CAN ANYONE ADOPT A FERRET?
Unfortunately, no. Being in the business of rescuing ferrets, we
have seen far too many situations of ferrets being improperly cared
for, sometimes intentionally and more often unintentionally. Ferrets
are not cats or dogs, and they have different requirements than
these pets. To be eligible to adopt a ferret from the Pennsylvania
Ferret Rescue Association, one must first pass an application procedure.
This procedure includes the submission of an application, a telephone
interview, a personal interview, and any further discussions necessary
to help the prospective adopter fully understand the commitment
necessary when adopting a ferret. It may seem to be a difficult
procedure, but it really isn't. Anyone who is willing to commit
to the responsibility of ferret ownership should be willing to go
through our procedure. We are thorough, but this is simply because
we want the next home that our shelter ferrets go into the be the
last home they ever live in, as well as the best home they've ever
lived in.
While previous ferret ownership is not a requirement for adoption,
a demonstrated knowledge about ferrets is required. If the applicant
has little or no knowledge about ferrets, but seems to be willing
to learn, we are more than happy to take the time to provide information
about ferrets and their needs. Once an applicant has learned enough
about ferrets to satisfy our requirement, the adoption procedure
may continue.
While the PFRA does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender,
or financial status, we do prohibit adoption in certain instances:
- We do not adopt to anyone under the age of 21, though we do
permit adoptions by the parents of children under 21.
- We do not adopt to anyone living in a known "ferret-free
zone" - an area which prohibits the ownership of ferrets
by law.
- We do not adopt to anyone living in a "pet free" dwelling.
- We do not permit ferrets adopted from our facility to live in
a college dormatory, fraternity house, or sorority house.
- We do not adopt to anyone more than 150 miles from the shelter
facility an applicant has contacted. If you live more than 150
miles from any PFRA branch, please feel free to contact us and
we will refer you to the nearest shelter to your home.
We have a standard contract that all adoptive parties must agree
to before an adoption may take place. This contract contains provisions
that guarantee that ferrets adopted from the PFRA will continue
to receive medical care, including annual vaccinations and blood
tests (to detect certain illnesses). The PFRA reserves the right
to reclaim ownership of adopted ferrets if this medical care is
not upheld or if any clause of our contract is broken at any time.
If you would like to apply for adoption from the PFRA, please e-mail
your nearest shelter branch and we will send you an application
via e-mail right away!
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