Please browse through ourPhoto Galleryfor ferrets available for adoption. We are in the process of converting to an updated version of the gallery supported by our webhost so please be sure to peruse our "new" LDFR Fuzzy Photo Gallery. You won't want to miss any!
Thank you for your interest in adopting from Little Dudes Ferret Ranch! Before you fill out our adoption application, please review our adoption requirements and procedures below!
We do not adopt to anyone under the age of 21. Parents who wish to adopt a ferret for their children should understand that we are adopting a ferret to the parent, not the child, and that we expect that the parent, not the child, is being bound to the terms of our adoption contract and intends to be responsible for the ferret for his or her entire life.
We do not ship ferrets. We do not deliver.
We require that all applicants complete our adoption screening procedures, as outlined below. This includes the completion of an adoption application, participation in a telephone interview if applying online, an initial visit to the shelter for a formal interview, and if approved, a second trip to the shelter is required to pick up your adopted ferret(s).
An adoption fee is charged for all adoptions - our ferrets are not "free to a good home." We provide all required vaccinations, medical treatment, food, bedding, and other supplies for the ferrets in our care. Adoption fees help to offset the cost of keeping our doors open. Adoption fees do not come close to covering our expenses. If you would like to help, please visit our You Can Help page.
We require that all adopters fully understand and agree to the terms of our Adoption Contract. These terms include, but are not limited to the following:
adopted ferrets will be kept as pets and for no other reason;
adopted ferrets will be housed indoors in a safe, secure, ferret-proofed area;
adopted ferrets will be provided foods that are suitable for ferrets and meet the nutritional requirements of ferrets;
to provide annual vaccinations for adopted ferret(s);
to provide timely medical treatment to an ill ferret;
to provide any medical treatment necessary for an ill ferret and not choosing euthanasia as an alternative treatment for cost-saving purposes; and
that if for any reason the adopter cannot keep any adopted ferret, that the ferret will be retured to our shelter. No exceptions!!!
This is merely an overview of our adoption terms. To read our FULL adoption contract, please click here!
We request, but do not require, that our adopters subscribe to our mailing list. The ferrets in our shelter become members of our family, and just because you take one home does not mean that we no longer care. By joining our mailing list, you will have a source of continuing education, support, and understanding from other ferret owners who love their pets just as you do.
Our shelter is not a business. Our shelter is not a hobby. LDFR is committed with all of our hearts and souls to making sure that not only do the ferrets in our shelter get adopted into a new home, but that they are adopted into their forever home. Their perfect home. The home that they should have gotten the first (and sometimes second, or third) time around.
We do not take adoption lightly, and we will not adopt to anyone who does. We are thorough in our screening process, and if you are as committed as we are, you will understand the importance and not be too annoyed at having to go through it. The following is our adoption procedure:
1. The first step is to fill out our Adoption Questionnaire and Adoption Contract (be sure you've read the above section about our adoption requirements, first!). You can download the forms and either email them, send by snail mail or bring them with you.
2. Your application will be reviewed and you may be contacted directly for more information. If your application meets pre-approval, we will set up a time for a telephone interview. Adopters can telephone the shelter for an interview at a prearranged time convenient for both. The telephone interview is an informal conversation where we can get to know you a bit more and to discuss adoption, ferrets, their care and needs, etc. The goal is to ensure that a potential adopter is ready for the responsibility of ferret adoption and also to determine whether any ferrets currently in the shelter would be a good match.
3. The next step is to arrange a meeting at the shelter. If you are adopting a ferret to be a companion for another ferret you already own, you may bring him or her at this time. This visit to the shelter will provide the opportunity for you to meet the ferrets available for adoption, and give us the opportunity to see how you interact with ferrets and to answer any questions you may have. Ferrets are not always adopted out at this first visit to the shelter as there may be need for additional consideration.
4. If approved, you will then be invited to return to the shelter for a second visit to pick up your newest family member!
We realize that our adoption procedure is thorough, but we feel it is a matter of life and death... to the ferrets - who rely on us to place them in their safe, loving, forever home.
