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Post by jessieraye on Oct 4, 2008 20:08:47 GMT -5
Hi all, I recently moved my family and 2 fuzzies from Portland, OR to McAllen, TX and have faced a huge 'culture shock'.. there are NO shelters, groups or even a ferret breeder anywhere near me!? No one knows ANYTHING about ferrets in this area!?! I had visited the Oregon City Ferret Shelter right before we made our move and was very interested in starting a new group or shelter once we settled here in South Texas. I've talked to a few of the Petco/Petsmart and other local petshop managers about starting a group and leaving flyers with every sale of a ferret but I'm really not sure what I'm doing!? The managers here say that people in this area are not knowledgable about ferrets, and most admitted that they themselves weren't either. They say that ferrets seem to sell, but are typically to a 'new ferret owner' and they see a lot of returns and have to turn the just purchased fuzzy away due to store policy. I am passionate about educating people and rescuing fuzzies in this area. Can any of you shelter moms/dads or group organizers give me some advice on HOW to go about starting an educational group? I'm just not sure how to go about getting people together and what steps to take to get there. Advice and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks all!
Jess
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Post by shelter mom on Oct 5, 2008 22:30:54 GMT -5
I think the nearest shelter in South Texas would be the one in San Antonio, followed my mine, then over to the Houston area. Texas is very spread out and for as big of a state as it is, there aren't too many ferret shelters. I've had folks as far away as Harlingen come to me for an adoption. That's about a 5 hour drive one way.
If you are interested in starting a shelter, the first thing you need to do is check with your local city and county regulations and zoning laws. Also if you have a home owners association where you live, you need to make sure no rules will be broken.
And you need time, money, space, money, a good vet, money. You get the picture. All ferrets will need to be seen by a vet and tested for ADV as soon as possible after you take them in. I personally don't mix the ferrets, they are caged and their playtimes are as they come in, i.e. if a pair is surrendred they are caged together, if a single comes in they are in their own cage. You will also need space for a quarentine area to house the ferrets that have come in but haven't been to the vet yet.
Be prepared to do some of your own 'vet' work, such as giving your own injections or doing sub-q fluids. There are lots of times a ferret comes in to the shelter sick, or becomes sick and you won't always have time to rush to the vet. Happens with me a lot since I work full time. Don't expect the shelter to make money or to break even. Most of the time you will have to use your own personal funds for the shelter. Adoption fees may cover the vet visit for a healthy ferret, but when you get the sick ones in that require more than routine vet care and meds, you'll end up using funds from your own bank account to cover the costs.
A lawyer is suggested to review your adoption agreement and other paperwork and to have on stand by just in case. Also good bookkeeping is essential. I have my own tax ID number for the shelter and have to file a business tax return for it, so an accountant or tax professional is suggested. I happen to be an accountant so I can do all that myself.
You will also have to learn to deal with a lot of idiots out there, and must do so graciously and without yelling in their face, even if you want to. There are also the phone calls at all hours of the day and night (I really need to learn to turn off my cell phone when I go to bed) and those who think you're a vet and want to you 'cure' their sick ferret so they don't have to pay the vet bill.
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Post by jessieraye on Oct 6, 2008 13:33:07 GMT -5
Wow, thanks for the info! I'm not sure I'm ready to start a shelter as much as start a ferret group and possibly start a 'foster group' with other ferrents. I'm copying/pasting this to an email for myself as I'd love to eventually start my own shelter. Do you have a ferret club or group? How do you suggest I get one started? Thanks again for your help, its much appreciated!!!
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Post by shelter mom on Oct 6, 2008 21:17:52 GMT -5
I don't have a ferret club or group. Quite frankly, I don't have time to start one up or head one up. I know San Antonio does, but Rick and Candi are both retired and the shelter and club they have down there are their full time job. The Dallas area has one as well, but kind of the same situation - the shelter director is retired from her 'real' job and sheltering is now her full time job.
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Post by Lazy-Ferret on Oct 7, 2008 4:39:27 GMT -5
That's what I like about this forum, that was such a lot of very useful and scary information, and such an eye opener, all in one post.
I think I would have trouble keeping my cool if I got the morons you get to see, standing in front of me, probably best I stick to just boarding the pampered fuzzies we get.
Thanks for taking the time to put that into words "Shelter Mum" it was very informative.
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Post by saplantlady on Oct 7, 2008 7:32:02 GMT -5
Hi I am member of SAFE, San Antonio Ferret Enthusiasts. The clubs meets every other month on the second sunday at 2pm. If you would like to join us sometime feel free too. Ferrets are welcome only with proof of up to date shots and ADV testing you'll need to bring it with you. We usually have a few raffle baskets to buy ticket for and ferret supplies to purchase, a small pot luck. We have speakers now and then and catch up on club news and events. SAFE's web site: www.saferrets.org/SAFE's free email Fuzzy Forum news letter: www.saferrets.org/newsletter/ |
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Post by jessieraye on Oct 7, 2008 16:29:29 GMT -5
Thanks Saplantlady. San Antonio is a good 4 hour drive for me, but if I can get the time to come up, I definitely will. I'd love to see how a "proper group" operates and really get one going here in the Rio Grande Valley. I'm working on a yahoo groups and getting a brochure/flyer put together to start handing out at pet stores and on Craigslist as well, hoping someone will be interested in joining a ferret group. I'll get in touch with you before I get a chance to head up there and sit in on a meeting so I can get directions. Thanks again for all of your help everyone!
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Post by saplantlady on Oct 7, 2008 21:30:12 GMT -5
you might call or email Rick and Candi they may know of someone in your area they can put you in contact with. I know we have several members from Corpus and surrounding areas.
their contact infomation is on the website.
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