SaveAFox Rescue is a real 501(c)(3) nonprofit, publicly known as Saveafox Corporation, that focuses mainly on captive-born, non-releasable foxes—not ordinary wild-fox rehabilitation. Founded by Mikayla Raines, the organization says it takes in foxes from fur farms, former owners, and illegal-ownership seizures, and operates facilities associated with Faribault, Minnesota, and Groveland, Florida. Its EIN is 82-3454531.
SaveAFox’s public-facing operations appear to continue in 2026: the organization advertises Minnesota and Florida tours, accepts donations and sponsorships, and maintains adoption and surrender applications. However, its website still contains outdated information—including a team page that lists Raines after her death—and does not clearly document the organization’s current legal leadership or post-Raines governance. Separate documented facts, organizational claims, and online rumor before donating, visiting, adopting, or transporting a fox.
At a glance: SaveAFox is a nonprofit rescue and sanctuary for captive-born, non-releasable wildlife. It is not a walk-in petting zoo, and adopting a fox is not comparable to adopting a dog or cat. Fox ownership can be illegal at the state or local level and requires specialized housing, veterinary care, and a long-term commitment.
What is SaveAFox Rescue?
SaveAFox Rescue is the public-facing name of Saveafox Corporation, an organization listed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in IRS-based nonprofit records. Its EIN is 82-3454531. The organization’s stated mission is to “rescue and provide forever homes for captive-born, non-releasable wildlife.” You can review its mission, founder information, intake description, and claimed permits on its official About and rescues page, and its nonprofit record and filings through ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer.
#1 Best Overall
- Dark mahogany finish adds warmth to any business environment
- Side pocket conveniently holds entry forms
- Included pen has a security chain to attach it directly to the box or the table.
- Ballots NOT included.
- This Box CANNOT be attached to a wall.
SaveAFox identifies Mikayla Raines as its founder. The organization’s About page and local reporting describe it as founded in 2017. Separately, the homepage says it has worked to rescue foxes from fur farms “since 2019.” Those statements may refer to different milestones, such as founding versus a later expansion of its fur-farm work. The public pages do not explain the distinction, so report them as separate statements rather than merging them into one definitive founding date.
The terms rescue, sanctuary, adoption, and rehoming overlap in SaveAFox’s materials. Some animals may be placed with qualified adopters; others remain at the facility because their temperament, health, or behavior makes a private home unsuitable. A “forever home” does not necessarily mean a home outside the sanctuary.
What animals does SaveAFox take in?
According to SaveAFox, its intake includes:
- Foxes from fur farms, including animals that are orphaned, injured, sick, have imperfect coats, or are otherwise considered liabilities by the farm.
- Former pet foxes surrendered by their owners.
- Foxes seized or removed after illegal-ownership situations.
- Found pet foxes whose owners may be identified.
- Other captive-born exotic animals.
- Minks, cats, and dogs represented in its adoption and sponsorship programs.
Not every animal is available for adoption. SaveAFox says some foxes are too wild by nature or otherwise unsuitable for placement and remain under sanctuary care. Its About page says it had rescued approximately 150 foxes but does not date that figure. A 2023 news report described an effort to take in 500 animals from a fur farm; that was a specific campaign or commitment, not necessarily the organization’s lifetime total.
Is SaveAFox a wildlife rehabilitation center?
Not in the ordinary sense. SaveAFox’s stated focus is captive-born wildlife that cannot be released. A fox raised in captivity may lack survival skills, may be legally prohibited from release, and may pose risks to native wildlife or people. Calling every animal at SaveAFox a “rescued wild fox” would be misleading.
Wild native foxes found injured, orphaned, or apparently abandoned generally belong in the permitted wildlife-rehabilitation system, where the goal may be eventual release. Do not take a wild fox to a private-pet rescue without first calling the relevant wildlife agency or a permitted rehabilitator. For example, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission distinguishes native wildlife from animals legally kept as personal pets.
Where is SaveAFox located?
SaveAFox uses different addresses for different purposes. The mailing address is not the visitor facility.
| Purpose | Location or address |
|---|---|
| Donations and mail | 12245 175th St. W., Lakeville, MN 55044. SaveAFox explicitly says this is not the physical rescue address. |
| Minnesota tours | Faribault, Minnesota. The private-tour listing gives 3955 Millersburg Boulevard, Faribault, Minnesota. |
| Florida tours | 19231 County Road 33, Groveland, Florida. |
These details come from the organization’s current visit page, donation page, and Florida booking page. Confirm the exact address and booking instructions before traveling; do not use the Lakeville mailing address as the sanctuary destination.
