Should You Keep a Russian Red Fox as a Pet?

The tame Russian red fox is the only domesticated breed of fox, developed through selective breeding experiments conducted in Russia. These foxes behave similarly to dogs and can make wonderful pets for those who can afford to buy and care for them, as they tend to be expensive. Curious, intelligent, and animated, a red fox requires attentive supervision to keep it out of trouble, but its cuddles and companionship may make the challenge worthwhile. Foxes can live in your home like a dog, but they will require an enclosure for unsupervised periods. They also need daily outdoor time for exercise. Foxes do not require a specialized diet; high-quality dog food works well, with supplementary fruits and vegetables. Grooming foxes can be one of the most demanding aspects of ownership because their long coats require frequent brushing, especially during shedding seasons.

Can You Own a Pet Russian Red Fox?

Legality

Before buying or adopting a fox, it's important to determine whether or not ownership is legal in your area. As of 2022, most states prohibit keeping foxes as pets. Sixteen states allow residents to own a fox, although regulations vary and often require obtaining unique permits. For example, in North Carolina, residents can own a fox as long as they obtain an exhibition license and use the animal for educational purposes. Check state and local regulations to ensure legal ownership, which also helps in securing proper veterinary care. Even exotic pet veterinarians will not treat illegally owned animals.

Ethics

Legally owning a domesticated Russian red fox does not pose ethical issues among people who understand that these tame animals have been bred to live with humans, not in the wild. Domesticated red foxes, particularly those of Russian descent, have been handled by humans for enough generations that they are content living the domestic life of a pet.

Things to Consider

If owning a Russian red fox is legal in your area, you may find this animal to be a delightful companion. These foxes are relatively well adapted to living alongside humans and behave similarly to domestic dogs, making their care familiar and manageable for people accustomed to owning dogs. All things considered, a Russian red fox makes a better pet than most other exotic species. However, foxes are intelligent, high-energy creatures that need plenty of exercise and stimulation. Expect to spend considerable time with your fox to keep it engaged, as boredom can lead to destructive behavior. A secure enclosure is essential when your fox is unsupervised, due to its natural inclination to urine-mark its territory.

Russian Red Fox Behavior and Temperament

Although sharing the same scientific name, Russian red foxes have been selectively bred for traits that distinguish them from wild foxes, rendering them domesticated. They have lower adrenaline levels and are less agitated in captivity, rarely showing aggression towards humans or the inclination to bite. Tame foxes tend to be friendly, with behaviors like tail wagging, licking, or whimpering with excitement similar to those of dogs.

Like their wild relatives, Russian red foxes are athletic, nimble, and possess abundant energy. They can leap over six feet high, enjoy digging, and are adept swimmers. Capable of running up to 30 miles per hour, they require ample playtime and environmental enrichment to stay happy and healthy. A bored fox may become unhappy and potentially destructive, engaging in digging and chewing household objects, or displaying an increased drive to scent-mark with urine. This territorial behavior intensifies if the fox is left ignored for prolonged periods.

Domestic foxes enjoy being part of a human family, including children, and get along well with other household pets, especially if raised with them. Many foxes appreciate being petted, held, and snuggled, making them comforting companions compared to many other exotic species.

Housing

A large enclosure (approximately 10 by 20 feet) is suitable for a pet fox. Ensure the pen is secure, with a buried fence to prevent your pet from digging out and to keep predators from getting in. The fence should be a minimum of seven feet high to contain these agile animals. A roof is recommended for protection against the elements. The enclosure should also include an indoor area with bedding, straw, or wood chips where your fox can comfortably nap.

Supervise your fox closely if it roams indoors. Secure breakables and valuables (including car keys) as pet foxes often grab and hide small objects. Keep electrical cords out of reach and consider childproof locks on cabinets. If your home is toddler-proofed, it should be relatively safe for a fox to explore.

What Do Russian Red Foxes Eat and Drink?

