Good Mornin,
I just feel that this person who wants to get her ferrets a good home
should not be charging an adobtion fee.  If what you say is true that
these babies are being kept outside then she needs to give these babies
up for free.  I live in Dade County Florida and it's been in the high
80's and low 90's and that can kill a ferret....

I've read many different places that "Free to a Good Home" is not a good
way to give away pets because they either have no value to the person
adopting or they will be resold, sometimes to a laboratory.

On the other hand, as an adoptor, I will not pay for someone else's
mistake.  If at all possible, I want the animal's cage as well, whether I
plan to use it or not, to prevent the person who's giving up the pet from
refilling the cage at a later date with yet another animal.  I have never
adopted a ferret from a private individual and I happily paid my local
ferret shelter's adoption fee.  They are obviously using the money for
vet care and food for the animals they are rehoming.

I have adopted birds and a hedgehog from individuals and I will not pay a
fee.  I will provide the person with a copy of the paid vet bill for the
animal's initial examination from my veterinarian.  I'm willing to let
them bring the animal to the vet themselves and take custody of it there.
People who are concerned for the animal's welfare are usually happy with
that because it shows that I am willing to pay for the animal's proper
care and that I do not intend to sell it.

Do whatever it takes to assure the owner that the animals will be well
cared for but don't finance their next pet for them.

Veda
[Posted in FML issue 5260]