Do your kids want a ferret? They’re popular pets (if they’re legal in your state). But behind every kid’s pet request lies an excellent opportunity to discuss the costs and responsibilities involved.
It’s also the perfect moment to teach kids how to create a pet budget to save up for their dream furry friend. Let’s delve into the expenses associated with owning a ferret, so you and your family can make a well-informed decision.
Ferret How Much Costs: First Day
After ensuring that ferrets are legal in your area, discuss with your children the type of ferret they prefer and where they would like to acquire it. Pet stores are a popular option, but increasingly, shelters and rescues have ferrets needing homes.
The expenses of purchasing a ferret from a pet store or breeder can differ significantly from the costs associated with adoption.
Breeder: The price of a baby ferret can range from $100 to $500 (or more) depending on where you purchase them and their breed.
Shelter: On average, ferret adoption fees hover between $150 to $200.
Pet Fees: If you rent your home, confirm beforehand that pets are allowed and check for any associated pet fees or deposits.
Essential Supplies for Bringing Your Ferret Home
Your ferret will likely have a lifetime of toys, hammocks, and treats, but you don’t need everything upfront. To bring your ferret home, you’ll need:
Cage: A suitable cage for a ferret can cost anywhere from $50 to $200. Make sure to choose one that is spacious enough for your ferret to move around comfortably.
Litter Box: Like cats, ferrets can be litter-trained, so you’ll need a litter box and litter. These can vary from $10 to $30, depending on the brand and size.
Food and Water Bowls: Stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls are best for ferrets and can cost $10 to $20 each.
Bedding: Ferrets can sleep 15-20 hours a day. Many ferret experts consider hammocks essential for ferret comfort. Typically, ferret hammock prices range from $10 to $30.
Food: A high-quality diet can help your ferret stay healthy. Ferret-specific food can range from roughly $15 to more than $40 per bag.
Ferret Costs Over Time: A Budgeting Breakdown
Like with any pet, your early expenditures tend to be higher due to purchasing and setup. Initial ferret costs often include:
Licensing Fees: Owning a ferret might necessitate paying an annual licensing fee, which can vary depending on your state and county. Ensure you verify the specific legal requirements in your local area.
Checkup: It’s advisable to schedule a veterinary check-up within the first week of bringing home your ferret. This initial visit typically costs between $50 and $100.
Vaccinations: Young ferrets require a series of vaccinations during their first year, while adult ferrets may also need certain shots or booster vaccinations to stay healthy.
Vaccines typically cost around $20 each, so depending on how many you need, plus vet costs, you could be looking at $50 to $100 in vaccines.
Monthly Expenses
Food: Providing your ferret with high-quality food typically costs approximately $15 to $20 per month.
Litter: Litter for your ferret’s litter box can cost around $10-$15 per month.
Toys and Treats: To keep your ferret entertained and happy, plan to spend about $20 per month on toys and treats.
Even if you plan to only splurge once a year, this helps anticipate holidays or impulse purchases too.
Yearly Expenses
Vet Visits: Annual check-ups for your ferret typically cost between $50 and $100 per visit. Factor in vaccines and other common elements of routine vet visits and you’re up to $175 to $350 a year in vet visits.
Bedding Replacements: Over time, your ferret’s bedding will need to be replaced, which can cost $30-$50 per year.
Unexpected Expenses
Illness or Injury: Like any other pet, ferrets can fall ill or get injured, necessitating potentially expensive veterinary visits and treatments. And buyer beware: Ferret care is expensive! Surgery on a ferret can easily cost $1,000 or more.
Spaying/Neutering: If your ferret is not already fixed when you adopt them, this procedure can cost $150-$300. If they’re not spayed or neutered, that can increase your regular vet bills as well.
So, How Much Does a Ferret Cost?
The cost of purchasing and caring for a ferret can vary significantly based on your location, the source from which you acquire your ferret, and any special procedures or treatments they may need.
To give you a very ballpark figure, figure on anywhere from $250 up to $800 for purchase and startup fees alone. Following the initial expense, you should expect to spend at least $300 to $600 annually to ensure your ferret remains healthy and happy. That figure can go lower or higher depending on where you live.
Whether you have your kids save up to buy a pet ferret or you plan on footing the bill, investing in a ferret—or any pet—can be a valuable lesson in financial responsibility.
