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Adopt!

Ferret Photo (c) Vondelle McLaughlin

One of the primary objectives of the Washington Ferret Rescue & Shelter is to ensure that every ferret is placed in a loving, secure and healthy environment.

We always have ferrets ready for adoption. Visit our Happy Tails page for inspiration! But before you consider adopting a ferret, please do spend some time learning about them. You'll find some great information on our About Ferrets, Ferret FAQ, and External Resources pages.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at adoptions@washingtonferret.org.

The Adoption Process

To make sure ferrets entrusted to us find the perfect home, we'll need to get to know you, so that we can find the right match between the ferret(s) and the family. Specifically, when you adopt from us, you can expect the following:

  1. We do not generally do same-day adoptions. We believe that it is critical to get to know you and for you to have all of the information you need to be successful with your new family member, and that we take the time to match you up with the perfect friend.
  2. When you come to the shelter, you must bring all of the ferrets in your home, and they must be up to date on their vaccinations (rabies and distemper). These must have been done within the past year - the initial vaccinations from the pet store don't cover your ferret's entire lifetime. It always works best if we let the ferrets pick out their new buddies.
  3. We also request that all members of the household come, so we can match your family with the best ferret(s).
  4. You'll fill out an application (PDF). This may be done in advance. The application covers many factors which make a big difference in how successful the ferrets will be in your household. We're happy to discuss any questions you may have about it.
  5. Expect to take time at the shelter. It's not a quick process, as the priority is to make sure that ferrets are going to the best home for them. They have been homeless once, and it's our job to make sure that when they go to a new home, it's forever.
  6. We will go over the application and discuss anything which you or we have questions about.
  7. We will talk about ferrets, health concerns, vet care, and make sure you're ready to be successful with ferrets in your home.
  8. In that process, we'll get to know you, and get a feel for the personalities in your household, which will give us a feel for what ferrets might be a good fit with your home.

Before you adopt a ferret, you'll have plenty of opportunity to interact with potential new members of your family. Cuddle and play with them in the shelter. Ask us as many questions as you want. If you need a cage or carrier, we can help with that too! Adoptions are currently by appointment, so feel free to contact us to set one up, or to express any other questions or concerns.

Our Ferrets

Ferret Photo (c) Vondelle McLaughlin

Most of our ferrets are healthy, lovable, easy-going pets that would be great for both first-time and experienced ferret owners. Some of the ferrets in our care have health or behavioral issues, and are therefore only suitable for placement with experienced caregivers. Whatever your needs, our adoption advisers will be happy to help you find the ideal match!

All of the ferrets at WFRS have been vaccinated against canine distemper and rabies, are spayed/neutered, and (unless specified otherwise) descented. They have also been treated for fleas and earmites, had their toenails trimmed, and teeth inspected and cleaned when necessary.

Adoption Fee

The adoption fee is $200 for one ferret and $100 for each additional ferret in a group. We will negotiate a fee with you for groups of three or more. These fees are needed to help pay for food, housing, medical care, and other operational expenses. We are all volunteers, so these fees go directly to supporting the ferrets. As a no-kill shelter that does not turn away ferrets due to age, chronic illness, or injuries, our expenses add up quickly. Please visit our How to Help page for more information.

If by chance things don't work out for you and your ferret, the shelter will always take the ferret back, regardless of the circumstances. Moreover, the adoption fee is refundable up to 7 days.

Paperwork

If you're ready to adopt, or just eager to look at the necessary paperwork, here's what you'll need to fill out:

We look forward to talking with you, introducing you to some ferrets, and hopefully getting a critter or three into a new happy home!