WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR FERRETS IF YOU ARE PLANNING A TRIP
Need to Board your ferrets with us?
TEXT LORI AT 954-415-9254 WITH YOUR REQUEST FOR BOARDING. SHE WILL CONTACT YOU BACK TO MAKE THE ARRANGEMENTS.
What to know when you travel with your ferret
IF YOU DECIDE TO TRAVEL WITH YOUR FERRET Protect it at all costs from contact with people and other ferrets. Don't let strangers pet or handle your ferret, both to protect the ferret from diseases, and to prevent it taking the slightest nibble at someone's finger. Carry it in a well-ventilated, securely fastened, comfortable pet carrier. NEVER leave it unattended in a car in summer months, even with the windows open.If you take it anywhere on a leash, make sure the harness is secure and don't take your eyes off the ferret. Some ferrets can escape even from snugly adjusted figure-8 harnesses.Make sure to take enough of the ferret's usual food: if it is not available where you are traveling, your ferret may refuse to eat.Take along a list of ferret shelter or clubs in the area where you will be staying. Local ferret associations can supply you with a list of veterinarians in their area who will treat ferrets, and can advise you of the source of a specific kind of food or litter.Make sure the ferret's rabies and distemper vaccinations are up to date a week before you travel. Bring a copy of the vaccine records.If your pet has any health problems, take along enough medication to last the trip, and take it in two separate containers if possible, to allow for loss or spillage of one.If you insist on traveling in a state that forbids ferrets, and he is seen by someone who reports him to the authorities, your innocent little ferret may pay for your vacation with his life.
LIVING IN AN AREA PRONE TO HURRICANES, YOU SHOULD TAKE A FEW MOMENTS TO PLAN FOR EVACUATING YOU AND YOUR FERRETS. YOU CAN KEEP ALL YOUR SUPPLIES IN A PLASTIC TUPPERWARE CONTAINER. REMEMBER THIS LIST IS A SUGGESTION ONLY.
WHAT TO CONSIDER:
LOCATION AND DESTINATION; It is important to check NOW for ferret friendly companies.
TRANSPORTATION; If you are traveling, check with the mode of transportation (airline, bus) if they allow ferrets to ride. There will normally be a charge as well as a requirement for their vaccination certification. HOTELS; Call ahead for ferret friendly lodging. Ask your local animal shelter for possible information on shelters. Your vets office may provide shelter for your pets. Make arrangements early.
VETERINARIANS AT THE LOCATION; Check with your vet for possible ferret knowledgeable vets in the area you will be relocate. This will probably be a last minute thing depending on where a storm may be going.
FOOD, WATER, MEDICINE;
1. Two weeks supply is recommended. You can keep 2 gallons of water. Adjust your amount depending on how many you have. 2. Food should be place in dry airtight containers, again Tupperware or plastic ziplock baggies. (rotate the food every 3 months if possible).
3. Make sure you have enough medicine to last at least one month. If power is out in your area, the pharmacy may not be available to refill prescriptions. A NON SPILL FOOD BOWL AND A NON SPILL WATER BOWL.
CARE AND COMFORT;
1. Blanket
2. Toys
3. Grooming supplies
4. A pet carrier for the travel and a portable cage for your location. A suggestion is to get a playpen type cage. One that can be set up quick, and just about anywhere. It is also easy to travel with.
SANITATION; Some of these items may be available where you are going.
1. Litter pan, newspapers
2. Paper towels
3. Dish soap
4. Disinfectant
5. Bags for waste
6. Duct tape, tie wraps for quick fix repairs
RECORDS;
1. Get a copy of your vaccination certificates from your vet, in the event it is required by the means of your transportation, or someone is bit at your destination.
2. Have your veterinarian’s phone number.
3. A recent photo of each of your ferrets. In the event the get loose at your destination, you can hang flyers up.
4. It is a good idea to have a card taped to the pet carriers in a zip lock bag with emergency phone numbers of a relative and your vet. In the event of an accident en route to your location, the emergency responder may be able to help. List the number of ferrets you have in the carrier, keep a photo with their name on it so they may be identified. Indicate the medicine your pet may need on the back of the photo with the dosage and frequency of administering the dosage.
IF YOU EVACUATE, TAKE YOUR PETS; Animals left behind can easily be injured, lost, or killed. When these animals are turned loose to fend for themselves they are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, accidents, and contaminated food or water. When evacuating, leave early, don’t wait for a mandatory evacuation order.
IF YOU HAVE A PETSITTER; Keep a list of information by the phone for your sitter.
CLEANING TIPS:
DAILY: Change any bedding/litter that is too soiled. Empty and wash food and water bowl using warm water and a small amount of mild soap. Thoroughly rinse and dry the bowl before returning it to your pet's environment and filling it with food. (Sometimes your ferret may splash water into the food causing it to smell and eventually got moldy. They won’t want to eat their food this way.) Refill the water bowl with fresh clean water.
WEEKLY: Remove and replace all bedding and litter. Wash and disinfect entire cage and toys.
