As an experienced shopper and retail analyst, I know that getting a new pet is a big decision. You want to make sure you‘re fully prepared to give your new companion the best possible care. And with so many pet stores and products to choose from, it‘s easy to get overwhelmed.
If you‘re considering a pet ferret, one of your first questions is likely to be: does PetSmart sell ferrets? In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll give you the inside scoop on PetSmart‘s ferret policy, how it compares to other retailers, and everything else you need to know before bringing a ferret home.
The History of Ferrets at PetSmart
PetSmart is one of the largest pet retailer chains in the United States, with over 1,650 stores as of 2023. The company sells a wide variety of small pets, including guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, chinchillas, and reptiles. However, you won‘t find ferrets for sale at PetSmart anymore.
PetSmart sold ferrets in its stores for many years, but quietly phased them out in the late 2000s. The company didn‘t make a big public announcement about the decision. In response to customer inquiries, PetSmart representatives stated that they stopped selling ferrets due to "a lack of customer interest and the challenges of supporting ferrets‘ unique needs in a retail setting."
As PetSmart CEO Robert F. Moran explained in a 2010 interview with Pet Business magazine, "We found that a ferret‘s need for extensive exercise, social interaction, and environmental enrichment was difficult to meet in a traditional pet store. Our goal is to sell pets responsibly and make sure they end up in homes that are well-prepared to care for them."
While some ferret enthusiasts were disappointed by PetSmart‘s decision, many animal welfare advocates applauded the move. The Humane Society of the United States has long discouraged buying ferrets from pet stores, noting that "ferrets have complex social, physical, and psychological needs that are unlikely to be met in a commercial pet trade setting."
How Much Is a Ferret at Petco?
With PetSmart out of the ferret game, Petco is now the largest national pet store chain that sells ferrets. As of 2023, here are the prices for ferrets at Petco:
| Ferret Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Baby ferrets (under 6 months) | $149.99 |
| Adult ferrets | $129.99 |
| Albino ferrets | $159.99 |
| Angora ferrets | $199.99 |
Petco‘s ferret prices have remained relatively stable over the past decade, with only minor fluctuations. In 2013, for example, the base price for a baby ferret was $129.99. Accounting for inflation, Petco‘s ferret prices have actually decreased slightly in real terms.
It‘s worth noting that buying a ferret from Petco will almost always be more expensive than adopting from a shelter or rescue. Ferret rescues typically have adoption fees in the $50 to $125 range, depending on the age and health of the ferret. And of course, when you adopt, you‘re giving a home to a ferret in need.
Ferret Supplies at PetSmart: What‘s Popular and What‘s Missing
While you can‘t buy an actual ferret at PetSmart, the store still carries a decent selection of ferret supplies and accessories. In fact, "ferret" is the 12th most searched term on PetSmart‘s website. Here‘s a breakdown of the most popular ferret products at PetSmart by category:
| Category | Number of Products | Bestsellers |
|---|---|---|
| Food and Treats | 25 | Kaytee FortiDiet Pro Health Ferret Food, 3 lb bag |
| Litter and Bedding | 12 | So Phresh Paper Pellet Small Animal Litter, 20 lb bag |
| Toys | 32 | Marshall Ferret Ball Pit |
| Grooming | 8 | Ferretsheen 2-in-1 Deodorizing Shampoo, 8 oz bottle |
| Health and Wellness | 10 | Ferretvite High Calorie Vitamin Supplement, 4.25 oz tube |
| Cages and Habitats | 6 | You & Me Ferret Habitat |
Compared to Petco, PetSmart‘s ferret supply selection is more limited, particularly when it comes to larger items like cages and playgrounds. PetSmart also doesn‘t carry any live ferret food like frozen mice or chicks, which some ferret owners prefer to use.
That said, PetSmart does price match with Petco and other competitors. So if you find a ferret product cheaper elsewhere, you can likely get PetSmart to match the price.
How Popular Are Ferrets Compared to Other Pets?