Is SaveAFox a legitimate nonprofit?
The narrow answer is yes: Saveafox Corporation is listed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has an EIN, has publicly available Form 990 filings, and has operated publicly for years. It also publishes adoption, surrender, sponsorship, and visitor procedures and has appeared in local news and local-government permitting records.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →That conclusion is narrower than saying every aspect of the organization is excellent or beyond criticism. A nonprofit tax designation does not, by itself, prove:
- That animal care is excellent;
- That spending is efficient;
- That every license or permit remains current;
- That every online criticism is false; or
- That every online allegation is true.
SaveAFox’s About page says it holds a USDA Class B Dealer license, a Minnesota DNR Game Farm license, and a Minnesota DNR Captive Wildlife Exhibitor permit. Those are claims made by the organization. The page does not provide license numbers, expiration dates, or inspection records, so current validity should be confirmed with the relevant agencies. A nonprofit tax status, USDA license, state captive-wildlife permit, local zoning approval, and an individual owner’s pet permit are separate things.
What the latest public filing shows
The latest publicly indexed filing located for Saveafox Corporation covers the fiscal year ending in December 2024 and was filed on August 4, 2025. It predates Raines’s death and does not describe the organization’s post-June-2025 operations. ProPublica’s Nonprofit Explorer reports these FY2024 figures:
| Fiscal-year 2024 item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Revenue | $974,604 |
| Expenses | $1,278,809 |
| Revenue less expenses | -$304,205 |
| Net assets | $1,338,598 |
| Contributions | $641,392 |
| Program-service revenue | $53,291 |
| Investment income | $18,018 |
| Net inventory sales | $244,705 |
| Executive compensation | $90,712 |
For comparison, the FY2023 filing reported revenue of $1,334,145, expenses of $949,127, and net assets of $1,642,803. Thus, the FY2024 filing shows lower revenue, higher expenses, and lower year-end net assets than FY2023. It also reports a conflict-of-interest-transactions disclosure on Schedule L. That disclosure means the filing reported transactions requiring that schedule; it is not, by itself, proof of wrongdoing.
One deficit year does not establish that a nonprofit is financially unstable, and the figures do not tell the whole story of current animal care. Before donating, review the latest available filing, look for newer governance information, and check whether the donation is unrestricted or tied to a specific campaign.
Is SaveAFox still operating after Mikayla Raines’s death?
Its public-facing operations appear to continue in 2026, but its post-Raines governance is not clearly documented online. The site advertises 2026 Minnesota and Florida tours, continues to accept donations and sponsorships, maintains adoption and surrender forms, and offers merchandise and a 2026 calendar. Its public team page lists positions involving application processing, assistant management, and social-media assistance.
Content note: suicide. Raines’s husband, Ethan Frankamp, announced her death by suicide on June 23, 2025. CBS reported that she died on the preceding Saturday, June 21; other accounts reported June 20, so the safest wording is that she died in late June 2025. Frankamp said she had struggled with autism, depression, borderline personality disorder, and other mental-health issues, and said online harassment had worsened her distress. He also said he intended to continue the rescue’s work. These statements are attributed to Frankamp; they do not establish an independent finding that online harassment alone caused her death. Avoid repeating names or accusations from anonymous posts without strong independent verification. See CBS News’ report.
The website has not been fully updated: the current team page still lists Raines as “Founder / Rescuer” and social-media manager. Public pages also retain older copyright notices and outdated material. No newer primary filing or clear official page located here establishes the current legal president, executive director, or board composition. SaveAFox appears operational, while its exact current chain of legal and organizational authority remains unclear from the public website.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Rank #2
- The wooden suggestion box measures 9.1"L x 5.9"W x 9.75"H. Our suggestion box with lock comes with two keys and 50 white suggestion cards that measure 4 inches width and 5.9 inches length. A small slot is attached to the side of the wooden box for holding empty cards
- Sturdy and Durable: Our suggestion box with lock are made from premium natural pinewood, sturdy and durable, enough to stand up against everyday use. This cute decorative house-shape donation box will make a superb addition to your house or office
- Large Capacity & Secure Lock: Large capacity storage space for convenient placement of votes and opinion cards. Our donation box is outfitted with a secure lock. Two keys are included for quick and easy access inside. And the top of the box features a wide slot to accommodate ballots, suggestion cards with ease
- Countertop & Wall Mounted: This wooden ballot box two ways to display. There have four holes on the back so you can wall mounting it in the wall. It can also be freestanding on the desk or other flat surface
- Versatile Use: This suggestion box with slot provides the perfect solution for staff tips, drawing entries for prizes, donations and offerings, ballots for club elections, office or classroom suggestions, and so on. Ideal for use as a suggestion box, donation box, ballot box, drop box and so on
Can the public visit SaveAFox?
