How to Adopt a Ferret from a Shleter

Looking a weaselly friend? Not many people realize that most pet store ferrets come from a single breeder that supplies the entire US. Just as you would not want to support a puppy mill, you would not want to support a ferret mill. Also most people that buy ferrets don't realize how difficult they are to care for and will quickly give them up. Here is how to help these sweet woozles by taking one home with you. It's a win-win you get a ferret and a ferret gets a home!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ferret food, patience, a very large small animal cage, lots of toys, bedding, a corner litter box, newspaper litter

1. First and most important is to make sure that ferrets are legal in your area. At the time of this posting I know they are illegal in California and New York city. Your local animal shelter should be able to tell you if they are a legal pet in your area.

2. Find the shelters in your area. There are many ways to find ferret shelters and rescues. You can: 1. google your city and state with the word ferret, 2. call your local animal shelter/Humane Society - they may have ferrets for adoption and if they don't they can most likely refer you to one.

3. Once you have found a rescue/shelter contact them before visiting since most ferret shelters are run out of the person's home. This is where the patience may come in handy, rescuers are usually the only person taking care of all the beasts and it can take a little while for them to get back to you. Remember this is for the good of the ferrets and no pet should be immediate gratification.

4. The shelter may not be very close to you so before you drive all the way out to see all the cute weasels see if you can talk to someone at the shelter about what you are looking for in a ferret to make sure that they have some that would suit you.

5. Once you are at the shelter be sure to listen to any recommendations the people there have for what ferret they think will be a good match since they know the ferrets in their care better than anyone else and will have a good idea of what kind of home they will best fit into. Don't just fall in love with the one that you think is the cutest, it may not have a matching personality.

Tips & Warnings

• If this is your first ferret ask that the people at the shelter show you how to handle the ferrets before touching them.
• When you call to ask about ferrets that are currently available ask what they recommend feeding the ferrets so that you can buy the same brand to avoid stomach upset once the ferret is home.
• Be prepared for a lengthy adoption process. These animals don't do well in multiple homes and the caretakers will want to be sure you will take proper care of them.
• Have all of your supplies ready and set up at home, this will give a good impression at the shelter and will make the process that much faster.

[blingaling]

on 8/28/2009 Really interesting article. You make it clear that adopting a ferret isn't the same as adopting a cat or dog. Thanks for the good information.

[cygnetbrown]

on 8/12/2009 Thanks for the great tips on adopting a ferret. You are right. ferrets are quite the responsibility. Ferrets can be entertaining creatures but they can also be quite a handful.