Greater Chicago Ferret Association
Adoption Requirements
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You must fill out an application. If you're a previous GCFA adopter, your application is valid for 2 years.
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You must have a cage for your ferret(s) and a hard carrier to take your new ferret home.
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You must ferret-proof your home in advance.
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You must take full responsibility for the ferret(s), including daily care (fresh food, water, litter, exercise), annual shots, vet care, and ensure a safe environment.
Under 1 Year Old
1-2 Years Old
3-4 Years Old
5+ Years Old
$200
$150
$100
$75
Each ferret has an adoption fee. This fee helps offset our shelter costs and medical care.
If you volunteer at the GCFA, you're eligible for 50% off adoption fees once you have been a volunteer for at least 6 months.
Adoption Fees
Adoption Exceptions
We do NOT adopt ferrets to people in ‘ferret free’ zones. We DO welcome those who are making a long trip to adopt from us.
If you have children under 5, GCFA requires their attendance at your adoption appointment. If any ferret mishandeling is observed, you'll be asked to come back once all young family members are educated about animal safety. We may deny an adoption if accompanying children are too young to practice safe handling.
Adoption Process
The first step to adopting a ferret starts with our online adoption application. It's required for any in-person visit. If you're not sure about adopting a ferret yet or need ferret education, you'll still be asked to fill out an adoption application.
We do not accept walk-ins, for any reason.
Our questions are part of your adoption interview, treat the application as an opportunity to show off your ferret knowledge.
Once we have your application, our adoption committee will be in touch with you via email, text, or call. Once your application is processed we'll contact you for next steps. It can take 1-2 weeks for your application to be processed.
Before and during your appointment, our adoption staff will discuss ferret care, ferret illness, your adoption contract, fees and any additional information about the ferret you are about to take home. Plan on being at the shelter for an hour for your appointment.
After your appointment, we will contact you to check-in and see how you're doing. We encourage all adopters to keep in touch with the GCFA as we love to hear from you and get updates with photos of you and your ferret(s)!