Yes, through booked tours rather than unrestricted walk-in access. The official site advertises 2026 tours in Minnesota and Florida. Private-tour listings displayed a price of $150 at the time of research:
- The Minnesota private tour is listed as 60 minutes for up to four people.
- The Florida private tour is listed as one hour for up to four people.
- Guests must sign a liability waiver.
- Guests should arrive no more than five minutes before the scheduled start.
- Children under 15 may not pet or feed foxes.
SaveAFox warns visitors to expect muddy paws, fox urine, damaged clothing, holes, and animal behavior that is not zoo-like. It explicitly says the rescue is not a petting zoo. Wear clothing and shoes that can get dirty or damaged, follow staff instructions, and do not bring personal treats unless the facility approves them.
There is a policy detail to check before payment: the general visit page asks for 24 hours’ notice for cancellations, while private-tour pages state that tickets are nonrefundable. Read the terms attached to the specific booking and verify the displayed price and availability before making travel arrangements.
Can you adopt a fox from SaveAFox?
Possibly, but only if the animal is legal at your exact address and you can meet demanding care requirements. SaveAFox says adopters must live in the United States, and fox ownership must be legal in the applicant’s state, county, and city. Meeting the organization’s guidelines does not guarantee approval.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsPublished requirements include:
- A fox-proof enclosure with at least 100 square feet per fox.
- A veterinarian willing and able to treat foxes.
- Completion of a fox-care quiz and a background check.
- Applicants with no previous fox-care experience generally must be over 25.
- Applicants under 25 may qualify with at least 40 verified volunteer hours.
- A first-time fox owner seeking a kit must have 150 verified volunteer hours with SaveAFox or an approved sister sanctuary.
The adoption application says applicants should allow 14 business days for processing. It also says down payments are nonrefundable, the organization does not guarantee an animal’s adult color, and animals receive a veterinary health check before adoption—but post-pickup health is not guaranteed.
SaveAFox warns that a kit is not a predictable shortcut to an easy pet. A young fox’s personality can change significantly as it matures, and an exceptionally tame, hand-raised kit may not remain that way. Applicants should prepare for the adult animal they may have, not the social-media version of a baby fox.
Is owning a fox legal?
There is no single nationwide answer. Legality can depend on the fox species, whether it is captive-bred, state law, county and municipal ordinances, the purpose of possession, importation rules, enclosure standards, and proof that the animal was lawfully obtained.
SaveAFox’s state-by-state list says it was last updated in 2017. It should not be treated as a current legal chart. Before paying an adoption deposit or transporting a fox, contact the state wildlife agency and local government where the animal will be kept.
Current official examples show why broad claims are unsafe:
- Florida: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lists foxes among Class III wildlife commonly requiring a personal-pet permit. The permit is free and generally lasts two years. A separate exhibition authorization may be needed to take the animal into public spaces.
- Indiana: The state’s current wild-animal-possession materials list red and gray foxes as Class II animals subject to the applicable permit framework. See the Indiana Department of Natural Resources guidance.
A permit to keep a fox is not the same as permission to exhibit it, transport it across state lines, breed it, or operate a sanctuary. A local ban can also make ownership illegal even where state law allows it.
What is fox ownership really like?
SaveAFox’s own care guidance describes foxes as demanding exotic animals, not domesticated dogs with unusual coloring. The organization says they generally need:
- Secure outdoor housing with dig-proof fencing and a stable roof.
- Daily interaction and enrichment.
- Access to an exotic-animal veterinarian.
- A long-term commitment that may last 10–20 years.
- A specialized diet involving animal protein and other components.
