How to Buy a Pet Ferret

Ferrets make wonderful pets because they are friendly and live long. If you buy a ferret, you can have a companion for up to 10 years. To add to their attraction, these animals are also cute and cuddly. So, there are a lot of benefits for bringing a ferret into your home. The good news is that purchasing one is relatively easily. Just be sure that you have a cage and other accessories in your home to make your new pet ferret feel comfortable.

Things You'll Need

  • Cage
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Instructions

    • 1

      Be sure it is legal to own a ferret in your county and state. Most places allow people to own ferrets as pets. However, certain areas, such as California, don’t allow ferrets as pets. In California, it is illegal to own a pet ferret.

    • 2

      Check the yellow pages, classifieds, internet and your local American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) for ferret dealers. Ferrets are considered to be exotic animals, and as a result they are usually raised on farms. So it's best to check a few different places in order to find your new pet ferret. It will increase your chances of getting a healthy one and also expand your options on age.

    • 3

      Visit the ferret dealer and look for a new pet. Be sure to check out your selection and look for healthy ones. If you see a cute ferret that is wheezing, sneezing or oozing at the eyes, avoid buying it. It may just be the flu, which will pass, or it could be a more serious disease that may result in death.

    • 4

      Negotiate a price for your pet ferret. Prices for ferrets vary according to the area, but be ready to pay at least $50. Remember, the price of the ferret usually coincides with its quality. A dealer who is selling ferrets at a low price might be doing so because they are sick. Keep this in mind as you discuss the price.

    • 5

      Take your ferret home. Be sure that you have a cage or some other carrier to put your ferret in. These little guys are busy and curious--if you don’t contain them on your drive home, they may end up running all through the car and distracting you.