Domesticated foxes can make excellent pets. They are often described as giant cats or a mix between a cat and a puppy dog. Since these mammals are generally not normal pets, you need to be extra careful to make sure it is legal in your area to keep one and to prepare your home to house it. Foxes are not as suitable for home life as dogs and cats, so be sure to consider some important issues that can arise when trying to keep what is essentially a wild animal in your home.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare an Outdoor Space for the Fox
Step 1. Build a fence
Foxes that remain outdoors must remain inside an enclosure, otherwise they can go hunting by exploring the surrounding area. Choose an area that is at least 10 square meters. Purchase a large wire fence to use as a fox enclosure.
- Choose a sheltered area that is protected from the wind and direct sun.
- Find a spot where the ground is solid, rather than a wet or swampy area.
Step 2. Dig a hole about 90cm deep and insert the fence into the ground
Foxes dig to try to get out, so you need to be sure it extends well below the surface of the ground.
- A concrete floor is even better suited to keep the fox from digging under the fence, but it can be hard on its paws. Make sure you cover it with a little mulch.
- Another solution is to bury a wire mesh under the ground or mulch. This prevents the fox from coming out even if it were to dig.
Step 3. Build a roof
The enclosure must be covered to prevent the animal from climbing up and out.
Step 4. Enter a house such as a dog house
A sizeable kennel is great for providing the fox with a safe and secure place to sleep and relax. Fill it with blankets, hay or straw, or some other warm object that it can sleep on.
Step 5. Add games
Foxes are very active and like to have toys to distract themselves with. Try putting on several and see which ones he enjoys the most. Foxes generally like:
- Dog agility tunnel.
- Balls.
- Chewing gum games for dogs or cats.
- Fabric toys.
- Sticks are great for fun too!
Step 6. Add the bowls for water and food
Make sure they are very heavy. Just like a dog, the fox can playfully knock them over if they are light.
Step 7. Give her some shade
Find a way to give the animal some shade. Secure a tarp over the top of the fence or add some sort of adjustable roof.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing to Welcome a Fox Inside the House
Step 1. Make your home pet-proof
Foxes can cause a lot of confusion around the house, so make sure to prepare it as you would for a new puppy or kitten.
- Some foxes can learn to live indoors, but remember that they are still wild animals, so be prepared for it to be quite a burden.
- Foxes that spend most of their time indoors also need an outdoor enclosure. These mammals love to run and play, so they need to have an outdoor space to spend time in. You should never leave the fox indoors unsupervised, so it's important to build an outdoor enclosure for when you're not around.
Step 2. Get her a litter box
Sometimes it is possible to train this animal to use the litter box just like cats.
- A covered litter box may be the best solution, as foxes love to dig.
- Any type of cat litter size suitable for cats is fine.
- It is not always possible to train the fox to use it, because, after all, it is a wild animal. Keep this in mind as well before choosing a fox as a pet.
Step 3. Prepare bowls for food and water
Remember to get some heavy models so the fox doesn't knock them over.
Step 4. Get some toys
Provide her with some toys so she can play when she is around the house.
Even if you have some toys for her in the outdoor enclosure, you should still get some more for when she's indoors, so that she doesn't bring the outdoor ones that are dirty
Step 5. Find a doghouse
Get a nice bed for your fox. Some dogs find it pleasant to sleep in the same bed as you, but others prefer their own kennel. In this case they behave a bit like cats.
Step 6. Buy a brush
Foxes shed a lot during the summer months, so they need regular brushing.
Part 3 of 3: Caring for the House Fox
Step 1. Check your local laws
Keeping a fox indoors is illegal in many countries. Where they are allowed, foxes are considered exotic animals and a license may be required. Make sure you get it before you buy or adopt this animal.
- Check to see if there are any state or regional laws governing this matter. Sometimes, even if a state law allows detention, local laws do not always allow it.
- Contact your Municipality or the relevant ASL.
Step 2. Find a veterinarian
Find a vet in your area who is willing to take charge of the fox's health. Finding one available would be really great, as this animal needs to undergo vaccines, therapies, regular check-ups and periodic medical treatments, just like other pets.
- Not all vets are qualified to care for foxes, and many are unwilling to care for exotic animals. Make sure you find one that is available and qualified.
- Find the vet before getting the fox. It can be a very difficult task to find a doctor who is able and willing to deal with animals that are not your typical pets.
- The ideal is to organize annual visits to always keep an eye on your pet's health.
- Carefully keep any test results and fox medical records in case any health problems arise.
Step 3. Consider other pets
You shouldn't welcome a fox into your home if you have other smaller pets. Foxes in the wild eat small animals, so you shouldn't get it if you have others, especially birds or rodents.
Never leave the fox alone with other animals
Step 4. Get her food
Foxes are omnivorous and can eat a wide variety of foods. Provide her with high-quality food such as medium-sized dog food and ask your vet for other possible foods that are suitable for her.
- Proper nutrition can include meat and vegetables to supplement the dog food that you can give her as a staple food. However, always ask your vet for confirmation.
- Leave some dog food outside, which the fox can eat during the day. Try adding a can of wet cat food mixed with vegetables once a day to her diet.
Step 5. Choose your foods carefully
Check with your vet to find a list of foods you shouldn't give the fox. Never give her any food that could harm cats or dogs. Some typical foods that are bad for you are:
- Avocado.
- Caffeine.
- Chocolate.
- Grapes and raisins.
- Green eggplants.
- Peppers.
- Tomatoes.
- Green potatoes.
- Walnuts and macadamia nuts.
- Cores and seeds of apples, cherries and peaches.
- Xylitol (wood sugar).
Step 6. Keep the fox on a leash, put the dog tag and collar on it
Always keep her on a leash or in the enclosure when she is outdoors. Remember that it is wild and kills other animals, even if it is not hungry, including neighbors' pets. Make sure she always has a collar and tag so she won't be mistaken for a wild fox in case she escapes.
Step 7. Get her to exercise
Foxes are very energetic animals and need a lot of exercise. Let her vent at least an hour or two a day so that at the end she is exhausted.
Step 8. Use a specific harness for pets
Always make him wear it when you take it for a walk. The collar is used for identification, but the leash must be connected to a harness because if you attach it to the collar you could suffocate the animal.
Step 9. Take care of his teeth
Foxes, like dogs and cats, can also have cavities, so it's important to brush their teeth. Every three days or weekly should be fine, depending on your diet.
