It is strictly regulated.
Owning a pet fox in Colorado is prohibited under state wildlife regulations unless the animal is a domesticated red fox (Vulpes vulpes) acquired from a licensed breeder pre-2015, per Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Directive 2024-03. Local jurisdictions, such as Denver County, impose additional bans via municipal codes, and 2026 legislative proposals may further restrict exotic pet ownership. Violations risk confiscation, fines up to $1,000, or misdemeanor charges under CRS § 33-6-109.
Key Regulations for Owning a Pet Fox in Colorado
- State-Level Restrictions: CPW permits are required for non-domesticated species; red foxes born after 2015 are ineligible. Exotic pet permits under CRS § 33-1-108 are rarely granted for foxes.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Boulder and Fort Collins explicitly ban fox ownership via animal control codes, with enforcement handled by local animal services.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Proposed amendments to CRS § 33-6-109 may classify all fox species as “restricted wildlife,” eliminating loopholes for pre-2015 domesticated foxes.
Exemptions exist for educational or rehabilitative purposes under CPW-issued permits, but private ownership remains effectively barred. Prospective owners must verify municipal codes and CPW directives annually, as regulations evolve with legislative sessions.