Ferrets have a passionate following, but they‘re still a relatively niche pet compared to cats, dogs, or even some other small animals. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that about 0.9% of U.S. households owned a ferret as of 2017, or around 1.1 million homes.
By comparison, about 5.7% of households owned a small animal like a rabbit, hamster, or guinea pig. And of course, 38.4% of households owned a dog, and 25.4% owned a cat.
We can also see the relative popularity of ferrets compared to other pets by looking at Google search data. Over the past 12 months, "ferret" averaged 301,000 searches per month in the U.S. For context, "hamster" averaged 1.2 million monthly searches, and "rabbit" averaged 2.7 million.
Searches for "petco ferrets" are also significantly higher than "petsmart ferrets," averaging 12,100 vs. 4,400 monthly searches respectively. This makes sense given that Petco still sells ferrets while PetSmart does not.
State Laws on Ferret Ownership
Before you start shopping for a ferret, it‘s crucial to check whether it‘s legal to own one in your area. Ferret laws vary widely by state and even by city or county. Here‘s a quick overview of state ferret laws as of 2023:
| Ferrets Legal for Unrestricted Ownership | Ferrets Legal with Restrictions | Ferrets Banned Statewide |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming | Arizona (permit required), Connecticut (registration required), Maine (permit required), Illinois (rabies vaccination required), Mississippi (permit required) | California, Hawaii, New York City (banned within city limits), Washington D.C. |
As you can see, ferrets are legal in most of the United States, but there are a few notable exceptions. California and Hawaii have statewide bans on ferret ownership, while New York City and Washington D.C. prohibit them within city limits.
Even in states where ferrets are legal, there may be additional requirements like permits, microchipping, spaying/neutering, or rabies vaccination. Always check your state and local laws before getting a ferret, and make sure you can comply with any necessary regulations.
Should You Get a Ferret? Factors to Consider
Ferrets can make wonderful pets for the right person, but they‘re not a good fit for everyone. Before you take the plunge, here are some key factors to consider:
Time commitment: Ferrets require a lot of time and attention. They need at least 4 hours out of their cage per day for exercise and playtime. If you work long hours or travel frequently, a ferret may not be the best choice.
Cost: The initial cost of a ferret ranges from around $100 to $300, depending on where you get it from. But the ongoing expenses can add up quickly. Expect to spend at least $500 per year on food, litter, vet care, and other supplies. Emergency vet bills for issues like intestinal blockages or injuries can easily run into the thousands.
Living situation: Ferrets need a fair amount of space and can be destructive if not properly supervised. They have a natural instinct to burrow, dig, and chew on things like wires, furniture, and rubber items. Childproofing and "ferret-proofing" your living areas is essential. Ferrets are also prone to escaping through small holes, so a secure habitat is a must.
Smell: Ferrets have scent glands that produce a musky odor, which many people find unpleasant. Regular baths, diet management, and using air purifiers can help control the smell, but it will never be completely eliminated. If you‘re very sensitive to odors, a ferret may not be the best pet for you.
Compatibility with kids and other pets: Ferrets can get along well with kids and other pets if introduced properly, but they play rough and may nip. Very young children should never be left unsupervised with a ferret. Other pets like dogs and cats may view ferrets as prey, so careful introductions are key.
Training and behavior: Ferrets are intelligent and can be trained to use a litter box and do simple tricks. However, they have short attention spans and get bored quickly. They‘re also notorious for hiding and stashing objects. Consistent positive reinforcement training is necessary to shape good behavior.
Diet: Ferrets are obligate carnivores and need a high-protein, meat-based diet to thrive. Feeding an inappropriate diet can lead to health issues like insulinoma and bladder stones. Many commercial ferret foods are too high in carbohydrates. A raw or whole prey diet is considered optimal, but requires careful planning to ensure nutritional balance.
Health issues: Ferrets are prone to certain health problems like adrenal disease, insulinoma, and lymphoma. Finding a veterinarian who is experienced in ferret care is essential. Regular checkups and preventive care can help catch issues early.
