Here is the response I received from Petco. I guess we'll see what happens. Kim My name is Steve Dubeck. I am the Regional Companion Animal Manager for Petco's East Coast Region. I am sorry to hear of your recent experience in the Timonium, Md. location. I spoke with Bonnie (G.M. of the store) today regarding your concerns with the ferrets. The ferrets in question were taken to the vet last weekend and were released with medication and have made a remarkable recovery. I will follow up with an unannounced standards audit at this location within the next two weeks. I have also spoken with the supplier of our ferrets. They informed me that although the ferrets are small this time of the year, they are shipped in accordance with USDA and State of Maryland regulations. (8 weeks of age be fore they are placed for sale). We also have employees at the store level that work with our ferrets. They do not work with the ferrets specifically, but with all of the small animals (Mice, rats, guinea pigs). We are actually in the process of enhancing new employee training, we are releasing a new program called "Total Care" This class encompasses the day to day needs of small animals, birds and reptiles. We are also introducing standardized training and certification for the specialist positions later this year. The major point I would like to make is that we at Petco care for our customers and our animals. If you have any further or unanswered concerns please feel free to contact Bonnie (the G.M. of Petco Timonium) at 410-453-9131 or you may e-mail me directly at [log in to unmask] Thanks for your concern!, Steve Dubeck Petco Animal Supplies Inc. Regional Companion Animal Mgr. East Coast Operations [Posted in FML issue 3762]