Can You Own A Fox In Michigan? Everything You Need To Know

Owning a pet fox is an appealing prospect for many animal lovers. With their bushy tails and pointed faces, foxes are undeniably adorable. But is fox ownership legal in Michigan? Let’s take a closer look.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: It is legal to own a fox in Michigan, but only if it is a domesticated fox from a licensed breeder. Wild foxes cannot be kept as pets in the state.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about legally owning a fox in Michigan. We’ll discuss the state laws and regulations around private fox ownership, where to acquire a fox, proper fox care and housing requirements, and more.

Whether you’re seriously considering getting a pet fox or are just curious about the laws, read on for the full scoop!

Laws and Regulations on Fox Ownership in Michigan

Foxes Classified as ‘Inherently Dangerous’ Animals

In Michigan, foxes are classified as inherently dangerous animals under the state’s Large Carnivore Act. This means that private citizens are largely prohibited from owning foxes as pets in the state. The law applies to both native fox species like red foxes and gray foxes, as well as non-native species like fennec foxes.

There are a few key reasons that foxes are considered dangerous in Michigan:

• Foxes have strong jaws and sharp teeth capable of seriously injuring humans, especially children. There have been reported cases of pet foxes biting their owners.
• Foxes can potentially transmit rabies. While rare, rabid foxes can exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans.
• Foxes have not undergone enough domestication to reduce their wild instincts. They remain largely untamed compared to dogs and cats.

Because of these risks, Michigan prohibits owning, breeding, importing, and selling foxes without proper permits. Violators can face steep fines and even misdemeanor charges for owning a fox illegally.

Exemption for Domesticated Foxes from Licensed Breeders

While owning wild foxes is banned, there is one exemption to Michigan’s fox laws. People may legally own foxes from licensed breeders that have undergone a domestication process. This applies primarily to Russian domesticated foxes that have been selectively bred for multiple generations to reduce their wild tendencies and behaviors.

To qualify for this exemption, proof must be provided that the fox comes from an established domesticated breeder. The animal must be spayed/neutered. Owners must also follow containment requirements, which often include:

• Outdoor enclosures with at least 200 square feet of space, 6-foot fences, and dig guards
• Indoor enclosures when unsupervised, similar to dogs/cats
• Leashed when in public, with proper handling precautions

Failure to follow these requirements can still result in penalties. Overall, legal options to own foxes in Michigan remain very limited compared to other exotic pets. Residents should thoroughly research laws and breeder credibility before attempting to purchase a fox.

Where to Acquire a Pet Fox in Michigan

Buying from Licensed Breeders Within Michigan

For those looking to legally own a pet fox in Michigan, purchasing from a licensed breeder within the state is the best option. There are a few breeders in Michigan that specialize in raising and selling domesticated foxes as pets.

However, it’s important to note that owning foxes in Michigan requires obtaining both a fur harvester license and a permit from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Licensed fox breeders in Michigan have to adhere to regulations set by the DNR, which include housing requirements, animal care standards, record keeping and more. Reputable breeders should provide health and vaccination records for all foxes.

They should also be willing to answer any questions potential owners may have about the realities of fox ownership.

Some things to consider when buying a fox from a Michigan breeder:

• Breeder’s reputation – Look at online reviews and testimonials
• Health and temperament of foxes – Make sure they have been well socialized
• Housing setup and accessories included – Proper caging is required by the DNR
• Vet records and health guarantees – Foxes should be vaccinated and dewormed
• Price -Foxes from quality breeders often range from $500-$1500

Doing thorough research before choosing a breeder can help ensure a good fit. Some well-known licensed fox breeders in Michigan include Belle Isle Fox Farm, Circle B Fox Ranch, and Roo Ranch Foxes.

Importing a Fox from Out-of-State Breeders

Those who want more options for acquiring a pet fox may look into importing one from reputable breeders located out-of-state. However, there are important regulations and permit requirements to keep in mind.

Out-of-state foxes cannot be freely brought into Michigan. A permit must be obtained in advance from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). Permit applications require listing the breeder’s contact information,health records, and more.

If approved, the permit will be valid for 30 days.

Foxes imported into Michigan must also meet the following requirements:

• At least 7 weeks old
• Vaccinated against rabies
• Accompanied by a health certificate from a licensed vet
• Microchipped or tattooed for identification

Those importing a fox will need to present the MDARD permit and health paperwork to customs officials upon arrival to Michigan. Quarantining may also be required.

Reputable out-of-state breeders will be familiar with Michigan’s regulations and can assist with the permitting process. But ultimately the buyer takes responsibility for obtaining the proper documentation before pickup or transport.

While importing a fox opens up more breeder options, purchasing from reputable licensed sources within Michigan reduces the hassle and risks. But with proper planning and permits, those set on a particular breeder can import a fox to Michigan and obtain the required in-state ownership permits.

