Am I Ready to Adopt a Pet?

There’s so much to love about pets. The bonds people form with animals are completely unique from those we form with one another. Pets can be part parent, sibling, child, and friend. They can lighten up our days and force us off the couch, encourage us to play and cuddle up with us to sleep.

But pets also introduce a lot of new responsibilities into our lives. That’s why one of the most important things adopters can do is make sure they’re up to the task and capable of providing the care, resources, and environment necessary to give their pet a great life. In this article, we’ll cover exactly that, focusing primarily on the most common pets — dogs and cats.

How Often Will the Pet Be Alone?

Given your current life circumstances, will your pet be left home alone for long hours on most days? Is it possible to come home on lunch breaks for social time and a quick walk? If not, then your pet may spend most of their time alone, anxious, and waiting for you. If, on the other hand, you have flexible hours and can give your pet plenty of face-to-face time and exercise, then you’re in great shape to get a pet.

Do You Have to or Want to Travel Frequently?

Going on a vacation every now and again shouldn’t be an issue, but if you have to travel regularly for work or if you just want to get out and see the world, then a pet could be a significant hurdle. Airplanes and pets are never a good mix, and finding hotel rooms that are pet friendly can also be tough. Often, you’ll end up finding other people who can look after your pet when you’re gone. Is this a cost or inconvenience that you can handle?

Are You Renting?

If you’re renting, then it’s important to get a pet that won’t be restricted on most leases. So-called “aggressive” dog breeds are sometimes surprising, including huskies, German shepherds, Dobermans, Chihuahuas, and more. Cat restrictions can also be unexpected. Will your pet make it difficult for you to find a place to live? Look at current rental properties and see the breeds you should avoid.

Are You Ready to Raise a Pet?

Whether you adopt a young or old pet, you’re responsible for taking them to get regular checkups, paying for preventative and prescriptive health interventions, and training them to ensure that they lead happy, well-adjusted lives. A puppy might be cute, but if you work full-time and live alone in an apartment, the mess of house training and behavioral training might burn you out after a long shift! 

Are You Considering or Have Children?

Kids and pets can be a wonderful duo, but it’s important to get the timing right. If you’re adopting a pet while your kid is still a baby or toddler, then even the sweetest dog or cat may snap at children who don’t yet understand how to interact with animals. Do you think kids are in the near future? Maybe hold off on adopting young pets until things are clearer. In the meantime, there are plenty of older pets who would love to come home with you for their final years.

Wait, is Anyone Ready to Adopt a Pet!?

I know, this is a lot to consider. But realistically, adopting pets is almost always a leap of faith. The ideal household isn’t always attainable in the modern world, but even full-time working pet parents can make it work if they really want to. What matters most is that you’re ready to dedicate time, love, and resources to a new family member. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it.

As pet lovers already know, pets give us far more than we ever really realize — from a hug after a trip to the park to cuddling up on our feet during movie night. If you’re worried about being the best pet parent you can be, then you’re already on the right track.

Help a Pet, Help Yourself

Pets are remarkable at keeping us healthy — they get us off the couch, give us plenty of love, and bring us so much joy. If you’re an animal lover, you may benefit from an emotional support animal or exploring animal-assisted therapy. I’d be happy to give you more information. Feel free to read more here or contact me!

What Makes Therapy Dogs So Special?

The normalization of therapy has been one of the most exciting trends in wellness over the past few years. Suddenly, people who aren’t experiencing severe emotional distress are seeking out therapists to help them explore the everyday challenges of life. The rise in popularity of animal-assisted therapy is a wonderful evolution in this trend.

Now, pet lovers who may feel more comfortable with a furry companion by their side can talk through their emotions, manage their anxieties or depression, and deal with the fallout of emotional and physical trauma with the guidance of a therapist and a carefully-trained dog. Interested in learning more? Here’s everything you need to know! 

Are Service Animals Therapy Dogs?

You’ve probably seen dogs in special vests helping people throughout their day. It’s a common misconception to call these helpful pets “therapy dogs” because they’re actually service animals. Both types of pets improve people’s lives, but their training, functions, certificates, and privileges differ.

So, what’s the difference? A service dog is rigorously trained to help someone with an emotional or physical disability. For instance, if you see a dog in a vest helping a visually impaired man walk in a park, that’s a service animal. That dog’s job is no joke — it isn’t just a well-trained pet but a certified service animal with special access privileges in public spaces.

A therapy dog doesn’t have those special access privileges, isn’t certified to be a service animal, and cannot go into locations where service animals are legally allowed. Instead, therapy dogs serve another very important purpose: they make people happier. Let’s take a look at how they do it.

What Do Therapy Dogs Do?

While service dogs help people overcome physical or emotional disabilities, therapy dogs are “comfort animals” who are on a mission to make you feel calm, happy, and unconditionally loved. You may have also heard the term “emotional support animal” — that’s a therapy dog!

