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Post by lmp1129 on Aug 3, 2008 20:04:31 GMT -5
Hi everyone,
i wanted to start a small ferret rescue in Philadelphia Pa. and was wondering if there was any legal things i had to do. and any tips you have on starting a ferret rescue. I am aware of the cost of food bedding etc.
just want some info and tips before i did it.
Thank you
Lisa
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Post by Tiffany on Aug 4, 2008 6:55:33 GMT -5
Woohoo a ferret rescue that is going to be close to me!!! When you do this let me know if you need any help or anything. And i was also wondering will you be doing boarding for people that go on vacation or anything?  Sorry i couldnt help with all the legal things. I would suggest going to your local SPCA and see what they say. I am sure they would be very grateful with someone wanting to help out also. |
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Post by lmp1129 on Aug 4, 2008 10:57:55 GMT -5
well I'm just thinking about it right now.
I want to know whats involved before jumping in...
I would board now if some one needed it.
I just rescued a ferret form craigslist he was living in horrible conditions and had fleas... the people were trying to sell him!
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Post by Crystal on Aug 4, 2008 11:01:53 GMT -5
You need loads of money, a GREAT vet, cages, beeding, food. A high knowledge of ferrets. Adoption contracts. Legally I think you need a licence.
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Post by lmp1129 on Aug 4, 2008 11:07:51 GMT -5
i knew about all the expenses of vets, cages, bedding, and food...
I'm really curious... I would love to do this, but not if it's not right for me...
Thank you
Lisa
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Post by Darklight on Aug 4, 2008 11:13:54 GMT -5
You should talk to Father Nature and Shelter Mom on here.. They both run rescues (one in jersey and one in texas) and would probly be the best help with answering questions..
I do believe that you will need a licence, and will probly need some contact with a lawyer (for those just in case times). All the rest is just up to money, space and time.
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Post by lmp1129 on Aug 4, 2008 11:16:23 GMT -5
ok thank you
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Post by shelter mom on Aug 4, 2008 11:25:54 GMT -5
First of all, check with your city, county, and state regarding any licenses or permits. Also check the zoning of the neighborhood you live in and see if there are any regulations about having a shelter or a business in your area. Some cities regard shelters as a 'business' so they may not be allowed in all areas. Also if you have a neighborhood association, you need to check with them as well. The original shelter in Austin was closed due to a zoning violation - operating a business in a residential area. Since I'm outside the city limits, I don't have that issue.
As others have said, you'll need time, money, a good vet, and space. New intakes need to be kept isolated until they have been seen by your vet and given the all clear. Surrender contracts, adoption agreement, and an adoption application are needed.
Be prepared to deal with the idiots. The folks who surrender ferrets that are on death's doorstep because they were too stupid to take them to the vet. There will be people who want to adopt who have no clue about ferrets, and those who will want to surrender their 8 year old ferret that must have a skin allergy because it's fur is gone.
You'll need to be aware of how to treat some ailments on your own, checking blood glucose levels for those with insulinoma, and giving sub-q fluids to those that become dehydrated from intestinal bugs like ECE, or Coccidia.
It is also good to have a lawyer on retainer. The adoption contract is a legal, binding contract. In three years, I've had to have my attorney go after folks that have put ferrets they adopted from me on Craigslist twice.
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Post by lmp1129 on Aug 4, 2008 11:35:17 GMT -5
that was very helpful.
thank you
Lisa
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Post by tiedyed69peace on Aug 6, 2008 9:14:09 GMT -5
I suggest making friends with a pet friendly lawyer. You'll need him.
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Post by saplantlady on Aug 6, 2008 16:52:01 GMT -5
Really want to know what its like, find another shelter or rescue in your area and get invloved with them by voluntering to help out in someway. then you will have some real hands on experience with it personally to know if its a fit for you or not. Even if it's not you can still continue to help the shelter in what ever way helps, maybe even doing foster care for elderly or ill ferrets they have that need lots TLC.
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Post by lmp1129 on Aug 7, 2008 16:28:56 GMT -5
well i actually just decided to foster for a ferret rescue and im sure i will get more involved
ty to all who replied
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Post by shelter mom on Aug 8, 2008 11:12:34 GMT -5
well i actually just decided to foster for a ferret rescue and im sure i will get more involved ty to all who replied That's terrific!!!  |
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