the swift, pale, and bat-eared foxes. Answer: No, you can't own an elephant in California. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. Yes, it is. If youre not interested in owning them yourself, you can visit one of thesealpaca farms in SouthernCalifornia. Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, Permit Required: All species except fennec foxes. In order ensure that a fox is legal to own where you live, you must do your own research by calling state officials. For starters,llamasare muchbigger averaging between 400 and 500 pounds whereas alpacas are lightweight by comparison, at only 200 pounds. 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. It is unknown if this applies to foxes in Category 2. The best thing about these exotic pets? They can go up to 7-8 feet in length, so you need lots of space and sometimes even a permit to own a Monitor Lizard. Melissa A Smith (author) from New York on July 26, 2020: I got a pearl fox from a vet in Morristown, TN. If youre planning to adopt a fox, go for one born in captivity. However, the best to keep as house pets are Fennec foxes and red foxes. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. I will still have to do some research. The Fennec Fox is visually impressive, and also extremely cute. In a small number of states, certain fox species are legal as pets, although most officials will try to discourage it. If you have neighbors, this could become a serious problem. These nocturnal mammals are known for their quills. It has been repeatedly found that owning a pet improves your happiness and length of life. Are you legally allowed to own a fox? Is it illegal to own a pet fox in California? They are wild animals and are not suited for life in captivity. There are many fennec fox owners in North Carolina that claim theyve had no problems. If you've read through this information, read both positive and negative testimonials from fox owners, and still can't shake the desire to pursue getting one, a good place to start looking up breeders is Exotic Animals for Sale. They are illegal to own in most states, and activists are eternally fighting to make it so in all states. Consequently, in most jurisdictions, if a pet fox or other exotic mammal bites someone and that person reports it, the animal will most likely be euthanized so it can be tested for rabies. This animal is playful, full of energy, and they can be obedient too. Monkeysare legal in roughly17 different U.S. statesincluding Washington state, Nevada,South Carolina,West Virginia, and Ohio. I know nothing whatsoever of the bat fox, but it's also likely not particularly similar to true foxes personality-wise. However, you may be able to find a backyard breeder that sells their foxes for as little as $200 to $700, with the red fox often being the cheapest option. 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. Source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. However, this permit is easily obtainable, and exotic pet ownership is more popular in the state as a result. Required fields are marked *. 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. One animal that is clearly restricted is the sloth. A variety of countries have.
