Adoption Application
The Educated Ferret
C/O Donna Spirito
43 North Main Street, Apt 1
South Hadley, MA 01075
(413) 538-7108
Please complete this application; return it to Donna Spirito; then call approximately one week later to make and appointment for an interview.
413-538-7108
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Name | Veterinarian Name |
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Street Address | Veterinary Hospital/Clinic Name |
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Mail Address | Veterinarian Phone Number |
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City/State/Zip | Home Phone | Work Phone |
This is NOT a test! Don’t feel that you need to answer “correctly”. This is a way for us to streamline our interview process and highlight areas where you—experienced ferret owner or not—may need extra guidance or information. The form also gives us a formal checklist to review during the interview to be sure we cover all necessary topics.
We hope that the questions included here will not only help us assess your suitability as an owner, but help YOU decide if a ferret is right for you. Ferrets are adorable, fun-loving animals and many people want one—for now. Experience, however, has taught us that personal lifestyles changes—moving, children, school or job demands—often prompt people to give up their pets. We aim for permanent homes for ferrets. While no one can predict unforeseen events, many major changes are planned in advance, and, if carefully thought out now, can help avoid an animal losing its home in the future. You may find you cannot make an 8 year commitment to a ferret. This does not necessarily mean that you cannot adopt. It does mean, though, that you should think carefully about how much time you can promise to give. Perhaps an older animal, who can live happily with you for a shorter period of time, would be more suitable.
Thank you for your interest in adopting from the Educated Ferret Association.
Pet Ownership
1. Do you currently own any other ferrets? _____Yes _____No
2. If so, how many? __________
3. Have you previously owned ferrets? _____Yes _____No
If yes, what happened to them (if death, please specify cause)? ________________________________________________
4. Do you own other animals? _____Yes _____No
If yes, indicate species, breed, and number(s):_____________________________________________________________
5. Do all your animals receive regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations? _____Yes _____No
if yes, identify vaccinations: ___________________________________________________________________________
Personal Information
1. Are you a full-time student? _____Yes _____No
If yes, please check: _____Grade School _____High School _____College
If Grade School Student: What will happen when you reach a higher level and have less time to spend with your pet? __________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
If High School Student: Do you plan to attend college? _____Yes _____No If yes, what will happen if you go away for college? _____________________________________________________________________________________
If College Student: Do you live on campus or off? _____On Campus _____Off campus at home
_____Off campus in apartment. If on campus: please provide campus address and telephone number:
________________________________________________________________________________________________
What is the school’s policy on pets in dorms? _______________________________________________________________
After graduation, where will you be seeking employment? _____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. If under age 18: Are your parents aware that you want to adopt a ferret? _____Yes _____No
Who will be the ferret’s main caretaker? ___________________________________________________________________
If you no longer “have time”, who will take over all of your ferrets care and handling needs?
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Are you paying the adoption fee yourself? _____Yes _____No
3. If not a student, do you work? _____Yes _____No If yes, where?_______________________________________________
For how long? ________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Do any other adults live in your household? _____Yes _____No
If yes, are they aware you plan to adopt a ferret? _____Yes _____No
5. Do any children live in your household? _____Yes _____No
If yes, how many and what ages? _________________________________________________________________________
If none now, do you plan to have children? _____Yes _____No
If yes, what will happen to your pets then? __________________________________________________________________
6. Are you aware that some doctors advise you not to have pets when pregnant? _____Yes _____No
What will you do if your doctor so advises you? _____________________________________________________________
7. Do you or any member of your household smoke? _____Yes _____No
Have Asthma? _____Yes _____No Have Allergies? _____Yes _____No
If yes, to what?________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Do you or any household member have any significant medical condition that might affect caring for a ferret?
