Shelter Information


Due to COVID-19, Greater Chicago Ferret Association has changed its policies and hours of operation. The health and safety of our staff, ferrets, clients, and community is our top priority. Our adoption process has changed; to be considered for adoption you must fill out an online adoption application. The adoption committee will call back to...

The GCFA Shelter does not board ferrets but we do know of some places that do. Below is list comprised of recommendations from others who own ferrets, it is by no means comprehensive and not endorsed by the GCFA. Only you can choose a sitter for your fuzzies. Please ask a lot of questions to...


Grains and starches are common in kibbles due to how they are made and can increase the risk of developing a serious pancreatic cancer called insulinoma. Insulinoma causes abnormal increases in blood insulin, leading to dangerously low blood sugar, which leads to nausea, lethargy, and life-threatening seizures. At the GCFA we feed our “Low Carb...

Caring for a medical needs ferret saves lives! It is one of the most loving and compassionate things you can do. Do you have experience in caring for ferrets with medical needs? If so you may be interested in our Caretaker Program. It is the goal of the GCFA to place ferrets with specialized medical...

If you are surrendering your ferret or have rescued a ferret that needs a home, call the Shelter at 708.442.8650 to arrange a drop off time or an emergency rescue pickup. There may not always be a volunteer available to answer your call. Please leave a detailed message and we will return your call as...

Veterinary clinics are listed in alphabetical order. 24-hour emergency exotic vets: UIUC Small Animal Clinic 1008 W Hazelwood Dr Urbana, IL 61802 217-333-5300 UW Madison Small Animal Clinic 2015 Linden Dr Madison, WI 53706 608-263-7600 24-hour general clinics: These clinics may not have an exotic vet on staff. They may be able to help with...

Volunteering is a great way to learn more about ferret care, health, medication, and meet some of us crazy ferret people. It’s fun, educational, and rewarding. We are looking for volunteers that can come in on a regular schedule. Please fill out this form if you’re interested in volunteering: http://bit.ly/gcfa-volunteer-new If you have questions, you...