getting a ferret and allergies

Question
Can you tell me if getting a ferret is a good idea for someone who has allergies.  Have you ever heard of people being allergic to them?  

Answer
Hello Joy!  Great question.  Just like cats and dogs, some people are allergic to ferrets.  The symptoms can include sneezing, itchy eyes, rashes, runny noses, etc. Unfortunately, it is impossible to know if you are allergic without some contact with them!  

My advice is to handle ferrets regularly before you purchase or adopt.  Visit local pet stores and contact local ferret shelters to set up multiple visitations.  Make sure you have ample exposure before you make ANY commitment!  This allows for symptoms to arise if an allergy occurs.  Simply holding a ferret on one occasion might NOT be enough.  It would be HORRIBLE to finally get a ferret, and then have to give it up.  It's stressful and unfair to not only you, but also the little one.  

If you need help finding a shelter in your area, please give me your zip code and I will locate one for you.

Let me know how this turns out!

-Cindy P.