Most Ferret Rescue Programs are built around the idea of caring and sheltering neglected, abandoned, or abused ferrets from around the world. Since its popularity as house pets in 1991, domesticated ferrets have been overlooked as one of the most mistreated exotic pets in many countries. The mistreatment may either root from the owner’s lack of information about proper ferret pet care, or just plain animal cruelty.
Although Ferret Rescue Programs around the world have set up shelters and adoption centers for homeless ferrets, current owners are still encouraged to adopt out their own pets when the need arises. Valid reasons to look for new owners for your pets include moving to a smaller home, traveling to a country where ferrets are not allowed as pets, and strong, financial troubles.
Arranging the adoption of your own ferrets would allow Ferret Rescue Programs to pour their energies on pets which have been completely abandoned by their owners. Besides, you will be saving your pet a lot of emotional stress by having him/her transfer to one home instead of two. Having your pet move from your home to the Ferret Rescue Programs shelter to the new family can traumatize your furry friend. If you think you have the energy and resources to find a new home for your pet, then you should do so, instead of coursing it through one of the country’s many Ferret Rescue Programs.
Put out small scale ads around your community
Small scale advertisements, like bulletin board posts and ads in the community paper will limit your scope to people you more or less already know. Having strangers come into your home to apply as your pet ferret’s new owners could be a highly stressful ordeal. It’s easier to do a background check on people who live in your neighborhood compared to families who live halfway across the state. This will also help you look for families who are experienced ferret owners who will have better chances of raising your pet compared to new and uninformed ones.
Conduct Phone or Email Interviews first
Conducting phone or email interviews will help you screen the people who will come into your home to “audition” for your ferret’s love. When conducting these interviews, you should test potential adopters about their knowledge about ferret pet care, their veterinary references, their lifestyle and families, and the time and effort they’re willing to pour into your pet. Aside from knowledgeable applicants, you should look for families or individuals who have almost the same lifestyle and disposition as you are. Ferrets, especially adult ferrets, are a little iffy about changes. They’d be able to cope more if the family you’re sending them off too is extremely similar to your own.
Provide the New Owners Ample Information About Your Pet
Veterinary records and all health information should be turned over to the new owners of your pets. This is especially true if you’re having an adult ferret adopted. Make sure you brief the new owner about your ferret’s idiosyncrasies as well, like behaviors, dietary preferences, routines, etc. It’s important for the new owners to know what they’re dealing with, so they can establish strong and meaningful bonds with your ferret as well. The new family’s knowledge about your ferret will be the basis of how well your ferret will be able to cope without you around. It’s the least you can do as its former owner.