No, owning a pet fox in France is prohibited under the Code de l’environnement (Article L411-1) and Arrêté du 10 août 2004, which classify foxes (Vulpes vulpes) as protected wildlife. Exceptions require a déroge (derogation) from the Direction Régionale de l’Environnement, de l’Aménagement et du Logement (DREAL), but these are rarely granted for private ownership. The 2026 draft revisions to the Stratégie Nationale pour la Biodiversité may further tighten restrictions.
Key Regulations for Owning a Pet Fox in France
- Wildlife Protection Status: Foxes are listed under Annexe III of the Convention de Washington (CITES) and Annexe III of the Règlement (CE) n°338/2003, requiring strict permits for any possession.
- Derogation Requirements: A déroge from DREAL is mandatory, with criteria including scientific research, rehabilitation, or circus use—private pet ownership is explicitly excluded.
- Local Enforcement: Prefectures and Office Français de la Biodiversité (OFB) actively monitor illegal possession, with fines up to €150,000 and 3 years imprisonment under Article L415-3 of the Code de l’environnement.