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Ferrets For Life is a rescue for abused and abandoned ferrets and other small animals. We are a no kill shelter that is run by volunteers. FFL is a non profit organization that works to place unwanted animals in loving LIFETIME homes. We also work to educate the public about the proper care for these animals.
Ferrets For Life was originally created to provide a safe haven for unwanted or abused ferrets. There are many myths surrounding the domestic ferret and because of this, these animals have been persecuted for many years.
Many people still believe that ferrets are wild and vicious animals, while in reality the pet ferret has been domesticated for thousands of years. There are far less incidents of ferrets biting people then there are dog bites. The reason that ferrets are generally not a good pet for young children is because they require a high level of care.
Ferrets are extremely intelligent and social animals. They become depressed and lonely without daily interaction. Ferrets bond closely to their human families, and many abandoned ferrets will die of a broken heart. They also form very strong bonds with each other, and we almost always recommend adopting more than one ferret for this reason.
Ferrets are the perfect pet, but they need the perfect family. They have the energy of a puppy with the playfulness of a kitten. They are NOT the pet for everyone. If you think that a ferret is the right pet to add to your family, consider rescuing a ferret instead of supporting mass breeders or pet shops.
We are always in need of foster homes and volunteers, so if you are interested in helping out animals in need contact us.
The Following Are Some Of The Most Common Misconceptions About Ferrets. If you are considering adding a ferret to your family you NEED to read the following.
1. Ferrets are great "starter pets" for children
Ferrets need training. Just like any puppy or kitten, ferrets need to learn the rules of the house and proper manners. NO PET should be left unattended with a child. Ferrets require a MINIMUM of 2 hours with their family to play and socialize. They bond to all members of the family, not just one. Ferrets are highly intelligent and need activities and toys to keep their minds busy.
2. Ferrets are wild/exotic animals
Ferrets have been domesticated for thousands of years. The domestic ferret does not exist as a species in the wild.
3. Ferrets are vicious
Ferrets without training are as vicious as any puppy. They will nip to get your attention and to initiate play. These nips are more surprising than anything, and rarely break the skin. With gentle training, ferrets can easily be taught more appropriate ways to seek attention.
4. Ferrets are rodents
Ferrets are NOT rodents. They are related to weasels and evolved from the pole cat. They are more closely related to house cats than they are to rodents.
5. Ferrets are happy without the company of other ferrets
Ferrets are extremely social and most ferrets enjoy the company of other ferrets. Unless you are home 24/7 with your pet it is a good idea to have more than one. There are some ferrets who do not like other ferrets, however these are the clear minority.
6. Ferrets do not bond to their families
Because ferrets are such highly social animals, they bond very closely to not only other ferrets but also to their human families. When displaced or abandoned, many ferrets become so depressed that they will refuse food and pine for their family. This can occasionally result in death.
7. Ferrets are dirty
Ferrets are very clean animals, who spend time grooming and can be reliably trained to a litter box. Ferrets do have a musky odour, however a proper diet (with the appropriate supplements) and regular cage cleaning will make them barely noticeable. An overwhelming ferret smell usually has more to do with the owner not taking the time to clean properly than the ferret being dirty.
8. Ferrets can escape and reproduce in the wild
Mass breeders of ferrets in Canada alter (spay/neuter) their ferret kits before selling them. Almost all ferrets in Canada come from these breeders. Male ferrets who are unaltered can become easily agitated and have a strong odour, while unaltered females who are allowed to go into heat will not come out of heat unless they are bred. This often results in the death of the female from loss of blood. Because of this, responsible ferret owners who purchase an unaltered ferret will opt to have it spayed or neutered. Therefore there is only a handful of ferrets in private homes who are left unaltered and the chances of them escaping and finding each other is remote. Also because ferrets have been domesticated for so long, most would not last long in the wild.
Ferrets For Life rescue for ferrets and other small animals in need has partnered with Friends Of A Feather bird and parrot rescue and sanctuary of Ontario. The goal of this partnership is to save even more furry and feathered lives.
These are just a few of the wonderful animals that have found homes since FFL and FOAF have partnered:
