Pro’s & Con’s Of Rescuing vs Buying A Ferret- Everything You Need To Know

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Rescue Ferrets

Like any pet adoption, there are pros and cons, so research and informed decisions are unavoidable, especially if you’re still trying to answer the question, should you get a Ferret?

Here are the facts, for those who are still on the fence about buying a young one or adopting one from a shelter.

 

Buying Versus Rescuing A Ferret

If you’re someone who prefers to get animals when they’re young, so that they grow with you and become trained and nurtured your way, it might be difficult to change your mind about buying a young Ferret. That said, you might want to consider the pros and cons.

 

Buying a Ferret

When buying pets, especially Ferrets, you must make sure that you’re dealing with a reputable seller who cares about the animals. Before you go, you might want to check out everything you need to know as well as buy, before you even shell out for your Ferret.

Pros:

  • You get a fresh little baby to pamper and play with for the rest of its life.
  • You can help train and form their personality.
  • You don’t have to worry too much about learned behavioral problems.

Cons:

  • The cost, which doesn’t include all their vaccinations, food and accessories.
  • The younger ferrets can be quite a handful.
  • The fact that a rescue Ferret in need was passed up for a young, fresh specimen is sad.

Rescuing a Ferret

People give up their pet Ferrets for various reasons, such as moving house or finding out they bit off more than they could chew, in relation to taking care of all their Ferret’s needs. There are lots of Ferrets who are homeless and kept at shelters until someone comes along to adopt them, so here are some things to take into consideration when deciding whether or not to take on a rescue Ferret.

Pros:

  • Mature Ferrets may already be socialized and trained to perform tricks.
  • Even though most are older, rescue Ferrets are still a lot of fun.
  • It’s an act of compassion that’s rewarded with Ferret love.

Cons:

  • If the Ferret was mishandled or worse, you could be dealing with the emotional aftermath.
  • Abandoned animals need a lot of love, extra attention and patience.
  • There could be some heartache if medical issues take their toll.

There are many other pros and cons for both owning a rescue Ferret or buying a new one, but at the end of the day, it’s all about what you can handle and how much you’re willing to commit. While it’s exciting to bring a baby pet home, a rescue Ferret would be so grateful to finally have a loving home.

 

What To Expect With A Rescue Ferret

Do some research to find a Ferret rescue shelter or club near you, because speaking with an expert will help give you a well-rounded understanding of what to expect. Here we’ll look at the more common issues and considerations when choosing to save a rescue Ferret.

 

Possible Issues With A Rescue Ferret

Getting Ferrets from rescue shelters can be a daunting task, which can be just like dealing with regular animal shelters. Seeing all those adorable furry friends and wishing you could take them all home is a heartbreaking experience, so try to stay focused and your trip won’t be too stressful.

Worse case scenarios for choosing a Ferret could be getting your pet home and finding out that they have destructive behaviors or need extra special care, if they were treated badly or neglected. Staff at the shelter should be able to shed some light on any of these issues and suggest how to proceed.

Other issues could include:

  • Needing to allow for more time for the Ferret to adjust to a new home and family
  • Unchecked medical problems that appear later and could end in premature death
  • Rescue Ferrets can cost up to $200 to cover medical bills etc., while new Ferrets cost around $125

That last point is important to remember, however the cost of buying a Ferret doesn’t stop at the purchase price. There’s vaccinations, neutering or spaying and other financial considerations, so at least the rescue Ferret has had that all taken care of.

 

How To Prepare For A Rescue Ferret

Take the time to visit the shelter and get all the information you can to ensure that you make an informed choice. They will ask you quite a lot about yourself to make sure you are prepared and have the right stuff to care for your Ferret. Sometimes they do home visits but don’t be alarmed, as they are trying to determine if you and your home are Ferret-proofed and conducive to a happy life.

At the shelter, take time to get to know which Ferret is the right one for you and if you have family or friends who will be interacting with your pet, make sure they come along for the same reason. You’ll need to ask all about your Ferret’s medical history, background, requirements and personality.

 

What You Will Need To Care For A Rescue Ferret

There are some Ferret playgroups out there, which is especially nice if you only have one Ferret that enjoys socializing, although getting more than one can help with this issue. Make sure you also read the contract carefully, to understand your responsibilities and the needs of your Ferret, which can include:

  • Reporting regular and periodic updates to the shelter
  • Medical checkups and medicines or supplements if needed
  • Ferret training and socializing
  • Good sized cages and carriers, accessories and equipment such as play-tubes and hammocks
  • Proper Ferret food, litter, food and water bowls
  • Grooming accessories and toys
  • At least an hour each day dedicated to interacting with your Ferret

There are many joys of owning a Ferret, if you’re committed to creating a safe haven and a happy, loving life for them. Remember that the trip home from the shelter can be stressful as well as the first few days, as they try to adjust to their new surroundings, noises and even the smells in your home.

Here’s more information about keeping Ferrets as pets.

So, should you get a rescue Ferret or buy one? It’s all up to you and how prepared you are, but think about this: adopting a Ferret is a lovely way to give them a second chance in a loving environment, which results in an enriching experience for all involved.

 

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