How to Travel With Your Ferret
Ferrets love to travel and go with their owners everywhere! Traveling with ferrets can be easy, if you know what to do and what supplies you need. Read on to learn how to get started.
Ferret Travel Supplies
If you plan on taking your ferret on a vacation, or simply out to run errands – the simplest solution is to buy a small pet carrier. This makes keeping your ferret safe (and in one place) much easier. The best ferret carry-all will have a shoulder strap and see through windows. Make sure you do not buy the smallest carrier your ferret fit in to. Instead look for a bag that will accommodate a water bottle at minimum, and a litter pan and food dish at maximum. In general, smaller carry-alls are fine for short trips, but anything longer like a multi-day roadtrip will require a larger carrier.
Acclimate Your Ferret to the Carry Case BEFORE Your Big Trip
While ferrets love to travel with you, almost all need some time to get used to their carry cases. Start using your carry case for brief 5-15min intervals, just to get your ferret used to spending time inside. Reward all good behavior with treats. Gradually extend the time your ferret spends in his or her carry case until you feel reasonably confident your ferret will be fine for the duration of your trip. Obviously with car trips, it is easier to stop and give your ferret a break than with say, air travel.
Where Can I Take My Ferret?
In the car
Ferrets love car rides, so do not hesitate to take your furry friend out with you. However, keep in mind that ferrets are curious little creatures that are expects at squeezing into even the smallest spaces. Many a ferret has managed to get stuck into unimaginable locations and so for your ferrets safety, make sure he or she rides in the carry case at all times.
On a plane
Some airlines accept ferrets as passengers, whereas others do not. Always make sure you get approval for your ferret to travel in writing as sometimes you will be given incorrect information by airline customer service agents.
What to Watch Out For
High Temperatures
Ferrets are particularly prone to overheating. Daily temperature of 80 degrees Fahrenheit or higher are simply not safe for ferrets. Many people think that if they leave their ferret with plenty of water, in the shade, or with the car windows rolled down, they will be fine. Not so.
Overheating can be a life threatening condition for ferrets, so always take serious precautions. Signs of overheating include panting, limp body, and loss of consciousness. If you worry your ferret is overheating or in danger of overheating, you must move your ferret to cooler conditions immediately. If your ferret is no longer conscious, then he or she needs immediate emergency medical attention. If you worry your ferret may have gotten too warm, after cooling, please make sure he or she consumes additional water for the next day or so.
Cold Temperatures
Any temperature where you ferret is shivering or trying to hide in your jacket is too cold. Cold weather does not pose the same threat to ferrets that warm weather does. In fact, many ferrets love a good romp in the snow. Regardless, you should always use good judgement when exposing your ferret to extreme temperatures of any kind.