Emma Jones
The long-awaited vacation is approaching. Now the question arises: How do I take care of my animals during this time? Of course, the adventurous rascals would love to be part of the party. But even in this case, there are a few things to consider.
Unlike many small mammals, ferrets are not very sedentary. Your curiosity is very high and an unfamiliar vacation spot is particularly exciting. However, not every hotel or holiday home is happy about these furry four-legged friends. The smell in particular can have a deterrent effect on many people. You should also keep in mind that the holiday resort must also be ferret-safe. When traveling abroad, entry requirements can also be an obstacle. In general, you need an official veterinary health certificate for your pets to cross the border. Sometimes local customs will ask you to confirm the certificate again. Find out in advance whether an official veterinarian is present at the border crossing you have chosen.
Travel arrangements
If you have nevertheless found a suitable holiday destination, you can start. The transport box, which you also use for visits to the vet, is suitable for transport. It must be large enough and padded with a cozy towel. Water should not be missing during the journey either. A ferret’s packing list should include the cage, food, bowls, litter, sleeping box, and litter box. Make sure that your animals are not exposed to drafts or excessive heat while driving. It is, therefore, best to travel in the morning or in the evening. Never put the transport box in the trunk. It’s so hot and stuffy there, your ferrets wouldn’t survive. If the journey to the resort is long, consider transporting the ferrets in their cage. You can at least stretch your legs there. Once you arrive at your holiday destination, you must find a suitable place for the cage and check the hotel room or holiday home for possible sources of danger before the ferrets are allowed to run free. Once that’s done, the vacation can begin. Once your ferrets are used to being on a leash, they can accompany you on walks. Don’t take your pets along for a walk on the beach. The combination of sand, heat, and saltwater is unbearable for any ferret.
Before departure, also put together a “Care Passport” for your ferret. You can download an empty form for this here.
Ferret sitter for those who stay at home
If you cannot take your ferrets with you to your holiday destination, or if the animals are perhaps too old to enjoy a trip, you must find a pet sitter in good time. Perhaps you have someone in your circle of friends and acquaintances who has experience with ferrets and would like to take on this task. If not, you can ask veterinarians, animal shelters, pet stores, or internet forums for addresses of pet sitters. If you have found holiday care, inform them in detail about the care. Tell the pet sitter what the animal eats each day, at what times and with what amount it is fed, how much space it needs to be allowed to run around, and what special features your animals have. It is best to write down the exact instructions on a piece of paper and leave it with the holiday carer. Also, write down the address and phone number of your vet and your number and address at the resort. A note on first aid should not be missing either. You should also buy enough food and bedding for when you are not at home. If the ferret sitter cannot come to your house and you have to give your animals to a foster home, there are a few things to consider. If there are already other ferrets living in the foster home, you need to clarify what happens if the animals don’t meet to understand. If the foster home is hosting ferrets for the first time, it must be checked for potential hazards and made ferret-safe.