Below is an Application for Adoption which right now is being tested out by
Pet Pals, but if useful, will be added to the packet of forms put out by
STAR* Ferrets for new shelters (and existing ones).
 
Since it was a COINCIDENCE that this subject should appear on the FML, I am
running it here for input, but PLEASE e-mail comments/suggestions to me
privately, not to the FML.
 
If you were presented this form, would it turn you off from adopting, is it
informative, just it give you cause to think?  Are there any questions
missing?  Are their questions that should be removed or reworded?
 
Thanks - Pam Grant, STAR [log in to unmask]
 
===========================
 
APPLICATION FOR FERRET ADOPTION
 
Please mail this form back to Pet Pals (7402 Joseph Court, Annandale, VA
22003) and we will call to set up an appointment when an appropriate ferret
or ferrets are available for viewing.
Feel free to check with us in a week after mailing this to make sure we did
receive your application (703-354-5073).
We sometimes have geriatric ferrets (5 years and older) looking for homes.
If you would be interested in adopting or fostering an older ferret, please
call anytime!
 
NAME (please print):
ADDRESS:
CITY, STATE, ZIP:
HOME AND WORK PHONE #s:
 1. What has prompted you to seek a ferret(s)?
 2. Have you owned a ferret before?   YES / NO If no, go to question 6.
 3. Do you have ferret(s) now?   YES / NO
    If so, how many?     What ages? ________
    Are they all neutered/spayed? Y / N
 4. Have your ferret(s) been exposed to the green virus?   YES / NO
    (Mucus like, smelly, odd colored stools)
 5. If you don't have your ferret(s) now, what happened to it/them?
 6. Have you read up or researched about having a ferret(s)?   YES / NO
 7. Are you a member of a ferret group?   YES / NO
 8. Do you have other pets; if so, what?
 9. Are there children in this household; if so, what ages?
10. Do you have a cage for the ferret(s); if so, what kind?
    (Pet Pals sometimes has used cages for resale)
11. Where will the cage be kept?
12. How much time do you have to play with the ferret(s)?
13. Have you ferret-proofed the home?   YES / NO
    (Look at things form a 2 year old's point of interest and block 1" and
    larger holes in kitchen and laundry areas, etc.)
14. Ferrets should NOT be fed grocery store cat foods.  Are you prepared to
    pay more for quality food?   YES / NO
15. Ferrets need to visit the vet at least once a year for distemper and
    rabies shots.  Are you willing to pay $50 - $100 annually for vet
    visits?  YES / NO
    (We provide a list of vets in case you do not know one that treats
    ferrets.)
16. Do you own or rent? __________
    If you rent, does your landlord allow ferrets?   YES / NO
17. Are all people living in the home agreeing on getting a ferret(s)?
    YES / NO
18. Are you and your family prepared to keep ferrets until they are 6-9 years
    of age?  This includes lifestyle changes like children going off to
    college, having a baby, moving to a new place, etc. YES / NO
19. If you can not make a long term commitment to a younger ferret, have you
    thought about adopting an older ferret?  YES / NO
    Adoption fees are $60 for ferrets under a year, $50.00 for ferrets 1 to 3
    years of age and $35 for four year olds.  Pairs come with a $10 discount.
    All ferrets are neutered/spayed and up-to-date on distemper shots.
20. Are you looking for anything specific, and why?
 
I have answered the above questions truthfully and have done the required
research into ferret care and my housing situation.
Your signature:
Date: ____________
Parent/guardian signature if under 18 years of age:
[Posted in FML issue 1257]