Ferret Shelter/ Rescue Overview

Ferret shelters are a god send to the ferret community, often saving the lives of ferrets surrendered or abandoned by their owners, or rescued from unspeakable living conditions. In addition, they often provide much needed education to the public on owning ferrets, health and care issues, locating a ferret knowledgeable veterinarian in the area, etc. Sheltering is not a business, but a passion full or love, commitment and dedication. There is no money to be made. Owners/directors often find themselves having to do fund raisers, raffles, auctions, etc. to help pay for the huge medical bills and day to day care of the ferrets in their care. They are often faced with the reality of using their own personal funds to keep the shelter going.

If you find yourself in the position of having to give up your ferret due to housing, illness, developing an allergy or finding yourself unemployed and unable to even fend for yourself, you should turn to your local shelter for assistance in finding the best home for your beloved ferret. Your main concern should be solely in finding him a wonderful home with a loving and dedicated family, not how much you can sell him for (would you sell your child?). You should work with the shelter as much as you can in providing the financial assistance for your ferrets health and care, a generous donation goes a long way. Remember, shelters do not make any money, and are providing a wonderful solution to you in your time of need.

Unfortunately, shelters also have to worry about ferrets owners who no longer want their ferret once they age or are in need of medical attention, usually because they don't want to pay the expense. It's very unfortunate that when a ferret needs it's parents most, they are simply tossed away. Worse, are those owners that should not be owning any pets. Rather than finding a home for them or turning to a shelter, they keep them in totally filthy deplorable conditions, provide inadequate food, water and care (when supplied), have them caged 24/7, usually needing urgent medical attention. Rescues are carried out by trying to convince the owner(s) to do the right thing and surrender them or when necessary physically removing the pet from the home with assistance of local law enforcement.

Ferrets arrive at shelters for a host of different reasons and situations, but this should not be their final home, only a temporary visit. For shelters to survive and continue to help the public, ferrets must be adopted out to allow room for new ferrets needing help. The ages of ferrets found at shelters range from a few weeks old to 7+ years old, some are in great health while others need special care. Before buying a new ferret, consider providing a forever home to a shelter ferret, that just wants someone to love and care for them like they deserve.

Without the assistance of shelters to help these ferrets, who did not ask to be in this position, so many would have their lives ended well before their time. It would be wonderful, if everyone bringing a pet into their home accepted the full responsibility that comes with it before hand, resulting in no need for shelters.

Ferret shelters need assistance from the public in order to survive, but it doesn't always have to be monetary. There is no profit to be made and they often find themselves using their personal funds to provide for all their needs.loving place for ferrets to be cared for in every way; rather than have their life ended before it's time.

Shelters are constantly in need of assistance in all forms. Monetary is always a big need, with huge medical bills (despite the discount they're usually given) and daily care. You can work with your local shelter to help arrange and advertise fundraiser activities, donations, raffles, auctions, etc. Those shelters that are 501(c)(3) provide an added incentive of a tax write-off.

Other than monetary, you can offer something equally as important, your time. Shelters more than welcome the assistance, no matter how short, to help care for the ferrets and keep their areas clean. With the number of ferrets some shelters have, that is all they do all day long, no personal time for themselves from 7am to 11pm. This is also a great opportunity for children to learn about ferrets, their needs, care, etc. If you're not sure if a ferret is the right pet for you, volunteering your time will allow you to find out first hand before you make any decisions.

You can also help by donating supplies like food, litter, towels, toys, hammocks, bowls, water bottles, etc. Everything and anything is very much appreciated and helps in a huge way, no matter how small or how little.