is it legal to have wolfs and foxes as pets?

Question

I remember reading somewhere about a group of psychologists who successfully breeded domestic foxes, and I was wondering if it was legal to have them since they are tamed and docile. I've always liked wolfs, and I want to have one as a pet. Not a real one, but a wolf-dog hybrid, since I know wolfs are hard to take care of. Are these hybrids legal in california? and if so, where can i get them

Answer 1

Hello

The fox experiment you spoke of was in Russia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tame_Silver_Fox

I'd like to start by saying wolves and wolfdogs are considered companion animals rather then pets. A beagle is an example of a pet. Wolves and wolfdogs require a much higher level of care than an ordinary "pet". Not everyone is up to the challenge in owning them.

Some U.S. state laws will regulate both wild animals and their hybrids. Some will specifically state what animals are to be regulated - such as wolfdogs & coydogs. Many places will regulate only pure "wild" animals but not their hybrids.

In Canada, some provinces are illegal while others are not. In Florida, hybrids are legal except for two counties, but will require a permit if they're pure or near pure in the rest of the state. That law is currently in a position to be challenged. In Texas, hybrids are legal while pures are not. Same goes for Maine. In Louisiana some parishes are illegal while some are not. Also some states where hybrids are legal may have counties and/or cities that may ban them.

It would be very wise to check with your local animal control regarding local laws BEFORE obtaining this kind of canine. To do otherwise could jeopardize the life of this most interesting animal.

The rabies vaccine, a hot issue, is not sanctioned by the USDA, even though it's effectiveness has been proven with wolves and their hybrids. This was done to discourage ownership! A detailed discussion here;
http://www.grapevine.net/~wolf2dog/fox1.htm

Here's a state by state list of regulations regarding wolves and their hybrids.
http://tinyurl.com/33a4df

Here's a nice presentation in pdf format showing responsible ownership of these misunderstood animals.
http://tinyurl.com/32l886

Here's a great educational site from a good breeder in Canada! Please explore the many links within it.
http://www.wolfechovalley.com/id42.html

Hope you find this info useful.

Answer 2

A naturally wild animal is a poor choice for a pet and yes,
they are illegal to keep. Even if your hybrid is only a quarter
wolf he will never react like a domestic dog and there is
a good chance he could injure someone. These animals
need a large territory and a lot of special care. My friend
in New Mexico has two hybrid wolves and they have an
acre enclosure where they have made their own burrows.
You can't get near them without my friend being right at
your side and she has to take them out in the woods on
five mile hikes each day so they;ll settle down at night. They
howl, eat huge amounts of meat each day and have special
veterinary needs. If you're ready for this awesome responsibility,
and have a lot of space to keep them, call your local wild
animal refuge or Best Friends in Kanab, Utah and discuss
the possibility with them. You're dealing with the same
thing with a fox which I know is 100% illegal unless you have
a breeding license and a proper facility. A Malamute is a
good choice and has similar qualities but without the worry.

Answer 3

It depends on where you live. Fox and wolves are still wild animals and a permit is required to own them in most places. As far as wolf hybrids, they are not always stable pets, temperment-wise. If you are not an experienced dog owner I would highly recommend against getting a wolf hybrid. If you want that type of look I would recommend a Malamute, Husky or shepherd mix. While they aren't easy dogs to own either, they are more stable in temperment than wolf hybrids tend to be.

Answer 4

Yup you can own one. Usually you dont need a permit. However, the pet is souly YOUR responsibility. If it attacks and kills a child, your at fault. Foxs are usually better. They are much smaller and easier to handle. But both are very wild. Maybe you could buy a crossbreed wolf. Part dog part wolf. Or even better a siberian husky. Huskies are so affectionate and they look like their wolf ancestors mainly because they are part wolf. Research is your best option. Good luck

Answer 5

I know foxes are illegal to keep w/o a permit. As for hybrid wolves, I'm not sure in CA. I know they are illegal to have in IL. As for the temperment of the wolf hybrids, I know one who is wolf/malamute who is one gentle giant. My friend came to visit me couple years ago and brought him along. He was such a joy to have here. I missed him terribly when they left. He looked wolf but had the malamute personality. But then I met a wolf hybrid when I was a kid and it was a whole different story. Guess it depends on which personality it has...wolf or dog.

Answer 6

It's legal where I live. My uncle breed wolf hybrids and sells them.

Answer 7

wolf hybrids are legal in california. foxes are another story. you probably need some kind of permit for that.

Answer 8

wolf/dog hybreeds often have a lot of mental disorders and tend to be very agressive.
Please if you want a dog go to your local animal shelter.

Answer 9

no it's not legal. at least not in texas lol... i wouldn't keep one as a pet though its stupid b/c they are still wolves and not dogs and will hurt you if they feel threatened. and im pretty sure you wont even be able to even catch a fox no matter WHAT you do...

Answer 10

It depends on where you live.

In canada wolf hybrids are legal