In most cases, a therapist or social worker include an animal-assisted therapy option to provide some light-heartedness and comfort while you work through life’s challenges and successes. Institutions like universities may even have comfort dogs with “pet me” signs on their backs who help cheer up students while they study or walk to class. Likewise, some elementary schools team up with therapy dog groups to let the children enjoy and express themselves around these well-trained pets.

But that doesn’t mean adults can’t benefit from therapy dogs too. They’ve proven to be very helpful for people prone to intense bouts of anxiety, panic, or depression, but also for people who just need some social support in their life. As such, therapy dogs are often suggested to help people regulate their emotions during trauma, medical issues, loneliness, overwhelming situations, PTSD, or any other high-stress or just daily conditions.

How Can I Find a Therapy Dog?

Animal-assisted therapy options abound! You’d be surprised to learn just how many options may be available to you locally. I’d suggest beginning your search with respected directories, such as the American Kennel Club’s AKC-Recognized Therapy Dog Organizations. Or, simply type into your search engine of choice your location followed by “animal-assisted therapy.”

It bears mentioning that therapy animals don’t have to just be dogs! Other social pets like cats, guinea pigs, horses, birds, and even dolphins have had a positive impact on people. There was even one shocking finding from UCLA researchers that found dolphin therapy was more effective against depression than medication. Feel free to explore whichever sides of animal-assisted therapy speak to you most!

Help a Pet, Help Yourself

Pets are remarkable at keeping us healthy — they get us off the couch, give us plenty of love, and bring us so much joy. If you’re an animal lover, you may benefit from an emotional support animal or exploring animal-assisted therapy. I’d be happy to give you more information. Feel free to read more here or contact me!

A Comprehensive Guide to Pet Cats

Cats are just as complicated and unique as you are, and if you look around enough, you’ll find the perfect little companion for your personality and lifestyle. While cats aren’t quite as social or needy as dogs, they still love to socialize and spend time with their owners! Here’s what you need to know to give your first cat a great home and a great life.

Am I the Right Fit for a Cat?

If you’re asking this question, then you’re already ahead of the game. Bringing a living, social animal into your home is no small thing, and changing your mind after adopting a pet can be really hurtful for them. If you love animals, get along well with cats, and want to give your pet the best life possible, then you’re absolutely the right fit to be a pet parent!

As far as adopting pets goes, cats tend to fit better into the modern busy workweek than other pets. They’re low maintenance, appreciate some alone time, and are very independent. And when you get home, they’re happy to curl up with you, play some games, or get some fresh air with you.

What about going on vacations and long getaways? Cats might be a lot more independent than dogs, but they still need someone to check in on them and refresh their food and water. (Lonely cats also tend to wander off in search of company!) All that to say, your cat still depends on you. 

What Do Cats Need?

Cats flourish in loving homes with constant access to a warm interior and the outdoors. Naturally, cats love to hunt and prowl around outside. This adds an immense variety to their lives and keeps them healthy and happy. Likewise, they love to have meaningful relationships with people — even if that’s from a bit of a distance, depending on the cat! 

Cats tend to get along with children well, but it’s important that parents teach their kids not to crowd, push, or pull on their pets. This can be very distressing for a cat and erode their trust in the people around them. 

As for their diets, cats are meat lovers! Like most pets, the unfortunate norm is to serve them bland kibble with an impossibly long shelflife. But canned cat food is a bit fresher and a lot tastier, and freshly cooked meats like beef, chicken, and turkey are a good way to put your cat on cloud nine! A mix between prepared cat foods and some fresh meats to snack on from time to time will give them a well-rounded, delicious diet.

What’s the Deal with Cat Breeds?

There are plenty of different types of cats, and their breeds have some influence on their personalities, likes, and dislikes. But overall, most adopted cats are “moggies,” which are domestic mixes of a bunch of cats, like “mutts” in dogs. It’s best to meet a cat and see how you get along, educate yourself on their breed makeup to provide them with a suitable lifestyle, and adopt any cat that need a home!

One of the most obvious day-to-day differences in types of cats is long-haired or short-haired. If you don’t want to vacuum all the time, then long-haired cats might be a bit much. But short-haired cats shed too. On that note, all cats like to sharpen their claws, so make sure you get a scratching post and accept that sometimes they’ll use your nice furniture!

As for age, kittens might be cute, but that’s no reason to adopt a cat. Keep in mind that you’re taking care of an animal for around fourteen years — and they’ll only be kittens for a few months. There are plenty of adult cats who really need homes too, but any kitten or cat would be happy to befriend you!

Help a Cat, Help Yourself

Pets are remarkable at keeping us healthy — they get us off the couch, give us plenty of love, and bring us so much joy. If you’re an animal lover, you may benefit from an emotional support animal or exploring animal-assisted therapy. I’d be happy to give you more information. Feel free to read more here or contact me!

