It is strictly regulated.
Owning a pet fox in Canada is prohibited in most provinces under wildlife protection laws, with exceptions for licensed facilities or indigenous communities. The Species at Risk Act (SARA) and provincial regulations, such as Ontario’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, classify foxes as wildlife, requiring permits for possession. Recent 2026 amendments to Quebec’s Loi sur la conservation de la faune tighten restrictions, mandating veterinary inspections for any exotic pet exemptions.
Key Regulations for Owning a Pet Fox in Canada
- Federal Restrictions: SARA prohibits the possession of native fox species (e.g., red fox, Arctic fox) without a permit from the Canadian Wildlife Service. Non-native species (e.g., fennec fox) may require import permits under the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (WAPPRIITA).
- Provincial Bans: British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba explicitly ban private ownership of foxes under wildlife conservation acts. Ontario allows permits only for educational or scientific purposes, with no personal pet exemptions.
- Municipal Bylaws: Cities like Toronto enforce additional restrictions via municipal animal bylaws, requiring compliance with provincial permits and zoning laws for exotic pet ownership.