| The shelter is located in the Sierra Vista Area (Arizona). The shelter is run out of our house. We feel that our house (shelter) helps ferret transition from one home to the next. We have 5 of our own ferrets, ages ranging from kits to seniors We understand that sometimes it can take time for them to be adopted out. We don't rush into anything and we also try keep in contact with the people that adopt from us. When an adoption is made we take the ferret(s) to the home and fill out the paperwork and check the home. You can look at our procedures for adoption at http://www.geocities.com/ferretcorneraz/adoptionprocess.html Also, when we take in a ferret we won't adopt them out for at least 2 weeks. This way we can make sure that the ferret is adjusting and there are no unforeseen problems with them. It is hard enough for a ferret to be in a new home, rushing could only make it worse in most cases. They also go to the vets for a check up and for any shots, if needed. We treat all of the ferrets as our kids. When we adopted out the biter (Flower) that we had at the shelter I cried. She was only with us for about 2 months but I was so very sad to see her leave. I had worked a lot with her because she had been abused and neglected before. Shawn also cries because each time a ferret comes in here they steal your heart. So when they leave, they take a piece of your heart and soul with them. The ferret cages are in our living room. We like having them out where we are so that when we are home they are out and about. We have a gate in the hallway so we can seperate them when needed. The ferrets are out, on an average of 4-5 hours a day (more on the weekends). They come out for about 30 minutes in the morning and then are out again from about 5 pm until 9 or 11 pm in the evening. Now, of course they are not always awake, but we leave the cages open so that they can go back and forth. Nails are clipped and ears cleaned every week or two weeks. On Sundays the cages and bedding all get washed. Litter boxes are changed as needed (normaly Sundays and Wednesdays). We try our best to ensure that all of the ferrets are happy with their environment that they are in and when they are adopted out, their sleep sack or blankie goes with them. This seems to work well for them as well as the adopting family. Gives them a piece of their old home to curl up to while they adjust to their new surroundings. People wishing to surrender ferrets have to fill out a Surrender Form for the ferrets. Ferrets that are surrendered are ADV tested before they come into the house. We have had great success in placing ferrets in new homes. We always take the ferrets needs above everything else. Ensuring that they are happy and healthy is what it is all about. We have been able to separate some ferrets, and others we keep together as groups. We don't believe in putting them through anymore stress than we have to. It is not right or fair to them. If you have any more questions please don't hesitate to contact us at ([email protected]). |
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