Ferrets Unlimited Rescue Services

Adoption Process & Requirements

Ferrets Unlimited Rescue Services is committed to finding caring, knowledgeable homes for the animals in our care. Some of them come to us from abusive or neglectful situations, and we want to make sure that never happens to them again. In order to better screen new homes, we require all potential adopters to complete the application and screening process.

We adopt to people who live in the Northeastern Ohio area surrounding the Cleveland metro area. There is no shelter building for walk in visits. All our ferrets live in foster homes. We do NOT ship ferrets!

Requirements for Application and Ownership

  1. Applicant must request and fill in an adoption application COMPLETELY and ACCURATELY. The more details you can give us, the better! Please be as specific as possible. Sometimes the adoption process takes longer because we have to contact an applicant to expand or explain something on their application. All applications are handled in the order they are received.

  2. Applicants MUST be 18 or older. We cannot legally adopt to minors. Families with children under the age of 8 are rarely approved.

  3. Adult applicants must be adopting the animal for himself or herself, as a pet. We will not adopt out animals as gifts for others, even for other members of your own family.

  4. Ferrets are not to be used for research, zoos, etc. They are family pets only. Ferrets cannot be service animals or therapy animals.

  5. If you rent your home, check with your landlord prior to applying for adoption. Most landlords who allow dogs or cats or birds or pocket pets will NOT allow ferrets. If they do, they require additional security deposits or monthly payments per pet. We do verify this approval with your landlord.

  6. Applicant must provide a veterinary reference for current and past animals in the house. We need to verify a history of routine veterinary care.

  7. We need to know that you have a veterinarian who is capable of caring for ferrets and their special needs. We can recommend vets local to the Cleveland area if needed. If you live outside the Cleveland area, it is your responsibility to find a vet in your area who is familiar with exotic animals such as ferrets.

  8. Applicants must demonstrate a thorough understanding of the needs of the animals they intend to adopt. Please do the research first! If you are not sure about something, please ask us. We are more than willing to work with you to help you learn more about the animal you want to adopt as long as you are willing to work with us and to learn. This can take some time. Our goal is to have well cared for ferrets and owners who adopt knowing what to expect and being prepared for ferret ownership.

  9. Expect a home visit prior to final adoption approval. If you have a cage, we will need to see it during the home visit or prior to adoption if you don’t want to purchase one until you select a ferret. If you do not yet have a cage, please check with us before purchasing a cage or any supplies. Not every product with a picture of a ferret on it is actually safe or appropriate for a ferret, or easy to clean and maintain.

  10. Decide what parts of your home your ferrets can safely have access to. Ferrets can be accomplished escape artists and have been called “Little Houdinis” for a reason. Home appliances, rockers and upholstered furniture, box springs, dressers, air ducts and vents, electrical outlets, windows, doors can all be hazardous or deadly and ferrets should not be allowed to roam entire homes. Remember, ferrets are intelligent, and can climb furniture, curtains and bedding to reach higher than you may expect. For a ferret up is easy, down can be dangerous or deadly. During the home visit, we can recommend ways to “ferret proof” these areas of your home so your ferret stays safe.

  11. Applicant must be able to provide financially for any animals they wish to adopt. We will not ask you how much you make a year. However, veterinary care for ferret's can be very costly. Remember, ferrets need to see the vet for a yearly checkup just like dogs and cats. Expect an annual exam with ferret specific vaccinations to cost $100-$150 per ferret. Surgeries and emergency visits can average $500- $1,200.

  12. Adoptions are by appointment only, after completing the application, home visit and receiving board approval.

Adoption Process

  1. Ferrets Unlimited charges an adoption fee for every ferret payable at the time of adoption. These fees are: $125 for a single ferret and $175 for a bonded pair.

  2. Applicants must request, fill out and submit a fully completed application form.

  3. We will review your application and contact you with additional questions.

  4. If all goes well, we will arrange a home visit to verify that you have ferret proofed the areas your ferret(s) will have access to and there are no known safety concerns.

  5. Upon completion of the home visit and final approval, we will arrange an adoption appointment with you. Please remember, we are all volunteers, this process may take a week or longer depending on time of year, number of applications being processed, and availability of volunteers and suitable ferrets.

By clicking the link below, I certify that I have read and understand the entire Adoption Requirements and Process statements above. Questions regarding this process, the requirements, or ferret care should be addressed to Adoptions@FerretsUnlimited.org prior to requesting an adoption application.

Click here to request an adoption application


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