Ferrets belong to the small Mustelidae and the interesting thing about them is that they are the only domestic species in the family. If you’re the type that has time to raise ferrets, you’ll surely agree with me that they are excellent pets.
In case you don’t know, ferrets are curious, playful, fun-loving animals – this explains why most of their owners love to keep them. Furthermore, ferrets love being taken out of their cages once in a while for exercise, which will help to stimulate them mentally and physically.
One of the many ways to stimulate your ferret mentally and physically is by taking it out for a walk on a leash and harness. You can also consider taking it out for a car ride. However, unlike dogs, ferrets don’t always enjoy traveling in cars regularly – it could make them sick.
Is it okay for me to travel along with my ferret? Can ferrets go on a car ride? What is the best way to travel a long distance with ferrets? As you read through the rest of this post, you’ll find everything you need to know about the frequently asked questions above.
Can My Ferrets Travel With Me?
Depending on your mode of transportation, you can always take your ferrets with you when traveling. However, you need to understand that traveling with your ferrets requires a lot of preparation. For instance, you need to do thorough research and pick a ferret-friendly location.
Can Ferrets Go On Car Rides?
Your ferrets can always go on car rides with you. However, before going on a road trip, ensure you get the ferrets properly vaccinated. Also, you need to check and be sure that you’re traveling to a ferret-friendly location.
How Do You Travel a Long Distance With Your Ferrets?
Before traveling a long distance with your ferrets, you need to consider some factors:
- Is the location ferret-friendly?
Since you’re reading this post, it means you’re either a ferret owner or a ferret lover. However, you need to know that ferrets aren’t for everybody. While ferrets make excellent pets, it’s worth knowing that they are not generally considered legal to keep as pets in some cities, states, and countries across the world.
For instance, if you’re considering traveling with your ferrets to certain cities and states in the US, you might end up being prosecuted for it. According to the state government of California, it’s illegal for people to keep ferrets as pets without a license. The reason for the ban is partly because ferrets are known to be very aggressive and are capable of threatening native wildlife.
If you’re considering traveling to the UK, this is much easier as pet owners are allowed to bring in their ferrets. The only problem, however, is that you need to get yourself familiar with the country’s strict requirements. For instance, your ferrets will have to go through microchipping, treatment for ticks, and tapeworms. That’s not all; they might also be subjected to quarantine.
If you’re traveling with the ferrets to Australia, you need to understand that certain places, such as Queensland and the Northern Territory, do not allow them. As for Western Australia, ferrets are allowed but will have to go through quarantine inspection.
- Are the ferrets properly vaccinated?
Another thing that you need to consider before traveling with your ferrets is their vaccination status. Ask yourself; when was the last time they were vaccinated? Even if you recently obtained vaccines for the pets, it’s still very much important to visit your vet shop before embarking on the journey.
The purpose of visiting a vet is simple; you’re going there to confirm and be sure that the ferrets are generally healthy and disease-free. That’s not all; you’re also visiting the vet to get a complete record of your ferrets’ vaccination. Of course, you’ll need to take the record with you when traveling with your pets.
- Choosing ferret-friendly airline
In case you don’t know, it’s not all airlines that allow their passengers to travel with ferrets. Since that’s the case, you need to perform thorough research and know the airline that allows ferrets.
Here’s the thing; only a few known airlines accept their passengers to travel with their ferrets. Sadly, even most of these airlines will most likely not allow the ferrets in the cabin with you.
That said, the bottom line is that you need to research and go for the airline that will allow you to travel with your ferrets at your convenience.
- Are you traveling by car?
The easiest way to travel with your ferrets is to go by car. However, this method also requires you to put some things into consideration; such as where to place the ferrets in your car, when to stop and get food, and when to stop the car, rest, and control the temperature for the pets.
Furthermore, you need to also check the automobile for possible hazards. As you already know, ferrets like burrowing. And since that’s the case, there are several different potential hazards that the pets can get exposed to.
For instance, your ferrets can burrow into your car seat if proper care is not taken to prevent it. If this happens, they can end up consuming the foam material of the seat, which is poisonous and dangerous to their health. So, you need to prevent your ferrets from burrowing into the bottom of your car seat.
- Other things to do
First, it’s important to consider microchipping your ferrets before traveling. Ferrets are known to always escape from their owners and return after some time. But what exactly will happen when you’re far from home?
Here’s where the need to microchip them comes into the scene. With microchipping, you can easily trace your ferrets even when they escape from you during the travel period.
In addition to having your ferrets microchipped, you need to get them a carrier, leash, and harness. Also, ensure to pack the necessary items for the pets – examples are a blanket, pet passport, your veterinarian’s phone number, vaccination records, carrier, food, water, and many more.
