I would double check with the manager at Petco as to what shots the
ferrets have had and be sure and see proof.  Around here, Petco's do not
complete the distemper series nor get the rabies shots (if the ferret is
of age).  Unfortunately, the clerks at petco do not have a clue as to what
vaccines are needed for ferrets.  If this particular Petco does complete
the series, then it is a gem.  The shelters on the other hand, do normally
go through the expense of completing distemper series and obtaining the
rabies vaccine.
 
Since money seems to be such an issue, have you thought down the road to
what is going to happen if you are one of the 'lucky' ones that needs to
get adrenal surgery?  Will you have the $600+ for it?  Shelters do often
get those required surgeries.  Guess what, we can't get a $600 adoption
fee for a ferret, so we have to make it up somewhere.  One of the few
places is if we are lucky enough to get a young ferret in that only
requires vaccines.  Let's say it takes us $35 to get a young ferret caught
up on the vaccines.  That means we make a whole $40 on this adoption - now
this isn't counting the normal expense of food and litter.  Do you realize
how many young ferrets we need to adopt out to make $600??  My shelter
doesn't get in but maybe 6-10 under a year old.
 
Since you are willing to volunteer - why not start there.  Learn more
about the expenses of ferret ownership.  maybe the local shelter will
have an older ferret that they need a loving home for.  Then you will be
getting your 'free' ferret and helping the shelter and giving love to a
ferret that deserves it.
 
Faith
[Posted in FML issue 3692]