I am not saying it is wrong or right to charge an adoption fee for shelter
ferrets, but I would like to share about an unusual "fee" being charged by a
local shelter operator.  Over the summer I had a friend whose daughter
wanted a ferret.  They were unsure if a kit would be the best option and
they were considering getting an older, trained ferret from someone.  I
suggested they check out the ferret shelter in our area if they wanted to
get an older ferret.  They went over and checked out the shelter ferrets and
did want to adopt one.  They were approved for the adoption, but the "fee"
the shelter owner wanted was for the daughter to babysit 2 weekends for her
children.  Needless to say the mother didn't feel this was appropriate and
ended up taking the daughter to a pet store and paying over $300 for a
ferret, cage and supplies.  (The ferret and family are doing well.) It
wasn't an issue of money, my friend was willing to pay the adoption fee for
her daughter.  However, the shelter owner felt the daughter needed to pay
the "fee".  I think it would almost have been better to charge the regular
monetary fee in the situation instead of the shelter owner trying to receive
a service in exchange for the ferret.
 
Best Wishes to All Ferrets & Their Owners,
 
Jammie
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[Posted in FML issue 1811]