Can I Take Care Of A Fennec Fox?

Are you familiar with the regulation in your state about owning a fennec fox?

Do you mind having a pet that may not enjoy when handled?

Do you mind having a pet that can be very vocal?

Do you mind having a pet that can potentially destroy your furniture and valuables?

Can you provide a large enclosure that is designed to prevent your fennec from digging under or climbing over the walls?

Can you provide a varied diet of meat and plants that fennec fox require?

Do you have an exotics veterinarian that can treat fennec foxes?

Most parts of the United States have some regulations regarding fennecs, from outright bans to simply requiring a permit. Plus, some local laws might conflict with state laws, so be sure to check the regulations for exactly where you live.

Fennec foxes tend to be independent as pets. They might enjoy playing with their humans at times, but then there will be other times when they prefer to play alone. The majority of pet fennecs will allow people they know to pick them up, but most don’t seem to enjoy being handled.

Fennecs make a variety of vocalizations to express their moods, and some can be very loud. They’re certainly not a good fit for someone who prefers a quiet pet.

While indoors, your fennec will likely jump on furniture and could potentially knock over decorations and other items as it plays. So it's important to put away breakables and anything that might injure your animal.

Fennec fox requires their enclosure to be as large as possible to get enough exercise. The pen must be designed to prevent your fennec from digging under or climbing over the walls, both of which these foxes are quite good at doing.

In the wild, fennec foxes are omnivores that eat a varied diet of meat and plants, including rodents, birds, insects, and fruit. Most owners feed their fennecs a mix of dog food, cat food, vegetables, and fruit. It's especially important to make sure a fennec's diet has an adequate amount of taurine, an amino acid that’s key for many metabolic processes in the body.

You can take care of a fennec fox!

Before you consider getting a fennec fox, you must make sure there is an exotic veterinarian near you who will treat it. Fennecs need preventative care similar to dogs. They should be routinely vaccinated for rabies, canine distemper virus, parvovirus, and adenovirus. Your vet should be able to recommend the correct course of vaccines. A yearly wellness exam is recommended, and your vet will advise you on deworming, heartworm prevention, and flea control if necessary.