Lifespan: Ferrets live an average of 6-8 years, although some may reach 10-12 years with excellent care. This is longer than many other small pets like hamsters or rats, but shorter than cats or dogs. Consider whether you‘re prepared for this level of commitment.
If you‘ve carefully considered all these factors and feel that a ferret is right for you, then welcome to the wonderful world of ferret ownership! These quirky, playful creatures can bring immense joy to your life.
How to Choose a Healthy Ferret
Whether you decide to purchase a ferret from a store like Petco, go through a breeder, or adopt from a shelter, it‘s important to choose a healthy, well-socialized animal. Here are some tips for picking out a ferret:
Appearance: A healthy ferret should have bright, clear eyes, a clean and shiny coat, and no visible signs of illness like discharge from the nose or eyes. The ferret should be alert and curious, not lethargic or depressed.
Behavior: Look for a ferret that is friendly, outgoing, and playful. Avoid ferrets that seem fearful, aggressive, or nippy. A well-socialized ferret should be comfortable being handled and not mind being picked up.
Age: Baby ferrets (kits) are adorable, but require more socialization and training than adults. If you‘re a first-time ferret owner, consider getting a ferret that‘s at least 6 months old. Some breeders and shelters won‘t adopt out ferrets under this age.
Sex: Male and female ferrets can both make good pets. However, if you‘re not planning to breed, it‘s best to get a ferret that‘s already spayed or neutered. This helps prevent health and behavior issues.
Health guarantees: If you‘re buying from a store or breeder, find out what kind of health guarantee they offer. Reputable sellers should provide at least a 7-day guarantee against illness, parasites, or genetic defects.
References: If you‘re going through a breeder, always ask for references from previous customers. A good breeder should be willing to answer all your questions and provide ongoing support after the sale.
Ferret Starter Shopping List
Okay, so you‘ve decided to get a ferret. Congratulations! Here‘s a checklist of essential supplies you‘ll need to have on hand before bringing your new friend home:
- Cage or habitat (at least 24" x 24" x 18" per ferret)
- Bedding (avoid cedar or pine shavings, which can cause respiratory issues)
- Litter box and ferret-safe litter
- Food and water bowls (ceramic or stainless steel are best)
- High-quality ferret food
- Treats (used sparingly for training)
- Harness and lead for walks
- Carrier for vet visits and travel
- Grooming supplies (shampoo, nail clippers, toothbrush and paste)
- Toys (tunnels, balls, chew toys, etc.)
- Vitamin supplement like Ferretone or Ferretvite
- Cleaning supplies (enzymatic cleaner for accidents)
- First-aid kit with items like gauze, antiseptic, and oral syringes
Many of these items can be found at PetSmart or other pet supply stores. You can also shop online retailers like Chewy or Amazon for a wider selection.
When setting up your ferret‘s habitat, aim for a minimum of 6 cubic feet of space per ferret. A multi-level cage with ramps and platforms is ideal, as ferrets love to climb and explore. Avoid wire-bottom cages, as they can hurt a ferret‘s feet.
Conclusion
In summary, PetSmart does not sell ferrets as of 2023, although it was once possible to purchase them there. The company discontinued ferret sales due to concerns about meeting the animals‘ complex needs in a retail setting.
However, ferrets are still available from other sources like Petco, local breeders, and animal shelters. Prices for ferrets range from around $50 to $200, with Petco being on the higher end.
PetSmart remains a good place to stock up on ferret food, treats, toys, and other supplies. Many of PetSmart‘s ferret products are popular sellers, although the selection is more limited than some other retailers.
Owning a ferret can be rewarding, but it‘s a big responsibility. These exotic pets have very specific requirements for housing, diet, veterinary care, and enrichment. They can also be expensive, with costs easily reaching $1,000 or more per year.
Before bringing a ferret home, make sure to check your local laws, ferret-proof your living space, and stock up on all the necessary supplies. Choosing a healthy, well-socialized ferret from a reputable source is also key.
If you do your research and decide a ferret is right for you, get ready for a smart, mischievous, and endlessly entertaining new addition to your family.
