Top Pet Fox Species and How to Care for Them

Foxes resemble domesticated dogs since they belong to the canine family. They are unique as they can expertly climb trees. Pet foxes are cute, comical, and sly escape artists but require specific care when raised at home. This includes litter box training and socializing with family and other pets.

States have varying laws regarding exotic pets. A pet fox might be classified as a wild canine, small canine, non-domesticated species, exotic animal, or native wildlife. Ensure it's legal to own one in your area.

Explore 10 fox species that are kept as pets and discover why some are better companions than others.

1. Fennec Fox

   The big-eared fennec fox (Vulpes zerda) is the most popular pet fox. They are bred privately across the U.S. and cost several thousand dollars. Their small size, long lifespan, and sweet nature make them popular pets. However, they might not be suitable for homes with small children or other pets due to their nippy behavior. As the smallest fox breed, they are delicate and need protection from rough play. Fennec foxes can vocalize a variety of sounds including whimpers, growls, shrieks, wails, whines, barks, squeaks, and howls.

   Species Overview

   Length: 12 to 16 inches

   Weight: 2 to 4 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Long, thick hair cream or fawn in color; extremely large bat-like ears; hairy feet

2. Red Fox

   The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is less popular than fennec foxes but is said to be as sweet as house cats. Though not domesticated, they have some drawbacks. Their urine is notably the smelliest among fox breeds, although spaying or neutering can somewhat reduce the odor. They also love digging and need more space than other breeds. Silver foxes, a domesticated red fox variety bred in Russia, have reduced urine odor and better temperaments.

   Species Overview

   Length: 36 to 42 inches

   Weight: 8 to 15 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Long snouts with large pointy ears; red fur across the face, back, sides, and tail; grayish-white throat, chin, and belly; black feet and black-tipped ears; fluffy white-tipped tail

3. Silver Fox (Domesticated)

   The silver fox, also known as the tame Siberian fox or Sibfox, is a domesticated variety of the red fox (Vulpes vulpes). Bred through a selective program in Russia, silver foxes exhibit distinct characteristics and genetic traits from red foxes. True domesticated silver foxes are exclusively available from Russia, are difficult to acquire, and may cost up to $10,000.

   Silver foxes have a dog-like nature and minimal odor. Traits bred into them include tail-wagging when happy, barking, and floppier ears. Their care is similar to other fox breeds. For an easier pet fox, consider a fennec or gray fox.

   Species Overview

   Length: 36 to 42 inches

   Weight: 8 to 15 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Long snouts with large pointy ears; black to bluish-gray to silver coat with a white-tipped tail; silver hairs may be scattered all over

4. Arctic Fox

   The arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus) resembles the red fox but is smaller and less commonly kept as a pet. Adapted to Arctic life, it is sensitive to heat and may overheat more easily than other foxes, requiring cooling measures. In the U.S., limited breeding stock has led to overbreeding and genetic issues in some arctic foxes.

   Similar to red foxes, its urine and scent glands make it a smelly pet choice. It's not well-suited for indoor life due to scent-marking. It enjoys playing in sand and dirt, often turning its litter box into a recreational area. Despite these quirks, it can have a pleasant temperament.

   Species Overview

   Length: 28 inches

   Weight: 6 to 10 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Dark gray to brown to bluish-brown coat in the summer; white or creamy white thick coat in winter; long, bushy tail; short nose; small curled-back ears; short, stubby legs

5. Gray Fox

   Gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) were once the most common U.S. fox. Human encroachment has allowed red foxes to dominate. Gray foxes are the calmest and most amiable. Unlike other foxes, they are friendly with people but can never be fully housebroken. Their urine isn't as pungent as other species, yet they can cause trouble indoors by digging, marking territory, and chewing on various items.

   Species Overview

   Length: 31 to 45 inches

   Weight: 8 to 14 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Peppery gray coat on top, reddish-brown on its sides, chest, and back of head; reddish-colored legs and feet; long, bushy tail with a black stripe on top; pointed ears; pointed muzzle; long, hooked claws

6. Bat-Eared Fox

   The bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis) is a rare species to own as a pet. Native to African plains, they are primarily insectivorous, with termites and dung beetles comprising 80% of their diet. As pets, they can eat meat and vegetables. Though some owners keep them indoors, they require an escape-proof enclosure and have tendencies to dig and scent mark.

   Species Overview

   Length: 18 to 26 inches

   Weight: 6 to 12 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Unusually large ears; yellowish-gray coat; black face and legs; black-tipped ears and tail

7. Swift Fox

   Swift foxes (Vulpes velox) originate from North American grasslands and are rare in the exotic pet trade. Known for their loving temperament, they are quieter and less energetic than fennec foxes. They are reportedly easier to litter train. As omnivores, their diet consists of grasses, fruits, small mammals, carrion, and insects. In the wild, they live up to 6 years, but as pets, they can reach 14 years.

   Species Overview

   Length: 31 inches

   Weight: 4 to 7 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Dark, grayish, tan coat coloration that extends to a yellowish-tan color across its sides and legs; pale yellow to white-colored throat, chest, and belly; black-tipped tail; black patches on its muzzle; large ears

8. Kit Fox

   The kit fox (Vulpes macrotis) is closely related to the swift fox, sharing similar size and native habitat in southwestern North America. Naturally inquisitive, they are unafraid of humans and can bond deeply with owners. An omnivore in the wild, as pets, they require a varied diet of high-quality, protein-rich dog food, cooked or raw meats, vegetables, and fruits. Special treats like hidden crickets or mealworms can stimulate their foraging instincts.

   This species rarely makes noise, but when it does, you'll hear low barks or growls. It's one of the easiest foxes to litter or potty pad train. Since foxes like to climb, provide a cat tree or condo. Also, provide a sandbox for digging, one of their favorite activities.

   Species Overview

   Length: 12 to 20 inches

   Weight: 3 to 6 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Big-eared; grayish orange topcoat with a white underbelly; black-tipped tail

9. Pale (Pallid) Fox

   The pale fox (Vulpes pallida) is native to the Sahara Desert. This species is another rarity in the exotic pet trade. If you can find one, they usually need to be imported and can cost upwards of $4,000. Pale foxes are a low-odor species, easier to train than fennec foxes, and have a friendly disposition. They tend to be vocal and make loud, high-pitched screeches like fennec foxes.

   Species Overview

   Length: 15 to 17 inches

   Weight: 4 to 6 pounds

   Physical Characteristics: Pale, sandy-colored coat; whitish underbelly; long-bodied; relatively short legs; narrow muzzle; long ears and rounded at the top; bushy, black-tipped tail

10. Corsac Fox

    Corsac foxes (Vulpes corsac) hail from northern Asia. Rarely kept as pets in the U.S., you are more likely to find them as pets in the U.K. This species is commonly compared to swift foxes in behavior, care, and appearance. Corsac foxes are much easier to potty-train than most foxes, however, they do tend to scent mark and their urine is pungent. If the fox is not bathed regular, its coat will be smelly. If you keep this species in the home, give it a climbing structure. Expect the fox to heavily shed its coat once a year in the spring.

    Species Overview

    Height: 19 to 24 inches

    Weight: 6 pounds

    Physical Characteristics: Thick, soft gray coat with silvery tones and whitish underside; black-tipped tail