1. I am adopting the ferret(s) to be a companion animal to myself and/ or my immediate family and that I am not a dealer of animals. I will not under any circumstances allow this ferret(s) to be given away as a gift, prize or premium. I will not use this ferret for the purpose of ritual, rite or medical experimentation. I will not allow this ferret (s) to be declawed, as I understand that this is extremely detrimental to its health.

2. I understand that the ferret(s) I am adopting from the Manitoba Ferret Association Shelter have been altered and vaccinated against Canine Distemper. This/these ferret(s) are healthy to the best knowledge of the Manitoba Ferret Association Shelter and are being adopted in good faith. I accept this ferret(s) “as is” with all its faults as well as its values.

3. I agree to have this/these ferret(s) taken to a knowledgeable veterinarian once a year for a clinical examination and for distemper vaccines, on a yearly basis. The rabies vaccine is optional. I also agree that if this/these ferret(s) are ever injured or ill, I will have them cared for by a knowledgeable veterinarian. I agree to keep this/these ferret(s) as healthy as possible and attend to their medical needs.

4. I agree that I will never hit, throw or otherwise abuse or mistreat this/these ferret(s). I agree to discipline and train this/these ferret(s) by humane methods that will not cause physical or emotional damage to the ferret(s). I am aware that the Manitoba Ferret Association Shelter is dedicated to helping members train their ferret(s) in humane ways and that I can contact the MFA for any advice or training methods that may be required.

5. I agree to never place this/these ferret(s) in any dangerous situation that may cause harm to the ferret(s). Examples - ferrets must never be taken outside without a harness and leash, must be transported by carrier in all vehicles and are never left alone with strangers, children, unknown animals, etc).

6. I agree to house this/these ferret(s) in a secure cage and or ferret proofed room whenever I cannot supervise this/these ferret(s). I also agree to provide this/these ferret(s) with a minimum of two hours playtime each day and that I will carefully monitor their activity so as to prevent injury or harm to this/these ferrets.

7. I agree to provide this/these ferret(s) with a high protein, good quality dry kitten food (such as Eukanuba) and give them unlimited access to their food until the ferret(s) reaches four - five years of age. After this, I understand that I should switch over to a mixture of high quality kitten and cat foods as befits an aging ferret. I also agree to feed this/these ferrets only safe treats. I will not feed my ferret(s) nuts of any kind; high salt or high sugar treats.

8. I agree not to offer this/these ferret(s) any toys that can harm them - example no soft rubber, plastic or erasers and no items small enough to be swallowed by a ferret.

9. I agree that if this ferret(s) should wander from my care and become lost; I will notify the MFA shelter immediately. I shall follow the instructions outlined in the “What to do if your ferret goes missing” procedure form.

10. I agree that once the ferret is adopted by me, I am solely responsible for its behaviour and agree that the Manitoba Ferret Association shall be held blameless in case of accidents or bites involving the ferret or damage to property.

11. I realize I have 30 days from the date of adoption where the Manitoba Ferret Association will cover the ferret’s health problems excluding any injuries incurred at the new home. I will immediately contact the Manitoba Ferret Association Shelter for instructions on which shelter referred vet clinic to take my ferret(s) to. I accept that the Manitoba Ferret Association will not cover medical costs other than the designated clinic.

12. I attest that I am of legal age to be a party to this contract in Canada.

13. I agree not sell, give away or trade this/these ferret(s) if I cannot care for them any longer. I understand that the Manitoba Ferret Association Shelter offers a 100% REFUND within the first three months to all adopters and that I may bring back this/these ferret(s) to the shelter if I am unable to care for them any longer. After the three month period, the refund is no longer valid, but I understand that I am still obligated to return this/these ferret(s) to Manitoba Ferret Association Shelter if I can no longer care for them. I also understand that while the Manitoba Ferret Association Shelter offers this refund, I am not to abuse it by returning aged or chronically ill animals to the shelter as a means of avoiding cost and or effort in caring for them. I understand that I have already agreed to provide this/these ferret(s) with any medical attention and or treatment they may require.

14. I understand that in order to adopt this/these ferret(s), I must become a member of the Manitoba Ferret Association by subscribing to the Association. I will receive 6 newsletters. This newsletter is provided to afford members with medical information, training methods and health issues; as well as a forum for members to discuss various issues and or offer advice to other Manitoba Ferret Association members. Should I discontinue my membership after the first year, I will remain in contact with the association, advising them of any change of address or phone number.

I, _____________________________ have read, understood and agree to comply with all the conditions set forth in this adoption contract. I agree to maintain my ferret(s) in a quality, healthy and non-abusive manner. I agree to provide the Manitoba Ferret Association Shelter with any changes in address etc. that may affect the Manitoba Ferret Association’s ability to locate me if necessary. I also understand that if the Manitoba Ferret Association Shelter feels that I am mistreating or otherwise putting my ferret(s) in jeopardy, they have the legal right to take custody of the ferret(s) in to the shelter and said ferret may be adopted into an approved home. I also understand that if I can no longer care for this/these ferret(s) returning them to the Manitoba Ferret Association Shelter, I am immediately turning ownership over to the Manitoba Ferret Association Shelter who is not required to inform me of their new adoptive home(s), health or any other information pertaining to the well being of this/these ferret(s).

SIGNED: _____________________________________________________________________
Adopting ferret owner

DATED: _____________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF SHELTER OPERATOR

Thank you for adopting a ferret(s) from our facility. The Manitoba Ferret Association Shelter is a not-for-profit, no kill facility run by experienced ferret fanciers who first concerns are for the well being of all ferrets in our care. We are always happy to accept donations of food, litter or cash in order to care for future and current ferrets in our shelter. We wish you and your new furry friend a lifetime of joy and partnership.
Happy Ferreting

Revised: September 2000
Revised: January 2001