Ferret Adoption
Some Information About Ferret Adoption
Ferret adoption is easier than you might believe. If you've never had a ferret before, you'll probably be a little amazed at the number of ferret shelters, organizations, and clubs in existence, where one or more of these little animals might be available. While there may in some instances of no questions asked, most of these organizations want to place their animals in good homes. So be prepared to give a convincing argument that you are willing and prepared to provide just that.
If you can't find a local source for ferret adoption, a good first step would be a visit to the American Ferret Organization's (AFA) website. There you'll find a listing of shelters, clubs, and other ferret organizations, which have ferrets available for adoption. If this is going to be the first time you've owned a ferret, it's extremely important that you educate yourself about the animal. You'll be adopting a lovable, but rather high-maintenance pet, and you want to be giving it quality care from the start. If you get in touch with a ferret adoption agency or organization, they will probably be very happy to provide you with the information you're looking for, or at least tell you where you can get it.
One possibility that not too many people may think about is to offer to give foster care to a ferret for a period of time. You might even end up adopting the animal, but by going through a foster care process, you can learn how to care for a ferret, and at the same time, help the shelter out my taking a ferret off their hands for a short time. This might be a good approach if you haven't yet convinced yourself that you're capable of caring for a ferret for a period of several years.
There are a number of different breeds, distinguished mainly by colors and color patterns. The most common is the sable, which has a brown-cinnamon colored coat. If you're not too particular about adopting a specific breed or color, you shouldn't have much of a problem in finding a suitable ferret. The next question then, would be whether to adopt a male, a female, an infant (kit), or an older adult. Any of these could be suitable for a first-time ferret owner, but an adult, even an older adult, having a friendly personality, and having been potty trained, might be the best choice. Be aware that if you get an infant, you'll likely have to train it not to nip. Youngsters do this instinctively, as a way of playing. Fun for them, they have tough skins, but not for you. The people owning the shelter will generally know about the past history of the ferrets they have, and a good bit about an individual ferret's personality, which can vary widely as each animal tends to be a rather unique individual. Chances are really pretty good that you'll end up with a pet that is affectionate, can become quite loyal, and will give you plenty of entertainment.
If you know a bit about ferrets, or have one or two already, you might consider adopting more than one. There are times when several ferrets (or a ferret family) from the same household are put up for adoption, with a request that the "family" be kept intact. An adult ferret shouldn't be separated from family members, or a mate, if possible. It probably goes without saying that two ferrets will provide much more than twice the entertainment than a single ferret will. And don't be shy about adopting a ferret that no one else seems to want, because of advanced age, or perhaps because of temperament. The reward in giving such an animal a happy home may well outweigh the initial challenges you might face.
There is one other way you can adopt a ferret. This doesn't involve any effort on your part, as far as care and feeding is concerned. Sponsorship may be a better term, but adopting a Black-footed ferret (BFF) is always worth a thought. The BFF is North America's most endangered land mammal. It was even believed to have become extinct some years back, but when it was discovered that this was not the case, a concerted effort got underway to preserve the species. This effort includes sponsoring (adopting) one of these rare ferrets as a means of raising funds supporting the recovery effort.
Which ever path you take, there is a ferret out there somewhere that could use a good home, or is in need of care. Good luck with your adoption plans.