- Owners who can tolerate digging, chewing, destruction, marking, stealing objects, and incomplete house-training.
The rescue says it does not adopt foxes to renters or apartment residents and warns that foxes cannot safely be left loose and unattended in a house. Even a friendly fox may remain difficult to contain, house-train, or live with. Emergency veterinary access can also be limited because many ordinary dog-and-cat practices do not treat foxes.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallOutdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchThese nutritional and medical recommendations are SaveAFox’s guidance, not a substitute for advice from a qualified exotic-animal veterinarian. Anyone considering adoption should locate that veterinarian, confirm emergency coverage, research the species involved, and build the enclosure before applying.
How to surrender a fox
SaveAFox’s surrender form requests the owner’s identity and contact information, driver’s-license or state-ID details, and information about the fox’s name, sex, age, acquisition, veterinary history, purchase paperwork, health, and behavior. The organization asks applicants to allow 14 business days for processing and says a donation upon surrender is appreciated to help with enclosure, enrichment, and initial health-assessment costs.
A surrender application is not automatic acceptance. Contact the rescue before arriving, ask about current capacity and transport, and confirm any fees or post-surrender arrangements. Have veterinary records, permits, proof of ownership, and purchase documents ready. Never release a captive fox into the wild, and do not transport one across state lines until you have confirmed the applicable legal requirements.
What if a pet fox is found?
SaveAFox distinguishes a found pet fox from a wild native fox. Its found-fox policy asks the apparent owner to provide:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- VERSATILE. Great for donations at fund-raising or church events, ballots at school board or municipal elections, or suggestions from customers or employees in any business environment.
- HIGH-QUALITY, DURABLE CONSTRUCTION. This 6.25" x 4.5" x 4" ballot box is made using acrylic material to provide long-term durability and use year after year. Lightweight yet very strong
- CUSTOM MESSAGE. Boasting a 4” W x 6” H display area on the back panel, this box is fully customizable so you can include a personalized message while not being overdone. It's easily removable, allowing you to change out messages for a variety of different events and functions.
- SECURE STORAGE. A sturdy lock ensures that the contents inside are safe and secure,. A set of two keys are also included for quick access and easy removal.
- MULTI-COLOR. This Product comes in 8 different Opaque colors to enhance your event!
- Current photographs or a clear description;
- Photo identification;
- Veterinary records;
- Purchase or other proof-of-ownership paperwork; and
- Any required local permit or license.
The policy lists a $25 initial pickup fee if SaveAFox performs the pickup, $65 per day for housing, a $150 vaccination charge for a fox older than six months without vaccination proof, medical expenses, and a $75 transportation charge for emergency veterinary care. These are listed policy charges, not a guarantee that every case will follow the same arrangement.
The policy references Minnesota Statute 346.37 regarding when a fox is considered surrendered. That reference should not be assumed to govern animals in other states. If the animal is a wild native fox rather than a captive pet, contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator or wildlife agency instead of treating it as a lost dog.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What documented controversies surround SaveAFox?
The organization’s early history included a local permitting dispute. In 2016, Raines received an interim Lakeville permit for three foxes. In 2017, local officials learned she had more than three; FOX 9 reported that she acknowledged having nine. The city considered revoking the permit because of the violation. Later reporting said the operation moved to a larger site near Faribault after the dispute and a major wave of donations.
That is documented history, not proof that SaveAFox currently operates illegally. Current compliance requires current permits, inspections, zoning records, and agency confirmation—not inference from a 2017 dispute.
Recommended Free Tools
SaveAFox’s Florida operation also has a documented planning history. A 2020 Lake County conditional-use document described an approximately 9.65-acre property near Groveland, an exotic-animal sanctuary use, a maximum of 40 exotic animals under that approval, and educational tours limited to groups of no more than 10 under the historic approval. The county document should not be treated as the current animal capacity or visitor policy; the current private-tour page lists groups of no more than four.
There has also been online criticism and discussion of harassment surrounding Raines and the rescue. The responsible way to evaluate claims is to separate:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Documented | Nonprofit filings, published policies, official website statements, local permitting records, and statements reported by established news organizations. |
| Attributed | Claims made by SaveAFox, Raines, Frankamp, local officials, or critics, clearly labeled as coming from that source. |
| Unverified | Anonymous posts, social-media allegations, and claims without inspection records, court documents, agency findings, or reliable independent reporting. |
SaveAFox should not be presented as either an unquestionable promotional success story or a collection of internet allegations. The evidence supports a real nonprofit with a specialized mission, a documented history, public policies, and unresolved questions about current governance and license status.
