| Adoption Process |
| Adopting a ferret is one that we do not take lightly. We want to ensure that the ferrets are going to a good forever home and one that they will be happy with. We do not rush into the adoption. We believe that our adoption process not only protects the ferret but also the interested party. It allows for them to fully understand what a ferret is and how their life is going to change once they have a ferret. Since we deliver the ferret to the new home it allows us to assist the new owners with potential hazards in their house and also to see how the ferret interacts in his/her new surroundings. Adopting from the shelter is a three step process. 1) There is an interview over the phone or in person with potential adopter. One of the things that we will go over is a required book called Ferrets for Dummies. We will NOT adopt out to an individual who does not have this book. We feel that the book is a great benefit to the new owner and to the ferret. Even if you have had ferrets for years, it is still a requirement of ours. 2) The adopter and family members living in the household must come to the shelter and interact with the ferret(s) and another interview will take place at that time. If the adopter decides that they are interested in a ferret they will sign paperwork for their interest in the ferret. This essentially will put the ferret on "hold". This allows you time to ensure that you have all of the basic supplies for the ferret and a chance to think over your decission. A ferret should never be an impulse "buy". They require daily interaction and supervision. The shelter reserves the right to decline potential adopters. 3) The shelter will bring the ferret to your house to do an "inspection" to make sure that the environment is safe and that the ferret will be properly cared for. At that time the adoption contract will be filled out and the Adoption fees are due. There is also another in home visit that will be done after placement (normally about 1 month later) to watch family interaction and make sure the ferret is being well taken care of. We will also want to know who your vet is at that time if you have not already specified. At any time during the adoption process the shelter reserves the right to stop the process and not adopt to the interested party. This includes, but not limited to the home visit. The shelter will try to give as much information as it can on the ferrets that it has up for adoption to interested parties. If at any time after the completion of the adoption if the new family no longer wants the ferret or the shelter finds neglect or abuse to the ferret, the ferret is to be returned to the shelter immediately. |