Hi Dee;
 
When I lived in Illinois in the 70's, the pet store out there I bought a
ferret from gave me a form for the state permit.  It was free, & only asked
the # of ferrets I would have.  I put down ten times what I thought I'd ever
have, which was 3 x 10, or 30.  Every year they sent me a renewal, every
year it was free.  Seemed like a waste to me, but I guess you found a
circumstance where it has some use.  No big deal, just a paper shuffle.
 
I think there was a fee if you were a breeder, so that may be a different
"class" of license.  The pet store that told you that you didn't need a
permit may be talking "practicality" vs.  the letter of the law, such that
if you owned one, a cop won't pull you over & ticket you for an "unlicensed
ferret"...:) ..  But don't mention this to any government worker in Illinois
lest they think it's a cool way to take more of your $$$..!  :)
 
Have fun, Gary
[Posted in FML issue 1471]