How to Find a Ferret Veterinarian

By Don J. Harris,DVM

One of the first responsibilities you have as a pet owner is obtaining quality medical care for your ferret. The process of finding a qualified veterinarian, who is educated, trained and experienced in treating ferrets, is often more difficult than you initially might think. Perseverance and some good common sense on your part can result in finding a veterinarian who is skilled in treating your ferret.

Here are some methods you can use.

1. Yellow Pages – While this may be the easiest method, an ad in the yellow pages does not necessarily qualify the practitioner to treat your ferret. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) allows the term “specialist” by only those veterinarians who have fulfilled certain defined criteria in that specialty. Beyond that, yellow page ads can reflect marketing skills more than veterinary competence.

2. Pet Suppliers’ Recommendations – Pet retail stores or breeders will often recommend a veterinarian they work with on a regular basis. Their recommendations may be based on positive experiences with this particular veterinarian’s care and treatment. On the other hand, pet suppliers occasionally have relationships with veterinarians based on discounted services in exchange for referrals. While this business relationship is not in itself bad, ferret owners should be advised to verify the veterinarian’s credentials.

3. Word-of-Mouth Recommendations – This is one of the best ways of finding a competent veterinarian. If a veterinarian’s own clients are making recommendations, there must be a reason why. Unfortunately, these personal recommendations are not always available, especially if you recently moved into the area and don’t know anyone to ask. If you have joined a ferret club or are active in a rescue shelter, you have good sources for recommendations.

4. Colleague Recommendations – This is probably the best and most consistently reliable method, but it demands a little sleuthing on your part. Here are the steps you can follow:

• Identify and call veterinarians in the yellow pages who have a dog or cat practice, or better yet an exotic animal practice. Some dog and cat practices have experience in treating ferrets; some do not. Some exotic practices see ferrets, and some limit their practice to birds. There’s no way to tell for sure if it’s not listed in the yellow pages.
• Call to ask if they will see your ferret.
• If they decline, ask whom they would recommend.
• Continue this process until you get enough answers to form a consensus.
• The veterinarian whose name was recommended the most often is the veterinarian most recognized by his colleagues for competence with ferrets.
• Congratulations! Through hard work and some common sense, you may have found just the right veterinarian for you and your ferret.

If you need additional help, let ZuPreem help you find a qualified veterinarian. Just call 1-800-345-4767 to talk to a ZuPreem Customer Care representative.