Adoption Requirements and Guidelines.
An Appointment does not guarantee an adoption.  All adoptions are subject to the approval of the shelter staff.

For those who might he interested in adopting a ferret from the G.C.F.A., here are some of the requirements and guidelines we follow:

1.) You must be adopting the ferret for yourself - NOT as a gift for someone else. Animals do not make good surprise gifts.

2.) You must agree to take full responsibility for the animal, giving it fresh food and water, medical attention,( including annual shots, when needed) give it play and exercise time in a safe environment (check for holes under cabinets and appliances and make sure there aren't any other hidden dangers that a nosey little animal might get into - especially chemicals and cleaning supplies), and last, but not least, provide the animal with LOVE. You, as an owner and companion, help to mold the personality and temperament of your pet. If you give a ferret love and patience, it will learn to trust you and will show its affection in return.

3.) We do not adopt ferrets out to families with children under 5 years of age. This is for the protection of the ferret as well as the child. Small children like to grab at things that bounce merrily about and they have no concept that what they are doing might alarm or cause pain to the animal. The ferret in turn, does not know that the child is just trying to play and may react by biting. PARENTS SHOULD SUPERVISE THEIR SMALL CHILDREN AROUND ANY PET IN THEIR HOUSEHOLD, NO MATTER HOW WELL THEY THINK THEY KNOW THE CHILD OR PET.

4.) We do not adopt ferrets to people in "Ferret Free " zones. Check your local or state laws to see if ferrets are allowed where you live. Check with your landlord, too, to see if he allows pets.

5.) We do not adopt or sell ferrets to institutional situations. The ferrets in our care are adopted out as family companions, not for laboratory experiments or exhibition purposes. 

6.) You must be at least 18 years old or be accompanied by a parent or head of household who is at least 18. Our adoption contract is a legal document and should be signed by someone of legal age. This also helps avoid the situation of "Look what I bought Mom! Can I keep it?"

7.) You must be willing to learn. We don't require you to be an expert on the subject to adopt a ferret, but be willing to ask questions on the things you aren't sure of. The more you know about your four-footed friend, the more enjoyment both of you will get from your relationship.

8.) The ferrets are all neutered, given their canine distemper shot, and are checked by a veterinarian to assure they are healthy. We do not descent the ferrets since it is their hormones that control their musky odor, not their anal glands. Usually 90% of the ferret's odor will disappear within a month after it is neutered. The rest can be controlled with occasional bathing. If a ferret is prone to releasing its anal glands (generally they only do this if they are frightened or stepped on), the owner can elect to have it descented at a later date at their own expense.

9.) We do charge an adoption fee for our ferrets. This helps us defray our shelter costs and medical fees. A non-member, who is adopting for the first time, is also given a one year membership in our association and may attend all meetings and functions held by the G.C.F.A.