In the wild, red foxes are omnivores that eat small rodents, birds, raccoons, insects, reptiles, and plant materials, including fruits. In captivity, their diet can include grain-free dog food supplemented with fruit and vegetables. Purchase high-quality brands from pet stores, feeding your fox as per package directions for its weight, twice daily. Adjust portions if your fox is losing or gaining weight improperly. Use standard dog dishes for food and water.

Fruits and vegetables should only constitute a small portion of your fox's total diet. Typically, 1/4 cup daily works well as a supplement. They enjoy strawberries, blueberries, apples, carrots, and mushrooms. Some breeders recommend raw meat, eggs, and taurine supplements as well. Consult your breeder and veterinarian to establish the optimal diet for your fox.

Common Health Problems

Pet foxes are susceptible to most canine diseases, including rabies and distemper. It is crucial to research vaccines thoroughly and discuss options with your exotic pet veterinarian before deciding to vaccinate your pet fox, as some domestic foxes may react adversely to conventional vaccines. You're required to accept the risk and consequences if your unvaccinated fox contracts a disease or bites someone. Depending on local laws, your fox might be euthanized due to the rabies risk in any unvaccinated animal. Foxes can also contract livestock diseases like bovine tuberculosis, and they can transmit certain illnesses to humans and other pets.

Exercise

Pet foxes require substantial exercise. If you have a large yard, daily romps and ball-fetching games can help keep your fox fit and content. Without much outdoor space, you will need to walk your fox, provided it accepts a harness and leash. Your fox will be happiest with opportunities to run, jump, and play off-leash several times weekly.

Grooming

Like long-haired dogs, foxes need occasional baths. Use a gentle shampoo suitable for dog's skin and fur, bathing your fox in a sink or tub. Only bathe your fox when it seems particularly dirty from outdoor activities, or if its coat appears oily. Frequent bathing can dry out your fox's coat and skin, making it more susceptible to irritation and infections.

Shedding

Foxes have thick coats that require regular brushing, especially during the heavy shedding periods in spring and fall. Use a dog brush for daily grooming and a fur "rake" to reach and remove loose undercoat clumps that can become matted during shedding. Handle your fox gently during grooming to avoid causing pain or building distrust.

Size Information

The Russian red fox is approximately the size of a small to medium-sized dog, featuring a large, fluffy tail. Generally, females are smaller than males, which can weigh up to about 30 pounds. Foxes appear larger in winter when their full coat develops.

Training Your Russian Red Fox

Begin house training your fox as soon as possible using dog potty-training pads. Ideally, train it to eliminate in a designated area. Both male and female foxes tend to mark territory and food with urine, which may be challenging to train out of the animal. Fox urine has a strong odor, so be prepared. Avoid leaving your fox unsupervised indoors, as separation anxiety might lead to marking.

Pros and Cons of Keeping a Russian Red Fox as a Pet

Russian red foxes are visually stunning animals that appear wild but behave similarly to domestic dogs. They can be friendly and affectionate, providing delightful companionship to the right owner. Nevertheless, sourcing a fox can be challenging and costly, and legality may be an issue depending on where you live. A fox comes with responsibilities similar to those of a furry, active dog in terms of exercise, nutrition, and grooming. However, foxes tend to mark their territory with pungent urine and may cause damage due to digging or chewing when they feel lonely or agitated.

Purchasing Your Russian Red Fox

Importing Russian red foxes can exceed $10,000 in costs. A few domestic breeders might exist in the U.S., but you should ensure that the breed offered is genuinely a domesticated Russian red fox. Some unscrupulous breeders may sell wild American red fox kits under the guise of Russian red foxes. These will display untamed traits such as skittishness, aggression, and compulsive marking. They do not make suitable pets for most individuals.

Similar Pets to the Russian Red Fox

If you find the Russian red fox intriguing, consider these similar options:

• Fennec Fox Species Profile
• Best Foxes to Keep as Pets
• 10 Dog Breeds That Look the Most Like Foxes