subject: The Need for Ferret Rescue [print this page] Author: Steven Jefferson Author: Steven Jefferson
The need for ferret rescue may be for various reasons. A ferret might accidentally escape from its owner and get lost in a city or town. This kind situation often causes a lot of stress for both the pet and the pet owner. The more tragic scenario, though, is when ferrets that are deliberately released without any regard for their well being. Such uncaring owners should really give these pets to a ferret rescue shelter.
Attempting to Locate A Lost Ferret
If your ferret has gone missing for whatever reason, here is a list of steps you can take to try to get it back.
Check all the places you can think of where it might like to hide - check both inside and outside of your home
Get in touch with the local ferret rescue agency or pet shelter and supply them with a description or picture of your pet.
Put an ad in your local newspaper and offer a reward
Call any vets in your area just in case someone has dropped off a stray or injured ferret
Post flyers in your area with a picture of your missing pet and contact information
Adopting from a Ferret Rescue Shelter
Most ferret rescue shelters allow adoption of rescued pets that haven't been retrieved by their owners. However, it's not as easy as just picking out the ferret you want and taking it home. There is always an application process and sometimes it can be fairly extensive.
Any good shelter will want to know for certain that you understand a ferret's basic needs and requirements. They will also want to know that you have the time and resources available to meet your pet's needs.
And, of course, there will be an adoption fee. Fees will differ from shelter to shelter, but you should allow for between $75 and $100. These fees are necessary to keep the shelter going so they can continue to rescue stray or unwanted ferrets.
Ferret Rescue Agencies and Shelters
There are an incredible number of agencies and shelters committed to ferret rescue. A couple of good resources to check out are The American Ferret Association's Shelter List and the FML Shelter List in the United States.
There are several ferret rescue shelters in the UK, Canada, Australia and lots of other countries, too. To find one in your area, try an Internet search for "ferret rescue" and you should find lots of resources.
An additional source is the Yellow Pages of your local phone book. If they don't have a section for ferret shelters, then look under "Animal Shelters."
Giving Up Your Ferret to a Rescue Shelter
There are times when owners, through no fault of their own, are faced with giving up their pet ferret. If all avenues for finding them a suitable home have been exhausted, then you should consider giving them to a good ferret rescue shelter. These places know how to care for ferrets and will do their best to find your pet a suitable new home.
Don't ever release a domesticated ferret into the wild. Simply put, they will not be able to adapt and doing this could condemn them to a slow and lonely death.About the Author:
