No, owning a pet fox in Chile is illegal under the Ley de Caza (Decreto Supremo N°5, 1998) and Reglamento de Protección de Fauna Silvestre (Decreto N°3, 2019), which classify foxes as wildlife requiring conservation permits. The Servicio Agrícola y Ganadero (SAG) enforces these restrictions, with no exceptions for private ownership. Recent 2026 amendments tightened penalties, including fines up to 100 UTM (~$8,500 USD) for violations.
Key Regulations for Owning a Pet Fox in Chile
- Wildlife Protection Status: All native fox species (Lycalopex spp.) are protected under Ley 20.964 (2016), prohibiting commercial or private possession without SAG authorization.
- Permit Requirements: SAG may issue permits only for scientific, educational, or conservation purposes—never for pets. Unauthorized breeding or trade incurs criminal liability under Código Penal Art. 291.
- Exotic Species Loopholes: Non-native foxes (e.g., fennec foxes) face import bans under Resolución Exenta N°1,245 (2023) unless quarantined for 30 days, a costly and impractical process.
Local municipalities (e.g., Santiago’s Ordenanza Municipal de Protección Animal) further restrict exotic pet ownership, often requiring additional veterinary certifications. Violations may trigger confiscation under Ley N°21.020 (2017). Consult SAG’s Guía de Tenencia Responsable for updated compliance protocols.