SaveAFox Rescue

SaveAFox Rescue

Nickname	SaveAFox
Formation	2017 (2017)
Founders	Mikayla Raines
Type	501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Tax ID no.	82-3454531
Legal status	Corporation
Purpose	Wildlife rehabilitation and fox rescue
Headquarters	12245 175th St West Lakeville, Minnesota 55044, United States
Region served	Minnesota
Services	Fox rescue, rehabilitation, and placement
Fields	Wildlife conservation, animal welfare
Official language	English
Director	Ethan Frankamp
Revenue	$1,334,145 (2023)
Expenses	$949,127 (2023)
Website	saveafox.org
Remarks	State and federally licensed wildlife rescue facility

SaveAFox Corporation, publicly known as SaveAFox Rescue, is a 501(c)(3) family owned nonprofit organization based in Lakeville, Minnesota that specializes in rescuing foxes from fur farms, pet surrenders, and illegal ownership. Founded in 2017 by wildlife rehabilitator Mikayla Raines, the organization focuses on rescuing exclusively captive-born, non-releasable wildlife. A second facility was opened in Lake County, Florida in 2022. SaveAFox operates as a United States Department of Agriculture-, Department of Natural Resources-, and Fish and Wildlife Commission-licensed facility.

The organization received a 3-out-of-4 star rating from Charity Navigator and operates under EIN 82-3454531.

History

SaveAFox Corporation was founded in 2017 by Mikayla Raines, who began working with foxes over a decade before starting the organization. Raines was exposed to wildlife rehabilitation by her mother, a licensed rehabilitator. Her transition from wild fox rehabilitation to domestic fox rescue occurred after taking in a tame pet fox, Fiasco, which introduced her to the distinct needs of captive-bred foxes. Raines posted images of Fiasco to Instagram, leading to SaveAFox gaining online fame.

The organization achieved federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and was licensed by multiple regulatory agencies. SaveAFox maintains United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, and Fish and Wildlife Commission licenses, enabling legal operation as a wildlife facility. The rescue has maintained consistent operations since its founding, focusing primarily on foxes and mink from fur farmers and private owners.

In 2022, a second facility was opened in Lake County, Florida after raising funds on GoFundMe. The organization has also appealed for other licensed sanctuaries to help with new arrivals.

Ethan Frankamp, Mikayla's husband, announced on June 23, 2025, that Mikayla had died by suicide on June 20th, due to a combination of mental health issues and online harassment she faced in how SaveAFox was run. He said he would continue to run the organization, saying "I will not let Mikayla's light be extinguished, and I won't let negativity win, and I won't let her mission fall apart." A celebration of life for Raines was held on July 12, 2025 at the facility.

Mission and goals

SaveAFox Corporation's stated mission is "to rescue and provide forever homes for captive-born, non-releasable wildlife". The organization specifically targets domestic foxes born in captivity either for the pet trade or fur farming.

The organization focuses on rescuing exclusively captive-born, non-releasable wildlife. This approach attempts to adress the specific needs of captive-bred animals that cannot survive in the wild.

Programs and activities

SaveAFox operates multiple program streams based around direct animal rescue and public education. The organization offers fox sponsorship programs, which allows supporters to financially support specific animals, and maintains an adoption program for qualified applicants.

Notes

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