Someone recently mailed me about owning ferrets in NY and the rules, etc.
regarding licenses.  First, it is just plain old against the law to
own or operate a ferret in NY City proper.  Nonetheless, there are
lots of them in the city, and the local Humane Society on E. 59th St.
didn't even ask for our licenses when we adopted one from there.  The
Animal Med. Center also provides excellent ferret care.  We actually
bring ours in to the city to the AMC.
Outside of NYC a ferret/fitch/fitch-ferret license must be obtained
from the NYS Dept. of Agriculture, wildlife division.  The license
costs $10 and is good for 1 year (they send the renewal form each
year in advance).  It's all pretty relaxed, though responsible.  The
better pet stores will not sell youa ferret without the license.  Our
experience is that any store that doesn't bother with the license is
going to be trouble.  That only applies for our experience in the
Long Island, NYC, Westchester areas.  Things may be different elsewhere
in the state.  An application can be obtained at any respectable pet store.

-Jeb Weisman  [log in to unmask]
                                                                          
[Posted in FML 0143]