I'm *so* behind in my email!!
 
A worried Julie wrote:
>My question is, Now that New York City and possibly New York State have
>declared ferrets and other "exotic" pets dangerous and unwanted, where do
>I take my lovely Ferrito for Veterinary attention without worrying about
>him getting repossessed or turned in to the Authorities???
 
First of all it's *only* NYC that's doing this idiocy.  The rest of the
state is fine to have ferrets in unless there is a local ordinance against
it, but I don't know of any restrictions for other parts of the state.
 
Email me privately if you want specific vet names, I live in Westchester
County and use a vet in the Bronx.  I can provide you with references to
ferret friendly emergency clinics also.  (It's handy to have the names
'just in case''.)
 
As far as I know, vets aren't pestered by F&G (in CA) or (in the case of
NYC), the health dept.  It's counter productive for the depts to do that
because if they discourage owners from seeking medical attention for their
vets, they have a bigger problem- animals which aren't vaccinated for
things like rabies.  That's not to say it can't happen, or it hasn't, but
it generally won't.
 
If you are reasonably discreet about having your ferret, you should have no
problem, even in NYC.  You can always call vets directly and ask if they
treat ferrets-you don't have to tell them who you are when you call to ask!
 
-Ilena Ayala
 and the two *not* 'wild, dangerous or naturally inclined to do harm'
ferrets, Polly & Katie
[Posted in FML issue 2923]