It is strictly regulated.
Owning a pet fox in Minnesota requires compliance with state wildlife laws and local ordinances, as the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) classifies foxes as wild animals. While not outright banned, permits are mandatory, and ownership is restricted to native species like the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) or gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), with stringent health and containment standards enforced by the DNR and local animal control agencies.
Key Regulations for Owning a Pet Fox in Minnesota
- Permit Requirements: A Wild Animal Possession Permit is mandatory, issued only for educational, scientific, or rehabilitation purposes. Pet ownership permits are rare and typically denied unless the applicant demonstrates exceptional circumstances, such as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator transitioning an unreleasable fox.
- Species Restrictions: Only native fox species are eligible; non-native species (e.g., fennec foxes) are prohibited under Minnesota Statutes § 97.455. The DNR strictly enforces this to prevent ecological disruption and disease transmission.
- Enclosure and Welfare Standards: Permitted foxes must be housed in primary enclosures meeting USDA Animal Welfare Act standards, including secure fencing (minimum 8 feet tall), predator-proof materials, and environmental enrichment. Violations may result in permit revocation or confiscation, as outlined in Minnesota Rules Chapter 6230.