I was looking at the Delta Society's Pet Partners program, which "trains volunteers and screens volunteers and their pets for visiting animal programs in hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, schools and other facilities." The Delta Society's website states that Delta excludes "wild or exotic animals such as snakes, ferrets, lizards, etc., and wolf-hybrids" from qualifying under their Pet Partners program." Here's the specific text relating to this matter: ************************** Can wild, exotic and wolf-hybrids be Pet Partners? There are several reasons why Delta Society does not register wild or exotic animals such as snakes, ferrets, lizards etc and wolf-hybrids. They are not legally acceptable as pets in many states. Without research documenting their behavior over time, we cannot evaluate their predictability and reaction to stress. Without adequate research documenting the transmission of diseases between people and these animals, we cannot evaluate the health risks of contact. However, Delta Society is constantly expanding the range of species included in the Pet Partners program - when such research results are available. ************************* Has anyone in the ferret community attempted to re-educate these people? Deb Benson/Ferrets Unlimited Rescue Services Deb Daugherty Benson Outreach and Development Youth Technology Academy, Cuyahoga Community College 2900 Community College Avenue, Suite 203 Cleveland, OH 44115 (216) 987-4424 (phone) (216) 987-6303 (fax) [log in to unmask] "When you look for good in others, you discover the best in yourself." -- Martin Walsh [Posted in FML 6598]