If the sick or injured fox is still mobile it will need to be contained before any treatment can be provided. Please read the advice below about how to confine the fox or contact the RSPCA 24-hour cruelty and advice line 0300 1234 999 to report the incident.
The best way to help the fox is to monitor its condition and, if treatment is necessary, start preparing it for capture. This can be done by feeding the animal each day at dusk in a specific safe location with the aim of getting it used to visiting that location. This allows regular monitoring of its condition.and will eventually help in capturing the fox. The feeding area could be located in an old outbuilding or unused garage and, when the fox has visited the building enough times for it to become relaxed in that environment, the door can be closed when it is inside. In this way, the fox may be contained without the need for a live-catch trap.
Traps can involve a long wait, as a fox will be cautious of entering an unfamiliar enclosed area.
It may not be necessary to feed the fox if someone has already been feeding it regularly in a nearby garden. If not, over a few days provide small amounts of food such as cheese, boiled potatoes, chicken carcasses, bread and fat. These should be put out in the selected location to get the fox used to taking food without interruption.
Ideally, the selected feeding location should be as far away from people and roads as possible, but allow for the fox to be watched from a distance without disturbing it. This will also allow the animal’s injuries and movements to be watched for improvement or deterioration.
If it seems to become more mobile and the injury heals, then it is best to leave the animal to recover without treatment.
When a sick or injured fox has been contained, the RSPCA or another animal organisation can be contacted to collect the animal in order to treat and rehabilitate it. Please contact our 24-hour cruelty and advice line 0300 1234 999 to report the incident.
Caution:- Handling of any animal either domestic, wild, dead or alive may be potentially hazardous. Obvious dangers include bites, scratches and general hygiene issues. Common sense should be applied in all instances and if unsure seek additional advice or assistance. Personal hygiene should be taken into consideration after handling any animal whether it is domestic, wild, dead or alive.