How can you support SaveAFox?
Donate
Use the organization’s official donation page, confirm that the payment destination is on the official site, and review the latest available Form 990 and governance information. Check whether your donation is unrestricted or connected to a particular campaign. Do not assume that a general donation pays exclusively for one named fox.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Sponsor a fox
The current sponsorship page lists these monthly levels:
| Level | Monthly amount | Listed benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | $25 | Certificate |
| Gold | $50 | Certificate, three-pin goodie bag, and calendar |
| Platinum | $95 | Certificate, calendar, and the ability to schedule a sanctuary visit after six months, subject to program terms |
Platinum sponsorship is limited to five sponsors per fox. Sponsorship is financial support for the organization’s animals, not ownership or necessarily an exclusive one-donor relationship. The agreement says sponsorships are not binding, while the general sponsorship information asks for 30 days’ notice when stopping payments.
Visit, volunteer, or buy merchandise
Booked tours, volunteering, merchandise, and the organization’s calendar are other ways to support the rescue. Review the volunteer and guest guidelines and confirm that opportunities are currently available. Adoption should not be treated as a donation method: it is appropriate only for someone who has confirmed legality, housing, veterinary access, finances, and long-term suitability.
A practical checklist before taking action
Before donating
- Use the official website rather than a link from an unverified social-media account.
- Check the latest Form 990 and any available current governance information.
- Ask whether the donation is unrestricted or campaign-specific.
- Look for current animal-care and financial updates.
Before visiting
- Confirm whether the reservation is for Minnesota or Florida.
- Verify the exact address, date, price, group limit, and cancellation policy.
- Read the liability waiver.
- Expect a supervised sanctuary visit, not a petting zoo or walk-in attraction.
- Wear clothing and shoes that can get dirty or damaged.
Before adopting
- Confirm legality at the state, county, and city level.
- Identify an exotic-animal veterinarian before applying.
- Build a secure enclosure that meets the rescue’s requirements.
- Gain practical fox-care experience.
- Plan for emergency care and a 10–20-year commitment.
- Assume that a kit’s adult personality may differ substantially from its baby behavior.
- Do not pay a deposit until you understand the application policies and down-payment terms.
Before surrendering or transporting a fox
- Contact SaveAFox before showing up.
- Gather permits, purchase documents, veterinary records, and ownership information.
- Confirm capacity, transport arrangements, fees, and processing time.
- Check interstate transport rules before crossing a state line.
- Never release a captive fox into the wild.
FAQ
Is SaveAFox Rescue a legitimate nonprofit?
Saveafox Corporation is listed as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with EIN 82-3454531, and public Form 990 filings are available. Nonprofit status does not by itself verify current permits, animal-care quality, or every claim made about the organization.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsIs SaveAFox still operating?
Its public-facing operations appear to continue in 2026, with tours, donations, sponsorships, and adoption and surrender applications. Its website does not clearly document post-Raines governance, and its team page still lists her.
Can I visit SaveAFox without a reservation?
The organization advertises booked tours rather than unrestricted walk-in access. Check the current booking page for availability, location, price, group limits, and cancellation terms before traveling.
Can anyone adopt a fox from SaveAFox?
No. Applicants must meet the rescue’s experience, enclosure, veterinary, and background-check requirements, and fox ownership must be legal at their state, county, and city address. Meeting published guidelines does not guarantee approval.
Should I take an injured wild fox to SaveAFox?
Not without first contacting the relevant wildlife agency or a permitted rehabilitator. SaveAFox’s stated focus is captive-born, non-releasable animals, not ordinary wild-fox rehabilitation.
The Bottom Line
SaveAFox is a genuine, publicly active nonprofit with a specialized captive-fox rescue mission and public IRS filings. It is not primarily a wild-animal rehabilitation center or a petting zoo, and fox adoption is legal only in some jurisdictions and realistic only for highly prepared owners. The organization’s website shows ongoing 2026 activity but remains partly outdated after Mikayla Raines’s death, so verify current leadership, permits, booking terms, finances, and location before donating, visiting, adopting, or surrendering an animal.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
