Once you have become familiar with your local HS, SPCA, or county
shelter, and they with you, it is easier to form a working relationship.
But, it takes time, and requires patience.  The first time you walk in
their door, they are not going to necessarily listen to you.  But when
they have gotten to know you, and you have demonstrated that you do know
about ferrets, they may be willing to call on you are a resource when
ferrets come in.
 
When a relationship has been forged, though, there is a lot that can be
accomplished.  You can make sure that the people wo work in the shelter
know that ferrets need yearly rabies and distemper shots.  They need to
be tested for ADV before adopting them out.  WHile they are housed in the
shelter, they need access to water and a good high protein food 24/7.
They need a place where they can get total darkness.  you explain some of
the important things that should be considered when adopting ferrets out
to a potential home.  You explain about ferret proofing .Etc., etc.
 
Now, say you have a good relationship with your local animal shelter,
and you learn that someone has 60 or 70 ferrets they want to unload.  You
know that there is a good chance the ferrets have not been receiving
proper care, and in talking to the person who has them, you also learn
that they are not up to date on vaccinations, and there there are few if
any health records on them.
 
You contact your local Animal Control Officer and/or animal shelter, and
explain the situation to them.  Most likely the animal shelter will not
have sufficient housing for such a large number of ferrets, so you offer
that you and some friends can provide foster homes.  You and your friends
can also help with the intake operation.  You do not take charge - you
let animal control be in charge.  But, there is a good chance that you
will be allowed to provide foster homes for the ferrets.
 
What is the value of this?  If the legal authorities and local shelter
are in control, them they are going to assume the cost of vaccinating the
ferrets, giving them a physical exam, and testing for ADV.  Further, if
there are any whole ferrets, they are going to take care of the spay and
neuter charges.  They may even pay you a small amount to put toward
feeding the ferrets.  And, while this may be a small part of the expense
of a rescue, it is at least something.  Think how many adrenal and
insulinoma surgeries that can pay for.
 
More important, though, if there was abuse or even neglect, the proper
evidence can be gathered to press charges and hopefully stop the person
from doing it again.
 
But the above scenario will not happen if we wait until there is a
problem to try and work with the authorities.  By the time there is a
problem, it is too late.  The relationship must be in place ahead of time.
 
Probably most of us feel that the authorities do not understand or know
ferrets.  And, we may be correct in thinking that.  But, saying they
don't know ferrets and trying to handle things on our own is not going
to change or improve anything.  It is time for ferret lovers to become
proactive, and start educating the authorities about ferrets and their
special needs.
--
Danee
ADV - If your ferret hasn't been tested, you don't know!
For more information visit: http://www.geocities.com/russiansmom
To find out how you can help visit:
http://www.geocities.com/help4adv/index.htm
[Posted in FML issue 4300]