Ferrets are incredibly fun and goofy animals, but the decision to bring a ferret- or any animal for that matter- into your home is one that should be taken into careful consideration. The moment you have decided to bring a ferret into your family is a very exciting one. The next point on your ferret owning journey is to decide where to get your ferret from. Most people do purchase their ferrets directly from breeders or pet stores, and many don’t take into consideration adopting a ferret from a humane society or ferret rescue. This article will discuss adopting a ferret and how this may be a better option than purchasing a ferret from a breeder or pet store.

Provide A Needy Ferret With A Home

Ferrets who are residing in ferret rescues or humane societies generally have been surrendered by their previous families for a number of different reasons. Unfortunately, many ferrets are surrendered through no fault of their own. Sometimes ferret parents simply do not understand the responsibility of owning a ferret, or a sudden change in family situation suddenly leaves them unable to emotionally or financially care for a ferret. Rarely, ferrets are surrendered or seized due to neglect or abuse. Whatever the reason for adopting a ferret, you are providing a second chance and a forever home for an animal who truly needs a new family.

Get To Know The Personality Of A Ferret Before You Bring Them Home

When you go to the pet store or breeder to pick out a baby ferret, it is so exciting to see the antics of the entertaining ferret pups. However, as with any baby animal, by the time they are weaned and separated from their mother, their true personality really has not begun to shine through. It’s hard to tell if you are getting a ferret who loves to snuggle (a definite plus!) or one that has a tendency to be a little bit on the biting side (a definite drawback!).

However, when you adopt a ferret from a society or rescue, your ferret will probably be a little bit older and the volunteers at the shelter will have gotten a chance to get to know the ferret’s unique personality. This will help you to determine if you are a good fit for that ferret’s needs, and give you the opportunity to get to know each other a little bit more before you bring your ferret home.

An Older Ferret May Be A Trained Ferret

While this is not a guarantee, if your adopted ferret is a little bit older, you may find that your ferret has some good habits already instilled, particularly if your ferret was given good attention at their previous home and at the humane society or rescue. Your ferret may be litter box trained, taught that hands and wires are not for biting, and might love to snuggle up with you when nap time comes.

Save A Little Bit Of Money On Adoption Costs

When you are bringing home a ferret, it is important not to shave costs unnecessarily, though it is nice if you don’t have to pay outrageous prices on the purchase price of the ferret alone. Ferrets from a rescue or society will probably cost between $75 and $150, and most of the time will come desexed as well as fully vaccinated and vetted. Ferrets from a breeder or a pet store will cost at minimum $150 but can run up to $250 or more, and while they will be desexed and have their first round of vaccinations done, you will probably have to cover the cost of booster shots, and after bringing any animal home from a pet store, it is not a bad idea to have your ferret fully vetted to ensure they are completely healthy.

Additionally, ferrets from rescues or societies may come with some of their favorite toys and bedding, which will help your ferret acclimate to their new home so much easier.

A Couple Of Drawbacks of Adoption

Of course, there are a couple of drawbacks to adopting a ferret instead of purchasing one. The first is that a ferret from a reputable breeder tends to live the longest and have the fewest health problems. This is due to the fact that these ferrets are not bred solely for profit but for the betterment of the breed, are not desexed so quickly as to completely upset their hormonal systems, and you have a complete and thorough vetting history on your specific ferret. Unfortunately, due to the situation that a ferret finds themselves in when at a rescue, a thorough and accurate vetting history is usually not readily available.

Additionally, just how ferrets can be taught good habits in their previous home and during their time at a rescue, adopting an older ferret can also run the risk of them stubbornly holding on to bad habits, such as biting hands, urinating and defecating outside of the litter box, and being very food selective. Purchasing a younger ferret from a breeder can help to ensure that you are able to train your ferret specific things that you want them to do.

Finally, even if you are so inclined to adopt a ferret instead of purchasing one, in some areas of the United States, ferret rescues and humane societies that accept ferrets are very few and far between. Even with the best intentions, it may not be feasible to find a ferret in need within reasonable traveling distance of your home.

Conclusion


Ferrets are incredibly silly, hyper, and affectionate animals, and given how quickly they bond with their humans and other animals in the home, they truly do make a great pet. While there are a couple of drawbacks to adopting a ferret in need from a rescue or your local humane society, there are so many positives to adopting a ferret. Where ever you choose to adopt or purchase your ferret from, we are confident that you will quickly fall in love with this new member of your family.