Proper Care and Housing for Pet Foxes

Dietary Needs

Foxes are obligate carnivores, meaning they need a diet consisting primarily of meat. In the wild, foxes eat small mammals like rats, rabbits and mice as well as birds, eggs, insects, and fruit. For pet foxes, it’s important to replicate their natural diet as much as possible.

A nutritionally complete raw or cooked meat diet is ideal. Turkey, chicken, duck, rabbit, and venison are excellent protein sources. Organ meats like liver, kidney, and heart can also be fed. Fruits, vegetables, eggs, and insects can be given for variety.

It’s essential to ensure pet foxes get enough taurine in their diet. Commercial dog and cat foods are deficient in this key amino acid for foxes. Foxes also require more calcium than dogs. A supplement or whole ground bone can help meet calcium needs if not feeding a whole prey diet.

Clean, fresh water should always be available. Food and water bowls should be stainless steel or ceramic. Plastic can harbor bacteria.

Enclosure Requirements

Foxes are very active and energetic. They need lots of space to run and play. The minimum enclosure size for a pet fox is generally considered to be 200 square feet of outdoor space, plus a large enclosed den area.

The enclosure should have fencing sunk into the ground to prevent digging and climbing out.

Foxes love to climb, so multi-level enclosures with ramps and platforms are great enrichment. Providing opportunities for climbing and jumping is essential. Trees and branches also allow them to display natural tree-climbing behaviors.

Foxes are diggers too. Providing an area with soft soil or sand allows them to dig dens. Log rolls, tunnels, and boxes give them additional places to hide and sleep.

The enclosed den area should be temperature controlled and draft-free. It needs to be large enough for sleeping, eating, and litter. Adding blankets, hay, and hide boxes provides comfort and security.

Enrichment and Activity

In the wild, foxes cover large territories and are constantly active, hunting prey and patrolling their range. Pet foxes have lots of energy and need sufficient enrichment and exercise every day to prevent boredom and frustration.

Providing interactive puzzle toys, tubes, and boxes encourages natural foraging behavior. Rotating and hiding food and treats keeps them active and engaged. Allowing access to dirt or sand to dig in is very enriching for foxes.

Daily play time outside of their enclosure is essential. Multiple 30-60 minute supervised play sessions are ideal. Foxes enjoy exploring new environments. Walks on a lead allow them to smell, see and experience novel stimuli.

Socialization is also very important. Foxes are naturally social animals. Housing pet foxes in compatible pairs provides companionship and social enrichment. Even solitary foxes benefit from daily positive interaction with their caretakers.

With space for exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization, pet foxes can exhibit their lively, inquisitive personalities and live happy lives in human care.

Other Important Considerations for Prospective Fox Owners

Vet Care

Owning an exotic pet like a fox comes with some unique veterinary care requirements. Since foxes are not domesticated animals, there are few vets with expertise in their medical needs. Finding an experienced exotic veterinarian nearby may be challenging.

Even routine checkups and preventative care can be costlier for foxes than dogs or cats due to the specialty expertise required.

Common health issues seen in captive foxes include dental problems, skin conditions, gastrointestinal issues, and parasites. As strict carnivores, they have specific dietary needs to avoid nutritional imbalances.

Since an owner’s home is an unnatural environment, stress and boredom can also impact a fox’s wellbeing over time.

Behavioral Challenges

Foxes are very intelligent wild animals with strong natural instincts. They tend to be shy and skittish around people. While breeders have worked for decades to produce tamer foxes through selective breeding programs, they still retain many behaviors that make ownership difficult:

• Marking territory with urine and scents
• Destructive chewing behaviors
• Excessive vocalizations like screeching
• Aggression towards children and other pets

Their activity patterns can be disruptive for owners as they are most active at dawn and dusk. Patience and an experienced hand are required to properly train a fox. Even then, problematic behaviors may persist in the home.

Costs of Fox Ownership

The purchase price of a fox ranges from $500-$2500 depending on breeder and location. But the expense does not stop there. Owning a fox has estimated first year costs of around $5000-8000 and ongoing annual costs of $2000-4000.

These costs include:

As evidenced in this pet fox ownership cost breakdown, the expenses add up quickly. From constructing proper outdoor housing to feeding a species-appropriate raw food diet to providing sufficient mental stimulation, foxes are not a casual pet commitment.

Conclusion

Foxes are enchanting, intelligent creatures that can potentially make for unique pets. However, owning a fox is a major commitment and requires extensive research and preparation. While it is legal in Michigan to own certain domesticated fox breeds, prospective owners must fully understand the needs of foxes and be ready to provide appropriate care.

We hope this guide has helped elucidate the laws and regulations around private fox ownership in Michigan. Please carefully consider all factors before deciding if a pet fox is right for you. With adequate knowledge and preparation, you can have an enriching experience owning one of these amazing animals.