Yes, Caity, it can be expensive as you pointed out. I agree with you. We have seven ferrets and right now we have a clump of most of them in the same age bracket, all of which are developing health problems (most typical ones, but one with an unusual complication, and two with non-standard chronic health problems). So far this year our ferret costs have been $10,832, with most of that for vet care, and on Wednesday we will have another over $400 vet bill run up and paid. (We are in one of the most expensive parts of the nation so figure that may be halved in the cheapest areas for someone in this situation.) We handle it by keeping our ferret numbers within limits (and will not be replacing some of our current batch when they finally pass away due to other monetary concerns), by budgeting ahead of time and keeping weekly budget books each year, and by saving money ahead of time. Others get insurance; see my recent post for resources list. When the number exceeds the budgeted number we give up some other expenses. This year we gave up a vacation and floor replacements. Pam Troutman wrote one that I haven't seen out in bookstores, but have seen at shelter locations' sale lists through the years. Paul Collin's has a middle school one _The Great Ferret Race_ which is available at Amazon and I think at some bookstores. [Posted in FML issue 3600]