vaccinations

Question
I am interested in purchasing a ferret. I live in an apt and am leaning towards a ferret as a new pet for me. I have a question on vaccinations. I dont know much about these little creatures yet. But im learning! If they already have there vaccinations when i purchase he/she. Will there be any markings to prove that? will there be any paperwork?? Thanks so much!!!  Beth

Answer
Hi Beth,

I'm not sure if you realize, but in this question, you've asked way more than what you actually asked! Haha! Just by saying you are interested in ferrets means that you have a lot of research to do! Ferrets are amazing pets and the relationship between a ferret and a ferret parent is amazing as well. If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to ask! I recommend you read the book Ferrets for Dummies, second edition, by Kim Schilling. It is a great and informative book that will help you in your research a lot.

If they have already had their vaccinations when you get them, either from a pet store or a shelter (I highly recommend adopting from a shelter - those ferrets need homes and if you adopt, you have that contact with the shelter operator, which should be someone you can rely on to help you if you ever need it. Also, this website with our little panel of experts is pretty reliable, too :). Anyway, if you purchase from a pet store, which I generally discourage, they should provide you with documentation of the beginning vaccinations and after that point, you are responsible for their boosters. Usually, ferrets are just given their first round of distemper vaccinations and not rabies because the kits in the stores are generally too young for their rabies. They should give you a health certificate with the name of the vet that did the general check up and the vaccination! If they don't give you this documentation - run away! This is very bad business and I would suggest you report that store because they really need to be giving that information to prospective owners. A shelter should be the same thing - they should provide documentation of any health check-ups, procedures, shots, etc. and if they don't - again RUN! You don't want a pet from someone who does not care enough to properly document or care for their animals. You should also make sure with your landlord that ferrets are allowed, because I know that the shelter I volunteer with will verify the pet policy in an apartment with an apartment manager before adopting to anyone.

I hope all of this information helps you and if you need anything else, anything else at all, feel free to let me know! I am just a click away and I promise there will be no delay in the answer you receive this time!

Sincerely,
Emilee Andrews