A ferret is a small, furry creature and the only domesticated species of the family of the small Mustelidae. There’s no denying that ferrets are not for everyone. However, you need to understand that they can make great pets for those who love to keep them.
Ferrets are known to be affectionate. Another interesting thing regarding the animals is that they bond pretty well and quickly with their owners. However, there are a few negative things about ferrets, which make them illegal in some states in the US, such as California. That said, when it comes to keeping ferrets, one of the frequently asked questions by concerned people is – are ferrets allowed in stores?
Several stores will most likely allow you to bring in your ferret. However, some stores certainly frown against their customers bringing in ferrets. You might get kicked out of these stores if you fail to abide by their rules and regulations, which sometimes includes not bringing in ferrets.
Can I bring my ferret to public areas? Is it okay to visit a store with my ferret? Can I take my ferret to the beach? These and more are the frequently asked questions that you’ll find answers to as you read through the rest of this post.
Can I Bring My Ferret To Public Places?
As earlier mentioned, ferrets are the only domesticated species of the Mustelidae family. While it’s entirely not clear the exact time the animals were domesticated, experts reveal that it’s about 2,500 years ago.
Although ferrets are best kept inside, there are certain periods, such as spring, that you need to take the animals out. This outdoor experience is very essential for enriching your ferrets. In addition to that, it’ll also help them burn off fats, especially if they’ve been inside all through the winter period.
When it comes to taking ferrets out, one of the few questions that come to their owners’ minds is – can the animals be taken to public places? Well, the answer to the question is yes; you can always take your ferrets to public places. However, you need to understand that this will only be possible if ferrets are allowed where you’re taking them to.
Ferrets are amazing pets to keep, no doubt about it. However, you need to understand that it’s illegal to keep ferrets in certain states – a good example is California. Even if ferrets are allowed in your state, you need to also be aware that certain stores and public places frown against their customers bringing in ferrets.
That said, before thinking about taking your pets (ferrets) outside to any public areas, you need to first research and understand that they are allowed in such places. After that, you need to also put certain things in order before deciding to take your ferrets outside.
Here are some of the things to put in mind before taking your ferrets to public areas
- First, you need to check the last time the ferret was vaccinated. Is your ferret up to date with its vaccinations? If not, it certainly is not a good idea to take your ferret outside because it could get exposed to rabies.
- When going out, you need to keep your ferret on a leash. If this isn’t something you’ve tried doing before, then it’ll most likely be a little bit challenging to get your ferret to wear a leash. However, with time and using strategies that keep the leash of the mind of your pet, you’ll be fine.
Can I Go To a Store With My Ferret?
Why ferrets are illegal in some places
As you already know, ferrets are illegal in some states and cities in the US. Some of them include California, Hawaii, New York City, and Washington D.C. Well, the reason why ferrets are banned in these states is partially due to the concerns of biting and aggression.
That’s not all; some states also banned ferrets because they tend to threaten native wildlife if they end up escaping from their owners. Furthermore, ferrets are very expensive to take care of. You need to keep them vaccinated from time to time or you risk exposing them to rabies, which is dangerous to human health.
You can go to stores with your ferrets
Some states still consider ferrets legal. However, in these states, you still need to meet certain requirements and get a license before you’ll be eligible to keep ferrets.
It’s worth noting that being eligible to keep a ferret and having a license is not enough to take your ferret to public places. That’s so because – it’s not all public areas and stores that will allow you to come inside with your ferret. Matter of fact, some stores will most likely get you kicked out for bringing in ferrets, which is against their rules and regulations.
Most times, if stores don’t want people to bring in their ferrets, they would have it stated on their websites or other platforms. You need to also know that stores will only allow you to bring in your ferrets if they’re sure it’s entirely safe to do that. This explains why they often ask people bringing in ferrets to have them wear a leash and get them vaccinated.
For instance, according to Petsmart, you’ll only be allowed to visit the store with your ferrets if they are appropriately secured. This means your ferrets must be properly vaccinated and wearing a leash or safely confined.
The bottom line is that most stores will only allow you to bring in your ferrets on one condition – they must be properly secured.
Can I Bring My Ferret To The Beach?
You can always take your ferret to the beach. However, when doing that, you need to consider the weather and be sure the water isn’t too hot. Furthermore, your ferrets will most likely enjoy playing on the sand at the beach. The only problem, however, is that the sand could stick to their fur.