Wildlife species are often captured to take morphometric measurements, collect biological samples and/or fit animal-attached tags to collect data on movement and behaviour. Though routine practice, wildlife captures have important welfare implications which should be carefully considered prior to each study. Full details on capture protocols are often limited to short descriptions in methods sections of papers. This is a major issue as information sharing can improve knowledge on methods that lead to increased or reduced capture success. This ultimately saves researcher time and resources and, most importantly, boosts animal welfare. Here we pursue all of the above aims; collect morphometric data, collect biological samples and fit sensor-equipped collars. We share detailed capture protocols to offer insights to other researchers, while optimising welfare protocols. Having faced challenges in initial captures for our trap-shy target species, we present methodological considerations and refinements undertaken to successfully trap urban red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Dublin, Ireland (n = 16 captures) and related efforts as part of a pilot study in rural Tuscany, Italy (n = 3 captures). We recommend setting multiple capture sites but caution against prolonged time spent in traps for foxes. Remote transmission camera traps and remote trap alert systems are highly recommended to remotely monitor multiple trapping sites at once with reduced disturbance and to facilitate quick arrival at capture sites. We discuss a cheap, lightweight collar drop-off solution to negate the need for a second capture for collar retrieval. In Dublin, we found the likelihood of capturing a fox was significantly affected by rainfall but not temperature. We conclude with an easy-to-consult checklist, providing advice on trap setting, pre-baiting, collar drop-offs and weather conditions, to aid researchers embarking on the capture of foxes and other difficult to trap species, particularly in urban areas with high levels of human activity.