Brad, We've seen a big influx of ferrets into the shelter this summer too. I put a lot of it to school being out and students getting rid of their ferrets that they can't take home; to people moving now that school is out; and to people wanting to get rid of their pets because it's "too much responsibility" in the summer when they want to pack up and go. Our shelter turns down more than a few adoptors. Mostly because the family has young children, or lives in a FFZ. We require in our contract that the people return the ferret to us regardless of how long they've had it, if they get rid of it for any reason. Before 30 days, we refund the donation. Our donation is $60 for a single and $100 for a pair, plus the cost of shots. All now have rabies shots before they go, in accordance with the new state law. Distemper shots too, given 2 weeks from the rabies shot. Ferrets older than about 3 1/2 are usually free. Any sick and/or on medication go free and we cover vet expenses. Right now we have 19 ferrets in the shelter (six in incoming isolation), just about at our max. If we don't find homes for some soon, we'll have no choice but to turn new ones away. Dick B. [Posted in FML issue 1258]