_____Yes _____No If yes, please describe _____________________________________________________
9. Do you have frequent visitors to your household? _____Yes _____No
10. If children frequently visit, please indicated age(s) and frequency of visits
________________________________________________________________________________________
11. Do you own your own home? ____Yes ___No If no, do you rent an ___Apartment ___House
Does your landlord allow: Pets? _____Yes _____No Ferrets? _____Yes _____No
If necessary, can you obtain written permission to have ferrets? _____Yes _____No
12. Are you planning to move within the next year? _____Yes _____No
If yes, please indicate: Plan to move to _____Own Home _____Apartment
Within the state you currently live? _____Yes _____No if no, where? City_____________________ State_________
What will you do if you cannot find housing that allows pets or ferrets? ___________________________________________
Ferret Knowledge
1. Have you read any books or other information about ferrets? _____Yes _____No
If yes, identify books___________________________________________________________________________________
2. What supplies do you already have (Please check all that apply): _____Cage _____Carrier _____Food Bowl
_____Water Bottle _____Hammock/Bedding _____Nail Clippers _____Linatone
_____Ferretone _____Litter Pan ______Other (Describe): ____________________________________
3. How do you plan to permanently house your ferret(s) (Please specify):
A. _____Cage Please describe: Size_______________ Does it have a wire floor? _____Yes _____No
Approximately how much time will it spend in the cage? _______________________________________________
B. _____Room Please describe: What room? ____________________ Is it in the basement? _____Yes _____No
C. _____Loose in the house Are outside doors blocked? _____Yes _____No
D. _____Other housing (Please describe housing and location):________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Have all areas your ferret will be allowed in (or have access to) been thoroughly ferret-proofed? _____Yes _____No
If yes, describe how:____________________________________________________________________________________
5. What type/brand food do you currently or plan to feed your ferret(s)? _________________________________________________
6. What type of litter do you currently or plan to use with your ferret(s)? _________________________________________________
7. Do you know how to: _____Clip nails? _____Clean ears?
8. Are you able to groom (bathe, clip nails, clean ears) every 2 – 3 weeks? _____Yes _____No
9. Do you plan to take your ferret outside? _____Yes _____No
If yes, where and how?__________________________________________________________________________________
10. Do you plan to travel with your ferret? _____Yes _____No
If yes, where and how?__________________________________________________________________________________
11. If you have never had a ferret before:
A. Do you have friends with ferrets? _____Yes _____No
B. Have you ever handled a ferret? _____Yes _____No
C. What attracts you about ferrets and why do you want one? __________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
D. Do you understand that a ferret: cannot stay in a cage all the time? _____Yes _____No,
Must be played with DAILY? _____Yes _____No, Is a LOT of work? _____Yes _____No
E. Do you have enough time to handle, play and care for your ferret DAILY? _____Yes _____No
F. Can you make a 3 to 8 year commitment to keep a ferret? _____Yes _____No
G. Can you put up with (but not limited to) the following: plant murdering; stock stealing; knocked over drinks; 80-90% litter success ration; thing hidden; rubber/leather chewing (especially shoes); items thrown off coffee tables; papers scattered; housekeeping “help”; purses rifled; ankles attacked? _____Yes _____No
For all potential adopters:
1. Are you looking for a _____More cuddly animal? _____More “hyper” animal?
2. Do you have specific requirements in an adoptive ferret? _____Yes _____No
If yes, please describe:__________________________________________________________________________________
3. Do you know what the legal status of ferrets is in your state? _____Yes _____No
4. Do you know what your states policy is about ferrets involved in bite incidents? _____Yes _____No
5. Will you agree not to expose your ferret to unnecessary risks such as letting strangers handle them, taking them outside without a secure harness or carrier, allowing children to play “show and tell” with friends? _____Yes _____No
Please be aware that the Educated Ferret Association STRONGLY RECOMMENDS all ferrets receive an annual, vet administered rabies vaccination.
6. Will you agree to seek prompt, competent veterinary care should your ferret become ill, have an accident or being “acting strange”? _____Yes _____No
7. Can you be reasonably sure you can afford to pay the costs of surgery and/or ongoing medication should your ferret become ill? _____Yes _____No
8. Can you insure that all family members and visitors to your household, as well as yourself, always treat your ferret gently, patiently, and with respect? _____Yes _____No
Thank you for taking the time to complete this application. We hope it will have helped you learn more about what is involved in caring for a ferret, and if you are ready to take on this responsibility. If you have not mailed this in advance, please bring this form with you to your adoption interview. We will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have at that time.
Form adapted by The Educated Ferret Association, Courtesy of FACT (Ferret Association of Connecticut)