Washington Ferret Rescue & Shelter: Committed to helping ferrets and ferret owners since 1998 Donate now with PayPal
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About WFRS

The Washington Ferret Rescue & Shelter is one of the largest ferret shelters in North America, a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming ferrets. We are well-known to prominent pet care companies, research laboratories, and veterinarians across the country, and have access to superior veterinary care from several different vets and vet techs.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Washington Ferret Rescue and Shelter (WFRS) is to ensure the safety and the well-being of all ferrets. We care for the abandoned, lost or surrendered ferrets until they are adopted, placed with loving foster families or until they pass at the shelter. We provide education and support to owners and prospective ferret owners. We are a no-kill shelter, and only humanely euthanize if no medical care can alleviate the condition, pain and suffering. We provide education about the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) to the public.

WFRS is a 501(c)3 non-profit, all-volunteer organization which provides education, rescue and shelter about and for ferrets. It relies completely on sponsors, donations, volunteers, grants and contributions from the public.

Our primary goals:

  1. Provide shelter, optimal housing, food, medical care for any ferret placed in our shelter.
  2. Educate the public, prospective ferret owners, and ferret owners about the domestic ferret: its biology, welfare, and health care.
  3. Assist with development of veterinary treatments, care and any products including food or enrichment that benefits all ferrets.
  4. Promote the domestic ferret as an incredible pet!

History of the WFRS

WFRS was launched about 25 years ago by a small group of ferret lovers who opened their hearts and homes to neglected, abandoned, and abused ferrets. We have since evolved from a single garage in Bellevue, Washington to the shelter's current "base camp" in Everett, supported by about 20 active foster homes. We currently house more than 250 ferrets in multiple locations, including about 200 in the central adoption facility. Our ferrets range from playful young adults to elder ferrets receiving supportive hospice care.

We are here because many people acquire a ferret without knowing much about them. Ferrets are delightful pets, but just like certain dog breeds, they are not well-suited for every home. Also, very few municipal or county shelters are able to care for "exotic" species. These facilities often contact us when a ferret is rescued or surrendered to them.

In all cases, ferrets are given the loving care they deserve by people who are committed to giving them the best possible quality of life. Cages are cleaned daily. Food, water and litter are cleaned and replenished every day. Out-of-cage playtime and socialization are also daily priorities. Without a strong network of donors, volunteers, and foster homes, this mission could not succeed.

Washington Ferret Association/Washington Ferret Rescue & Shelter does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, identity, or any other category protected by federal or local laws.