As exotic animals go, fennec foxes are relatively common. The high-demand of these cute household pets means they’re no longer hard to find, but that doesn’t mean they don’t come at a cost.
In fact, their high demand might be part of the reason for their price tag. Though prices vary by breeder and animal, most fennec foxes will set you back at least $1500. That’s because these clever creatures have a lot of needs and can’t be handled like a cat or dog.
So if you’re considering bringing one into your home, it’s important to do your research first; otherwise you may end up paying more than you anticipated—especially in the long run.
Factors Affecting the Cost of a Fennec Fox
Here are some of the factors to consider when deciding to get a fennec fox.
Exotic Pet
Fennec foxes are exotic pets, meaning they’re not legal in all areas. As wild animals, fennec foxes aren’t for everyone. Some people like having a pet that’s similar to a dog or cat but also very different from one—a fennec fox is a great option for those who fall into this category.
Because of their exotic nature and the fact that they can be hard to get your hands on (exotic pets are difficult to find in many states), some people might try to sell them online or even offer them as a prize at carnivals!
Requires Special Housing
The fennec fox is not a good pet for everyone. The reason is that they need a large enclosure because they are known to escape often. An owner of this animal should also know that even though the fennec fox is small, it has a very loud and piercing bark, so a soundproof room or another place where the barking won’t be heard by others may be needed if you live in an apartment building or other type of residence where neighbours would complain about the noise made by your pet.
Special Food and Diet
Because fennec foxes are carnivores, they need a high-protein diet. This means you’ll need to feed your fox fresh meat and vegetables every day. The best foods to offer your pet include; chicken breast, beef heart (be sure it’s this cut of meat only!), turkey necks and backs (the shank end of the neck is best.)
You can also give your fennec fox fruit such as apples, grapes, bananas and oranges. Vegetables like carrots or celery are good too!
Breeding Schedule
During the breeding season, which lasts from April to July, a female fennec fox will give birth to one litter of kits every other year. She’ll be pregnant for 60-65 days, during which time she’s also nursing her previous litter. The litter size is typically 1-3 kits.
Fennec foxe babies open their eyes at around 12 days old and start exploring their surroundings at about 18 days old. The kits are weaned at 3-4 months of age and begin learning how to hunt with their parents. They’re sexually mature at about 1 year of age—which means that if you want another fennec fox kit after your original purchase (or if you have more than one), plan on getting your next one when it’s still quite young!
High Demand
The fennec fox is a rare and exotic pet. Because of this, there is a high demand for these animals in the United States. As you might expect, this has an effect on the cost of doing business.
Shipping Fees
You might think that shipping a Fennec Fox would be easy, but you’d be wrong. It’s not just the cost of the animal itself that will make your eyes pop out of your head, it’s also the cost of shipping that can really make things go crazy.
Is It Legal to Own a Fennec Fox?
If you’re thinking about getting a fennec fox, you might be wondering whether it’s legal to own one. The answer is yes!
In the United States, it’s legal to own a fennec fox in most states, except:
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Nevada
- Washington
As for other countries, it’s legal to own a fennec fox in the following locations:
- Austria
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Switzerland
- Latvia
- Hungary
- Romania
- United Kingdom
- Scotland
- Germany
- Finland
- Norway
- Denmark
- France
- Belgium
- Turkey
- Spain
- Korea
- South Africa
- Ethiopia
- Djibouti
Where can I get a fennec fox?
Fennec foxes are native to Africa and the Middle East, but can be found in some parts of Europe. They are relatively small foxes that live in very dry climates. They’re also very fast runners, which means they’re great at running away from predators.
You can find them at most pet stores or online retailers. You’ll have to pay a little more money than you would for other kinds of dogs or cats—but not so much that it will be too much of a financial burden on your budget!
Fennecs are not legal to own in all states, so make sure to check your local laws before committing to purchasing one!
Costs of Fennec Fox Ownership
The price of everything you need when you first get a fennec fox beside its price can range from $500 to $3,000 depending on the size of your enclosure and what type of equipment you want to purchase.
If you’re thinking about getting a fennec fox, it’s important to remember that your pet will need some basic supplies. For starters, you’ll need:
- Indoor/outdoor enclosure: $400
- Bedding: $40
- Food: $40
- Water bowls: $20
- Toys: $20
- Sand: $90
So the minimum initial costs of owning a fennec fox sums up to: $600.
In addition to these items, there are other things that may come into play when determining how much it will cost to own a fennec fox – if the animal need a vet visit from the start, the age of the fox (younger foxes need more toys because they have more energy), etc.
Monthly Expenses
A fennec fox should get about $160 worth of wet food every month from its owner. This is about what you would spend each month. By making raw food at home, you can bring the monthly cost down to about $120.
Yearly Expenses
Your fennec fox’s yearly expenses will consist of:
- Food: $1,400 – $1,900
- Toys: $50
- Vet Visits: $100
- Sand: $200
- Grooming – $150
- Bedding and other supplies – $200
This sums up to around $2,100 yearly expenses if you own a fennec fox. If you think about it, this is cheaper than some dog breeds, which can require expenses at $3,000 or higher.
Other Potential Expenses
Other potential expenses include:
- House repair. Fennec foxes are known for their love of shredding things and chewing on wires, so you may have to replace the drywall or carpeting in your home before too long.
- Vet visits. Because fennecs are exotic animals, they require regular vet visits to ensure that they’re healthy and happy.
- Grooming. Maintenance grooming costs can vary widely depending on the type of coat your fennec has (some breeds have thick double coats while others have fine hair) as well as what kind of style you’d like him to sport (females tend to be more versatile when it comes to hairstyles).
There’s plenty more where those came from—so be sure that you’re prepared financially before taking home an exotic pet.
Lifetime expenses of owning a fennec fox
The lifespan of a fennec fox is between 10 and 14 years. So, if we take into consideration all of the above, the lifetime expenses of owning a fennec fox (that lives 14 years) is around $30,000.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about owning a fennec fox, be prepared for some initial and ongoing costs. The price of getting started all the things you need before buying a fennec fox can range from $500 to $3,000 depending on the size of your enclosure and what type of equipment you want to purchase. Additionally, you’ll need to factor in the cost of food, bedding, toys, and vet visits.
While the initial investment may be high, fennec foxes are relatively low-maintenance pets and have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years. So, if you’re looking for an exotic pet that will provide you with years of companionship, a fennec fox may be the perfect choice for you.
