Policy Statements & Practices
The Ferret Association of Connecticut does not actively promote ferret ownership.
Ferrets, like other companion animals, have their good and not so good qualities. The choice of a pet should weigh the lifestyle, expectations and caretaking capacity of the human to the personality and care requirements of the animal. We strive to present a candid picture of ferrets, both pro and con. We believe this approach helps ensure a successful match between companions as well as doing our best for each ferret entrusted to our care.
Those seeking to relinquish their own pets are accountable for responsible placement. FACT will assist:
- First, to offer alternatives or care tips that may alleviate the need for surrender,
- Next, as a supportive resource to help an owner successfully re-home their pet, and
- Lastly, as a shelter for an animal that can not be placed.
Every ferret deserves the proper home, not just any home. (Detailed adoption policies may be found under Shelter/Adoption)
All potential adopters must complete an application and an interview with the potential adopter is required.
A reasonable adoption fee for each animal will be established by the Executive Director. No associate member, Board/Staff member, or volunteer receives “free” ferrets.
FACT reserves the right to refuse to adopt to anyone at the discretion of the Executive Director.
Unaltered ferrets will not be placed until they are spayed or neutered.
Ferrets accepted into the FACT shelter are permanently owned by the organization. If for any reason an adopter must relinquish a ferret adopted through the shelter, it/they must be returned to FACT. Surrender and transfer agreements are permanent and binding.
FACT discourages “collecting” and urges moderation in the number of ferrets owned.
There are a dedicated few who can give all the care and attention a significant number of animals require. In most situations, however, experience in the animal welfare community has demonstrated that the greater the number of animals (irrespective of species), the greater the risk of abandonment due to overwhelmed maintenance and the financial burden of veterinary care.
FACT supports the establishment of other non-profit ferret shelters.
We will lend encouragement, information and moral support to whomever seriously attempts to set up a ferret shelter. However, FACT will not support a shelter that engages in breeding ferrets. While many breeders perform valuable rescue services and are an asset to the ferret community, we believe it is a conflict of interest for a shelter to engage in breeding.
FACT encourages acceptance and placement of domestic ferrets by non-species specific humane organizations and spca’s.
We believe general humane groups share a responsibility to care for abandoned domestic ferrets just as they do for cats, dogs, and other companion pets. We are happy to offer detailed care and adoption information to assist able organizations successfully place ferrets. If a regional humane group is unable to care for ferrets or accepts one with behavior or health issues it is unable to mitigate, we are willing to accept animal transfer to our shelter as space allows.
FACT aims to work cordially and cooperatively with other humane organizations dedicated to animal welfare, ferret-specific or not.
FACT strongly discourages breeding ferrets except by properly educated and responsible breeders.
At the least, a responsible breeder should require that any animal they have bred be returned if the buyer can no longer keep or support that animal. The best breeders have knowledge of genetics and animal husbandry and carefully monitor their animals over generations to ensure quality and health. Purely cosmetic breeding – for such traits as size, “panda” or “badger” patterns, or “angora” or long-hair – does a disservice to the animal and can often result in accompanying undesirable health problems.
Ferrets should not be physically forced to perform or entertain either in the home or at ferret shows.
Their participation in a particular action should be voluntary. FACT considers “games” that use ferrets as instruments or causes any distress to the animal to be inhumane.
FACT Board and Staff are required to annually disclose any Conflicts of Interest between their service to FACT and personal business.
Board of Director members are not allowed to provide significant paid services to the organization.
As part of FACT’s commitment to financial transparency, copies of our most recent tax returns are available for free on Guidestar.org.
The current fiscal year 990 form may be requested in writing and with inclusion of a $5 fee for copy and postal costs.
