Susan A. Brown

When choosing a ferret as a pet, it's very important to find a healthy and happy one to bring into your home. This list shows you things to look for when shopping for your new fuzzy family member: Fur is soft and shiny, and there are no patches of missing fur. Eyes are clear and bright. Eyes, ears, and nose free from any discharge.

Good ferret breeders should be pleasant, honest, and direct with you about the responsibilities of having a ferret as a pet. They don’t want to give their ferrets to just anybody. As you research ferret breeders, use this list as a guide for finding a good breeder: Try to get references from people who’ve bought kits from the breeder, and be sure to check those references.

Whether you leave your ferret in the capable hands of a pet sitter or you use a boarding facility, this list explains the information you need to provide for your ferret’s caregiver: The phone number where you can be reached and the name of the people you’re staying with. An emergency phone number (or two) of someone close to home, such as a friend or relative.