Site logo

Greater Chicago Ferret Association

Don't Just Buy a Ferret, Adopt Some Love

  • Home
  • Adopt Now
    • Shelter Ferrets
    • Volunteer Interest
  • Give Now
  • Join Now
  • Contact Us
  • FAQ
  • Links
stacks_image_1EB3D0CA-3927-4F9B-9048-5459FAC60083

Have you checked out our blog? Keep up on current info about the GCFA!

stacks_image_92AD2998-868E-4447-9D43-52BC16475E64

SHELTER

The GCFA shelter is staffed by volunteers supporting ferrets in need of a loving and forever home. Located in a storefront, our space is limited and used to its fullest extent. If you would like to visit the shelter, please make an appointment so that, as our guest, you can have quality time with our volunteers and fuzzies. Our volunteer staff is limited and extremely busy with the ferret population’s needs. Adoption Requirements

The GCFA shelter does not currently board ferrets but we have provided some links.

Adoption Requirements


  • You must be adopting the ferret for yourself.
  • You must agree to take full responsibility for the animal(s), including daily care (fresh food and water and exercise), annual shots, vet care when needed, and ensure a safe environment.
  • We do not adopt ferrets out to families with children under 5 years of age. Small children like to grab things and since ferrets bounce merrily about, the child might injure the ferret. Likewise the ferret does not know the child is just trying to play and may bite to defend itself.
  • We do not adopt ferrets to people in ‘ferret free’ zones.
  • We do not adopt ferrets to/for institutional situations.
  • You must be at least 18 years old or be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or head of the household who is at least 18 years old. Our adoption contract is a legal document and must be signed by someone of legal age.
  • We do charge an adoption fee for our ferrets as that fee helps us defray our shelter costs and medical fees. A non-member, who is adopting for the first time, is given a one-year membership in our association and may attend all meetings and functions held by the GCFA.
stacks_image_DD41DA7D-6C55-4827-83D7-2460673A241A

ADOPTION PROGRAM

All prospective adopters will be screened by the shelter staff. There is an initial screening by phone and a questionnaire to be completed in person when you arrive at the shelter. Our questions are an important step towards ensuring that the ferrets are placed in a forever home by our adoption volunteers and your patience is greatly appreciated. After you have found the perfect fuzzie companion for you, and possibly your other furry friends, the ferret to be adopted will be vaccinated and need to remain under the watchful eye of the volunteer adoption staff for at least 15 minutes to ensure there are no adverse reactions. During the waiting period, our volunteer adoption staff will discuss your adoption contract, fees and any additional information about the ferret you are about to take home. Please plan on being at the shelter for at least an hour to complete your adoption. Find out more

Adoption Process


  • All prospective adopters will be screened by the shelter staff.
  • There is an initial screening by phone and a questionnaire to be completed in person when you arrive at the shelter. Our questions are an important step towards ensuring that the ferrets are placed in a forever home by our adoption volunteers and your patience is greatly appreciated.
  • After you have found the perfect fuzzie companion for you, and possibly your other furry friends, the ferret to be adopted will be vaccinated and need to remain under the watchful eye of the volunteer adoption staff for at least 15 minutes to ensure there are no adverse reactions.
  • During the waiting period, our volunteer adoption staff will discuss your adoption contract, fees and any additional information about the ferret you are about to take home.
  • Please plan on being at the shelter for at least an hour to complete your adoption.
stacks_image_AF48594E-9EE9-44DA-B30E-A2036C2412E4

FOSTER PROGRAM

Do you have room in your heart and home to help us take care of our wonderful ferrets? Being a Foster Parent really does save lives! It is one of the most loving and kind things you can do, and you receive the wonderful feeling of knowing that you are saving the life of a ferret in need. Find out more

Fostering Requirements & Rules


  • Prospective foster homes participants will be 18 years of age or older
  • If you are not a home owner, you must have written approval of the landlord or owner of the domicile that the ferrets will be brought into
  • You must be a GCFA member in good standing
  • You must have a minimum of 5 years experience in handling and caring for ferrets
  • Foster ferrets are still the responsibility of the GCFA and foster homes represent temporary placement. The GCFA has final say on all matters concerning the treatment and final disposition of the ferret.
  • Foster homes will be financially responsible for providing housing, food, water and non-medical needs of the foster ferret. This includes special diets that may be needed by the pet.
  • The GCFA will be financially responsible for all veterinary examinations, diagnostic testing, surgery and medication fees incurred by the foster animal. All medical work will be done at Midwest Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital or The Ness Exotic Wellness Center. If veterinary fees are incurred at other veterinary hospitals for any reason, the GCFA will not be financially responsible for reimbursing the foster home participant.
  • All prospective foster home participants will need to complete an application form and an interview with the Shelter Director or other staff designated by the Shelter Director.
Adoption & Foster Programs
•All visits to the shelter are by appt
•An appt does not guarantee an adoption
•All adoptions subject to approval of staff
•Please call the shelter for appt


(708) 442-8650

$40-$75 per ferret
(Cash/Check or Charge)

Pricing details available at time of adoption






© 1987-2010 Greater Chicago Ferret Association Contact