CONTACT
The shelter to volunteer
EXPECTATIONS
Expect to learn more about ferrets!
TIME
Consistency is the key.
At least one “shift” of 2-6 hours on the same day each week is necessary. The amount of time per shift will depend upon how many other volunteers are scheduled at the shelter at that time on that day of the week.
The shelter runs optimally with three volunteers working at the same time. It is possible to have only one volunteer working, but new volunteers never work alone.
DRESS CODE
T-shirts and jeans are appropriate. Do not wear anything that you would not be okay with getting somewhat dirty. (Ferrets tend to shake their heads after getting medications, for example.) Closed-toe shoes are also highly recommended.
ENVIRONMENT
The GCFA Shelter has 56 animal cages, four large playpens, two desks and basic counter space and sink with one small bathroom. It is kept clean and is no different than a small pet store in many respects.
OTHER TASKS
There is work at the Shelter that is needed other than working with the animals. Assistance with, laundry, record keeping and general cleaning is also greatly needed and appreciated.
Learn About Basic Work
Learn about Advanced Work
BASIC WORK
There are anywhere between 60 and 130 ferrets in the Shelter at any given time. The basic workload for a new volunteer will be:
Exercise Time / Cage Cleanings
- Every 30 to 40 minutes, 1-3 cages (a play group) worth of ferrets are placed into one playpen to exercise.
- Clean and refill food dishes
- Clean and refill water bottles
- Clean out the litter box
- Tidy up or replace the cage laundry
- Return the ferrets to their cage
- Clean out the playpens with disinfectant
- Put the playpen toys into the sink and wash them
- Put new toys into the playpens
Feedings
Each day, between 5 and 15 ferrets will need to be fed a soft food one to two times a day. This means you will:
- Fill a small food bowl with a prepared mix of food and heat it for 10 seconds in the microwave
- Spoon-feed the animal if necessary or just watch it while it eats
ADVANCED WORK
More experienced volunteers—who have worked at the shelter for at least ten separate shifts—will need to take care of a few more ferret needs.
Medication
Each day, between 1 and 10 ferrets will need to be administered liquid medication to ease gastrointestinal (digestion) problems and disease management one to two times a day. This means you will:
- Review a list of ferrets who need GI medications
- Prepare medications for delivery, usually by shaking the closed bottles to ensure they are properly mixed
- Draw the necessary amount of medications into small syringes (without needles)
- Handle the ferret to allow the delivery of medication
Surrenders and Adoptions
This requires special training to manage the acceptance of ferrets into the Shelter and adopting ferrets out of the Shelter. These tasks are usually reserved for volunteers who have volunteered for at least one year.