I'm planning to volunteer at my local animal shelter, particularly to help
with any ferrets that are taken in, but probably also with dogs and cats,
which are far more numerous.  My question is this: what precautions do I
need to take to avoid bringing home diseases to my own ferrets (and dog
and cat)?  They are all fully vaccinated, but some of my ferrets are
elderly and one in particular is rather fragile (bad teeth, two inoperable
tumors).  I want to protect them from exposure to ECE and ADV, especially.
 
The shelter recommends a tetanus shot and 3 rabies pre-treatment shots
for all volunteers, which I will discuss with my doctor.  But I want to
protect my pets as well.
 
I imagine shelter operators who need to protect their own pets have dealt
with this issue, so I would welcome any advice.
 
Thank you,
Nancy and critters
[Posted in FML issue 3843]