According to a study conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association, more Americans than ever own exotic pets such as ferrets. For instance, at the end of 2016 alone, more than 13% of US households owned exotic pets.Â
Some states do not allow ferrets as pets
In California, it is illegal to import, sell and own ferrets as pets. The only permits that allow the ownership of ferrets are issued by the California Department of Fish and Game under special circumstances and they mostly apply to rescued animals and those ferrets used for medical research.
Hawaii is another state that has banned ferrets. The state is against the ownership of ferrets because of the risks of the animals reverting to a feral state.Â
In Washington, the ownership of ferrets is also illegal. However, residents can obtain a permit to own such pets. Waivers are issued in Washington on a case by case basis.Â
In New York, ferrets were banned in 1999 by mayor Rudolph Giuliani. The basis for this ban was that these animals can pose risks to the residents of densely populated areas.Â
Supplies
If you want to purchase a pet ferret, there are a couple of supplies that you should also invest in such as a small carrier, a cage, toys, and a litter box. The habitat that you set up for your new companion should be spacious enough for it to move around freely in it.Â
A suitable cage for a single ferret should measure 36- by- 24 by- 24 inches high. However, keep in mind that these pets are social creatures and they only thrive when they live in pairs.Â
Ferrets should only be supplied a meat-based diet that is rich in proteins, fats, and low-fibers. You should not feed your ferret raw meat as there is a high chance that it will get salmonella from it. There are numerous foods that you can feed a pet of this kind. You can find more info on the topic here.
Vets are not easy to come by
Before you buy a ferret as a pet, it is recommended that you make sure that there is a ferret-knowledgeable vet in your city. Not many such vets are available in some areas of the country so, finding one might pose a problem.
You must find a vet that can take care of your pet because ferrets have to be taken for a check-up every year. Moreover, these animals are prone to numerous diseases and need constant medical attention and appropriate treatments.
They have to be vaccinated
All states that allow the ownership of ferrets require owners to have their pets vaccinated against rabies. Moreover, just like in the case of dogs, young ferrets have to receive no less than three distemper vaccines starting at two months of age. Even though these pets are kept as indoor companions, they can still get the canine distemper virus easily.Â
Ferrets that are three years or older have to have blood sugar tests and liver and kidney check-ups done regularly. If your pet is older than 5 years, you should take it to the vet every 6 months as the chances of it developing several diseases is high.
They are prone to various diseases
Almost all ferrets sold in the U.S. come from two breeding facilities. This means that they are very much inbred. As a result, these pets are prone to develop diseases such as pancreatic tumors and adrenal gland tumors. Besides, older pets are also likely to suffer from heart diseases.Â
If you decide to get a ferret, it is advisable that you consider rescuing one from a reputable facility as the risks of the animal developing various diseases is somewhat smaller. Nonetheless, you should understand that those owning ferrets have to be financially secure and ready to invest in treatments for their pets.
They smell
Because ferrets are born with scent glands, they give away a powerful smell that owners with sensitive noses might not be able to tolerate. This should not be an issue if you buy your pet from a breeder, as the breeders often have specialized vets remove these glands when the ferrets are still young.Â
However, if you decide to rescue a ferret, there is a high chance that you’ll end up with a musky companion.Â
