If you are providing vet info to anyone working on the vet lists to help
in emergencies PLEASE include the ZIPCODE.  The listings are in zipcode
numerical order, vet name(s), practise name, physical address, phone
number (with area code, please).  The groups is deciding wheher to
include additional info (fax numbers, websites, e-mails) when available.
I did no thave the time to do that with the original lists which were
needed pretty well immediately so I was getting almost no sleep to
complete them as fast as possible.  The WONDERFUL group of volunteers
who are working from ALL the curent vet listings as well as zipcode
directories are working to bit by bit get reasonable enough lists (and
then I adding some listings that Fancy Publications very kindly donated
to make them even more enclusive).  We realize that there is no way to
have these be perfect, but they so far have proven to be good enough.
 
Here is why there is a need: at this point in time there is no master
list of ferret/exotic vets because it is NOT yet a tested specialization.
This means that major rescue organizations, evacuees, and vets who do not
know ferrets but are caring for one in a jam and need a consultant would
have to wade through about 6 very different sources to find the help they
need.  Obviously, in an emergency that really does not work well and the
lack of that information can endanger ferrets.  With Katrina we had to
play catch-up.  Now, we are trying to compile lists for the rest of the
states one by one so that when emergencies are faced there the data will
already be in place.  Multiple websites are welcome to host these lists
and their updates as they become available so that if several go down
the info will still be handy.
 
Jen, states VARY a lot in relation to how responsibilities are delegated.
You need to contact your STATE (NOT federal) senator, assemblyperson,
etc.  and ask specifically for your state.  They may have to look it up
and get back to you.
 
If you do not know who represents you ask at your library, your townhall,
or as a last resort your local newspaper (since it is not their job to
provide this data but it is part of the job of the other two).  (Many
local papers carry the contact info in their editorial pages so buy a
paper first and check.)
 
There are a number of things that your state reps can help you with
better than anyone else.  Insurance problems are one example since
insurance tends to be regulated state by state for so many things.
 
-- Sukie who is now slowly limping at e-mail while learning an
   alternative way to do mail over two websites on an old machine
   while my usual machine gets a fan bearing fixed.
[Posted in FML issue 4997]