Ferrets are intelligent, social exotic animals that require specialized veterinary care, species-appropriate nutrition, daily enrichment, and significant long-term commitment. Yet they are still sold in pet stores across New York State as impulse purchases, often without proper education being provided to buyers.

As a result, rescues across New York continue to see ferrets surrendered, abandoned, neglected, or medically compromised because families were not prepared for the true cost and responsibility of ferret ownership.

Since 2014, Furever Ferrets Sanctuary has worked tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for ferrets from difficult situations, many of which originated from pet store sales or uninformed purchases.

Ferrets are not “starter pets.” They are complex animals with unique needs that many retail environments fail to adequately explain before sale.

The New York Ferret Welfare Project calls on New York lawmakers and Governor Kathy Hochul to:

• Ban the retail sale of ferrets in pet stores throughout New York State
• Encourage adoption through reputable rescues and shelters instead
• Improve public education regarding ferret ownership and care
• Support ethical rescue organizations helping surrendered and neglected ferrets

This effort is about prevention, education, and animal welfare. By reducing impulse sales and promoting responsible placement, New York can help decrease ferret abandonment and improve the lives of countless animals.

Ferrets deserve protection, proper care, and informed homes — not to be treated as retail merchandise.

Please sign and share to support the New York Ferret Welfare Project.