The Need

Currently, in the United States, captive bred foxes are being raised two ways, either born on a fur farm to be pelted or bred for the pet industry. For foxes born on a fur farm, a bleak existence lies ahead of them; Living in small cages, never touching grass, until they are pelted and hanging in someone’s closet. Foxes from breeders are purchased by a family excited to have a cool pet, but many of those families don’t understand what it is like to own a fox. People in these situations often end up neglecting their fox or feel that they have no choice but to abandon it in the wild where it has a slim chance of survival due to being captive bred and having imprinted on people.

Fur farming is still alive and well in the United States with over 56 fox fur farms in 10+ states. Every year over 1,500 foxes are slaughtered for their pelts. These foxes are kept in cages, never touching grass or having room to run and play. A fox can be slaughtered before it reaches a year old. Not all foxes on a fur farm can be used, some are too small, sick, injured or don't have a good enough coat. In addition to these reasons, pups that are injured or abandoned by their mothers are often not wanted. Here at Walking Wild we will provide these unwanted foxes, that were willing to be surrendered by a fur farm, a safe and spacious home filled with love. Sadly we can't save them all, but we can educate people about the reality of fur farming and why these amazing animals deserve more than to be turned into fashion. We can share with people the personality, face and name behind the fur and instill a love for these amazing animals!

In addition to fur farm rescues, we also provide a home for captive bred foxes that are no longer able to be cared for by their owners.  A captive bred fox, while not a wild animal, is still 100% fox and instinctually acts like a fox. This make these animals amazing, wonderful and very different than a traditional domestic dog or cat. Many people are not ready for what comes with owning a fox and quickly learn that they are in over their head. Walking Wild will give these foxes a new home and family.

 Owning a wolf dog is legal in 38 states. Some of these states view them no different than any other domestic dog. Others require permits or have lethal laws in effect if one were to bite someone. The truth is that wolf dogs are very different from regular domestic dogs. Even a low content wolf dog, less than 50% wolf, still acts like a wolf in some ways. Because of how easy it is to purchase a wolf dog from a breeder, many find themselves in the homes of people that expect them to act like a regular dog. This unrealistic expectation can result, in some cases, ending in abuse, as a bait dog for dog fighting or hunting training, being dumped in the wild or dropped off at a shelter.

It is estimated that over 150,000 wolf dogs are born in a year and around 80% of those dogs will be euthanized/pass away before the age of three due to people not being ready for the unique aspects of a wolf dog or not properly caring for them. Many wolf dogs are very timid, and rehoming can be very challenging because of this. Due to their timid nature, many shelters are not able to adopt a wolf dog out and are forced to euthanize it if they can't find a safe place for it to go. 

Walking Wild Rescue will be that safe place for these beautiful animals to go. At Walking Wild we would love to see an end to wolf dogs being euthanized for being them. The way to do this is to help educate people about the reality of owning a wolf dog and unique rewards and challenges that wolf dog ownership presents. This is why education is a big part of our mission and what we do here at Walking Wild.