Is a Ferret Right For Me?   

Thank-you for considering adopting a ferret. We would be happy to discuss all your questions about ferrets as pets, but this takes time and increases our costs. So, prior to speaking with you, we would like you to consider the responsibility you will be taking on and ask that you research ferrets before calling. Researching the basics will better prepare you for your new companion and will allow you to make a wiser choice. FIRST will be available always to help you with any problems and questions you may have during and after the adoption process.

Be aware of the following:

Firstly, few books, those written for adults or children, properly define a ferret's disposition. Most are written from the viewpoint of the converted and fail to address the habits which are annoying, difficult to deal with, or contrary to human understanding. Others are written from the perspective of popularizing ferrets as pets and again fail to deal with issues of suitability for a particular lifestyle.

We at FIRST do not believe that ferrets are the ideal pet: On the contrary, they are very high maintenance pets in terms of interaction and emotional sophistication; they are very demanding animals when awake and cannot be ignored; they are very intelligent and unbelievably inquisitive which results in tremendous mischievousness and a great potential for misfortune. Their small size, high metabolism, longish lifespan, and strong personality make them more than a handful for any human. This is why so many ferrets (about half) are abandoned by their owners within six months.

It is important to consider the reasons for wanting a ferret as a family member. They are cute and loving, but only when they are allowed to develope to their full potential. As small carnivores, there is a clear downside to this potential also.

We adopt ferrets only to homes where the new ferrets parents are fully aware of all aspects of life with ferrets. Ferrets are not suitable pets for children under the age of twelve, nor are they suitable as a personal pet - ferrets must be a family pet with everyone willing to share his life with the little creature.

If you and your family are certain that a ferret is the right animal for you and that you can provide the right environment to provide for a care a ferret's needs, we would be pleased to speak with you about a possible adoption. Until then, please consider the implications of having a ferret as a family member: It is like having another toddler who never grows up in the home.