Silver Foxes Aren’t Pets — They’re Wild Animals in Need of Freedom

Silver foxes are often sold as a “dog alternative” because they don’t bark loudly like dogs. Their quiet nature might seem appealing, but the truth is far from it. These beautiful animals are wild creatures with very specific needs—and unfortunately, they are NOT suitable as pets.

1. No Vets Specialized in Silver Fox Care

In Malta and many other places, there are no veterinarians trained to treat silver foxes. This means if your fox gets sick or injured, finding proper medical care is extremely difficult, putting the animal’s health at serious risk.

2. Dangerous Diet Myths

Local pet shops and/or breeders often claim you can feed silver foxes dog or cat food. This is false and harmful. Silver foxes need a special diet tailored to their unique nutritional requirements—something almost impossible to provide without expert knowledge.

3. Wild Instincts and Behavioural Needs

Unlike dogs, silver foxes are wild animals with natural instincts that don’t fit domestic life. They need large spaces to roam, dig, and explore. Their quietness does not mean they are calm or easy pets—they can become stressed, anxious, and display destructive or aggressive behaviour.

4. Ethical and Legal Issues

Many silver foxes sold come from fur farms or questionable breeding facilities where animals live in poor conditions. Buying from these sources supports cruelty and illegal wildlife trade. Furthermore, owning silver foxes may be illegal or require permits in many countries.

5. Long-Term Commitment Without Proper Support

Foxes live up to 10-12 years and require dedicated care, specialized diets, and medical attention. Many owners underestimate this commitment, leading to neglect or abandonment.

6. Not a Quiet Substitute for a Dog

While silver foxes don’t bark loudly, they are far from silent or easy to manage. They can vocalize in other ways and have complex social and environmental needs that are hard to meet in a typical home.

In Conclusion

Silver foxes do not belong as pets. Their complex needs, lack of proper veterinary care, and the ethical problems of the trade make them unsuitable for domestic life. They deserve to live free in the wild or be cared for by specialized sanctuaries. Instead of buying exotic animals, support conservation efforts that protect them where they truly belong.

👉 Vuċi għall-Annimali believes that people should not be allowed to breed or keep these animals. Purchasing silver foxes from captivity or illegal wildlife trade is not only irresponsible—it fuels animal suffering and exploitation.

Malta urgently needs to move towards a positive list—a regulatory system that allows only animals proven to be safe, ethical, and suitable to keep. We at Vuċi għall-Annimali have been proposing this system for several months, and we will continue to push for legislation that protects animals.