These include:
Special Considerations
Ferrets are very different from more traditional companion animals such as dogs and cats. They are marketed by the pet industry as "unusual," but individuals considering adopting a ferret should be wary of the industry's claims that unusual pets are easy to care for. Ferrets require a high level of commitment to be cared for responsibly and humanely; individuals not prepared or able to make such a commitment should not keep ferrets
as pets.
Rabies
Like all mammals, ferrets can carry and transmit rabies. Therefore, all ferrets should be vaccinated against this fatal viral disease. In addition, all rabies-control policies for ferrets should mirror those recommended for dogs and cats. Towards that end, The HSUS urges state and local health departments to follow the rabies-control procedures for ferrets recommended in the Compendium of Animal Rabies Control, 1998, disseminated by the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians. These recommendations pertain to vaccinations, removal of strays, preexposure vaccination and management, interstate movement, licensure, postexposure management, and management of animals who bite humans (e.g., quarantine requirements).
Responsible Care
Ferrets have sharp teeth and occasionally bite when startled, excited, or handled improperly. Because small children have been seriously injured by ferret bites, The HSUS recommends that children, particularly infants, never be left unsupervised with ferrets (or with any other companion animal).
Keeping ferrets humanely may be a challenge for individuals who are unfamiliar with their needs and habits. Ferrets sleep much of the time, but when awake are both curious and highly active. They should not be confined to a cage at all times, yet need close supervision when allowed out of their enclosures. It is usually necessary to take special measures to "ferret-proof" homes where ferrets are kept to ensure their safety.
Like other companion animals, ferrets require periodic veterinary check-ups and veterinary care when needed.
Sterilization
Pet ferrets must be spayed or neutered to prevent them from adding to the numbers of unwanted and homeless ferrets in need of shelter and rescue. Sterilization is particularly important for female ferrets, who can contract a disease called fatal aplastic anemia if kept in prolonged estrus.
Copyright © 2004 The Humane Society of the United States. All rights reserved.
Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Dec. 7, 2005