Ferrets United

Are We There Yet?

by Margaret Merchant

Moving with ferrets can be an intimidating undertaking, especially if it is the first time you have moved. There are many things to be considered and ferrets certainly are harder to travel with than dogs.

The first thing to consider is the length of the journey. Certainly going to the vet is a far different undertaking than driving for several hours. In either case there are some things that are always helpful to have handy. For your basics you might start with ferretone, paper towels, baby wipes, and a water bowl. Ferretone for bribes, paper towels for wet clean up, baby wipes for other clean up.

On longer trips you have to consider some of the environment things also, such as do you have air conditioning if you are traveling where it will be hot, resulting in a need for shade or driving at night. Even with air you might need to get a window shade or two to keep the temp down.

The most important thing on longer trips is, of course, the size of the crate or cage. I have cages that will sit in the back seat of my Nissan and just use those on long trips. This gives the ferrets some room to move around in. If you arenŐt lucky enough to be able to fit a cage in, get a larger crate to carry them in. You can hook a hammock in through the vents in the side by using the old-fashioned shower curtain hooks. These can be found at Wal-Mart or Home Depot.

If you want to use water bottles on your trip, be sure and get some plastic crate cups to put under them.. The motion of the car will make any water bottle drip and the cups help keep your cage clean.

Litter can be a tricky problem. If your crate or cage is big enough, you can either use a regular litter pan or to get something smaller pick out an inexpensive plastic food container. You can use your regular litter in these, but I would keep an extra supply of litter on hand so you can change the boxes often to keep the smell down in your car. If you canŐt use a box in your crate, or donŐt want to use litter, you can easily use paper towels. I have successfully used folded paper towels in the back of a crate. Even in the litter box these can be easily disposed of and changed. Take some extra plastic grocery bags with you to easily dispose of waste.

If you wish to give your ferret some time out of a car, be sure to take a very good fitting harness. Also micro-chipping your ferret will insure his safety. However, I would advise against this. Even if the your final destination is ferret friendly, many towns along the way may not be. Plus there are often dogs around at the rest stops.

Food isnŐt much of a problem. Just fill some bowls up half way (again the plastic kennel cups) and be sure and keep a supply for refills on hand.

Your final supply list might look something like this:

In the three cross country moves I have made with multiple animals, I have found Motel Six to be the easiest place to stay. They don't charge extra for pets, and if you ask for a downstairs room, it is easy to carry a cage into the room.