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	Minnesota
Services	Fox rescue, rehabilitation, and placement
Fields	Wildlife conservation, animal welfare
Official language	English
Director	Ethan Frankamp
Key people	Mikayla Raines (founder)
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) nonprofit organization based in Lakeville, Minnesota that specializes in rescuing foxes from fur farms, pet surrenders, and illegal ownership situations. Founded in 2017 by wildlife rehabilitator Mikayla Raines, the organization focuses exclusively on captive-born, non-releasable wildlife and operates as a United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, and Fish and Wildlife Commission licensed facility. The rescue has saved approximately 150 foxes from certain death and maintains significant public engagement through social media. The organization received a 3/4 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 prior. Raines developed her wildlife expertise through early exposure to wildlife rehabilitation alongside her mother, a licensed rehabilitator. At age 15, she bottle-fed her first fox, a gray fox kit, and later pursued licensing as a wildlife rehabilitator herself. 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 secured licensing from 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. SaveAFox also maintains a social media presence, having over 2 million YouTube subscribers as of June 2025. Part of this online popularity came from videos during the COVID-19 pandemic of a male fox called Finnegan that, when petted by Raines, made noises that sounded like laughing.

Ethan Frankamp, Mikayla's husband, announced on June 24, 2025, that Mikayla had died by suicide, 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."

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 that are distinct from wild foxes, being born in captivity either for the pet trade or fur farming. Most rescued foxes come from fur farms due to orphaning, imperfect coats, illness, or injury that make them unprofitable, while others arrive as pet surrenders from owners who underestimated care requirements or through seizures from illegal ownership situations.

The organization prioritizes non-releasable animals exclusively, distinguishing itself from traditional wildlife rehabilitation that focuses on return to natural habitats. This approach addresses the specific needs of captive-bred animals that cannot survive in wild environments.

Programs and activities

SaveAFox operates multiple program streams centered on direct animal rescue and public education. The organization offers fox sponsorship programs, allowing supporters to financially support specific animals, and maintains an adoption program for qualified applicants. Educational programs teach the public about rescued animals through facility tours and outreach.

The rescue operates primarily in Minnesota while accepting animals from broader geographic regions. SaveAFox maintains substantial public engagement through social media platforms, with over 887,000 Facebook followers. The organization generates revenue through donations, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and fundraising campaigns. Partnerships with supporters enable ongoing operations and expansion of rescue capacity.