The Massachusetts Ferret Friends (MaFF) drafted the following requirements
for a shelter to be recommended or supported by our organization.  We
welcome comments, suggestions, and questions--please e-mail Lee
([log in to unmask]).
 
NOTES:
1) In this statement, reference is made to MaFF's rescue and foster care
programs. If you would like information on these programs, please contact
Lee ([log in to unmask]).
 
2) At present, all RESCUE activities in Massachusetts are to be handled by
MaFF directly. If you have or know of a ferret needing shelter or rescue,
please call the MaFF Hotline: (617) 224-1098 and leave a message including
your town and phone number. If you are interested in adopting a ferret,
please call Frisky Ferret Shelter (508) 664-5006 OR any of the New England
shelters (e-mail me for phone numbers and locations).
 
3) MaFF has contacted the gentleman who wrote the FML yesterday about
opening a shelter in southern Mass. :)
 
MASSACHUSETTS FERRET FRIENDS INC.
RESCUE AND SHELTER SUPPORT
GUIDELINES
 
The Massachusetts Ferret Friends, Inc.  (MaFF) , a nonprofit organization,
actively advocates the best treatment of the domestic ferret, through
education, outreach, and the provision of shelter.  MaFF is the only
organizational body in Massachusetts that is dedicated solely to the welfare
of ferrets and their owners.
 
The shelter philosophy, as envisioned by MaFF, encompasses the following:
 
-- Shelter must be viewed as a solution of last resort for ferret owners
considering parting with their pet.
-- The ultimate goal for each ferret entering the shelter system is to unite
a ferret with a responsible owner, either through education of a present
owner if possible, or through adoption to an informed owner prepared and
able to care for the ferret for the rest of its life.
-- Ferrets in the shelter system are entitled to the best possible handling
and medical care for the duration of their stay.
-- Shelters must be run responsibly, with financial accountability,
without endangering the welfare of the operator and his or her family, and
within the laws of the state and local jurisdiction.
-- Owner education, rescue, foster care, and adoption are as critical as
shelter operation in ensuring the well-being of ferrets in this state.
 
As an organization, MaFF is directly involved in owner education, rescue,
foster care, and the encouragement of adoption.  We cannot fully subsidize
shelters--financial support is the responsibility of the shelter operator.
 
MaFF has established requirements for two levels of shelter operation:
MaFF-recognized, and MaFF-supported.
 
A MaFF-RECOGNIZED shelter can include out-of-state ferret shelters and, in
theory, mixed-species shelters.  MaFF will refer potential adopters to
recognized shelters, but will not refer rescues except by special
arrangement.  To be recognized as a ferret shelter by MaFF, the operator
must meet the following requirements:
 
-- the shelter must operate within the laws of the state and local
jurisdiction.  In Massachusetts, this means a permit or notice of permit
approval from the state Fish and Wildlife Department.  This also means that
the operator must check county and other local ordinances regarding animal
shelters, zoning, health permits, etc.
 
-- all ferrets in the shelter must be kept separate from other animals on
the premises, with isolation facilities for new arrivals and for sick
animals.
 
-- if the shelter is located in rental property, the operator must have
written consent from the landlord.
 
-- the shelter must be a no-kill facility.
 
-- the shelter must be open to inspection by state/local law enforcement.
In Massachusetts, this includes officers of the MSPCA and the Animal Rescue
League, who have been delegated enforcement authority by the state.
 
MaFF-SUPPORTED shelters benefit directly from MaFF's rescue and foster care
programs and adoption referrals, as well as in-kind donations and special
fundraising activities conducted by MaFF.  To qualify as a MaFF-supported
shelter, the operator must meet the above requirements for a MaFF-recognized
shelter AND:
 
-- operate in the commonwealth of Massachusetts
 
-- incorporate as a nonprofit organization in Massachusetts
 
-- be a member in good standing of MaFF
 
-- operate the facility primarily for ferrets
 
-- subscribe to the shelter philosophy outlined above
 
-- operate a no-kill shelter
 
-- have access to routine veterinary services, and 24 hours/day, emergency
services
 
-- be financially able to support the shelter and to devote the time
needed to shelter operations
 
-- ensure that all incoming ferrets are examined by a vet, vaccinated, and
spayed/neutered, if necessary, as soon as possible.
 
-- be open to inspection by MaFF shelter/rescue committee members.
 
-- make financial records and intake/adoption records available to the
MaFF Board of Directors on a routine basis and as requested.
 
MaFF reserves the right to revoke recognition or support of a shelter at any
time.
 
Please note that at this time, there is only ONE shelter in Massachusetts
that meets the basic requirements for a MaFF-recognized shelter.  This is
also a MaFF-supported shelter.  That shelter is Frisky Ferret Shelter,
operated by Lorraine Denicourt in North Reading MA (phone 508-664-5006).
 
-- Lee
[log in to unmask]
[Posted in FML issue 1765]