An estimated 1/2 to l million domestic ferrets (mustela putorius Furo) reside in California. Ferrets have unique medical problems and few veterinarians have access to competent and current information.
California veterinarians have received verbal assurance from the California Department of Fish & Game (DFG) that veterinarians may hospitalize and treat ferrets without being considered "in possession." The current understanding is that while possessing a ferret without a permit is illegal, veterinarians will not be fined or cited if ferrets are found in their hospital. In addition, DFG has no authority over licensed veterinarians as to the type of care they provide, nor can DFG require veterinarians to report clients with ferrets.
Although you may illegally own a domestic ferret in California and are fearful of being caught, this should not discourage you from seeking proper veterinary care. Neglected preventative care or non-treatment of a current disease may prove more lethal to your pet than the Dept. of Fish and Game. Contact your local vet for referral to a specialist that has experience and expertise with ferrets. Or you can browse the STAR*Ferrets database or the Ferrets Anonymous California Vet Directory which include lists of vets by location.
In this Virtual Ferret Clinic, you will find a variety of health care issues related to the domestic ferret. All the information is provided courtesy of:
Please remember: The Ferret Clinic and the Doctor's answers are meant to inform visitors to the Weasel Web about a particular issue, or answer a general medical question. If you are worried about the health of your ferret, or if you think your ferret has a particular illness, we recommend that you contact your local veterinarian. The Weasel Web and the Ferret Clinic Doctor present this data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied and are not liable for mistakes, errors, ommissions, or for the results of any event that occurs based on direct reliance on this information.