What are the Best Reptiles for Pets?

It takes a special kind of person to love a special kind of pet — that’s why our bonds with reptiles are so strong. These scaly, spiky, and shelled pets make for great companions. But just like dogs and cats, some types of reptiles are better suited for types of people and homes. In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the best pet reptiles out there!

1. Turtles: Low Maintenance, Long Lifespan

Turtles are known for their incredibly long lifespans, but what’s less well-known is just how unique each turtle breed is. Some, like the red-eared slider, are friendlier and more energetic than other species — but they are quite messy. Sliders also need pretty large tanks to accommodate their size, and they can live to around 20 years old. 

Other types of turtles, like the eastern box turtle, are much more shy and require a gentler and more patient owner to bring out their unique personalities. Their tanks tend to be a bit smaller due to their smaller size, but some owners find themselves intimidated by their nearly 50-year lifespan.

Overall, there’s a type of turtle to fit just about any personality, but prospective turtle owners need to be ready to shell out money for a species-specific enclosure, healthy food and accessories, and a decades-long commitment. 

2. Lizards: Kid-Friendly, Short Lifespan

Lizards are classic reptilian pets, and because they’re so widely available and easy to care for, they make for great first pets. Let’s start with the anole, a slender eight-inch lizard that loves to relax and munch on crickets and worms all day. With a five-year lifespan and relatively simple needs, it’s great for kids and reptile owners short on time! 

Another great pick for kids is the leopard gecko, which is about double the size of anoles but equally docile and low-maintenance. These spotted little guys love to climb, hunt crickets, and sunbathe.

If you’re looking for a bigger and more sociable lizard, there’s always the bearded dragon! Don’t let their size fool you — though they can grow to around 24 inches long, they’re truly gentle giants and are always interested in climbing up your arm. Just make sure you’re ready to take care of them for their full 10-year lifespan!

3. Snakes: Docile, Moderate Lifespan

While snakes are more often feared than loved, reptile aficionados know they’re some of the best companions out there! Snakes have a moderate lifespan, between 15 and 35 years, depending on the species. As with any reptile, there’s an incredible variety of snakes, each with its own behavioral patterns and dietary needs.

Let’s start on the smaller side with corn snakes. These sleek, colorful snakes love to climb and burrow — and they’ll happily wrap around your hand and arm for some social time. Corn snakes are gentle, love to hunt, and don’t require tanks quite as big as other snakes.

As for the big guys, the ball python is also a great beginner snake — just make sure you have room for a 40-gallon tank and the fortitude to handle a 5-foot reptile! Ball pythons are beautiful and docile, and when they get comfortable with their owners, they’re even quite friendly.

Help a Reptile, Help Yourself

Pets are remarkable at keeping us healthy — they get us off the couch, give us plenty of love, and bring us so much joy. If you’re an animal lover, you may benefit from an emotional support animal or exploring animal-assisted therapy. I’d be happy to give you more information. Feel free to read more here or contact me!

Your Guide to Pet Mini Pigs

You’ve probably seen the mini-pig craze on social media — as more people recognize the social and emotional intelligence of these so-called micro or teacup pigs, people have been bringing them into their homes as companions. While this is better than farming them for their meat, it’s important that these mini pigs find long-term and loving homes that won’t go away when the trend fades. After all, mini pigs aren’t just cute: they also have the capacity for love and companionship. Here’s what you should know before you look into getting your own mini pig!

1. Mini Pigs Are More Like Dogs than You Think.

Did you know mini pigs can learn their own names and understand commands? They’re smart social creatures — with a lot of heart. They flourish in loving households and seek out comfort from their companions. In fact, pigs are often ranked among the smartest animals on earth, just behind dolphins and chimpanzees.

When bringing a mini pig home, make sure you’re up to the task of raising a smart, socially intelligent animal that will rely on you for its health and happiness. Mini pigs can live up to 18 years, after all! (And yes, mini pigs can be potty-trained!)

2. But They Aren’t for Everyone!

So, as far as emotional and general intelligence goes, pigs are much closer to dogs than most people realize. But that doesn’t mean they’re as simple to take care of as dogs! Farm animals, which mini pigs are widely classified under, aren’t legal everywhere — so check on your local laws.

Also, remember that mini pigs live up to 18 years and aren’t all that mini — at their full size, they can weigh as much as 150 pounds. They need a lot of open space to explore, a lot of face-to-face play time and love, and a lot of socialization. These aren’t the sorts of pets you can leave at home unattended for long periods of time! They’ll miss you too much.

3. I’m Up For the Responsibility!

Great! As long as you can provide the unique level of care and environment that mini pigs need to live long and happy lives, you’re improving your future pet’s life! Unfortunately, since mini pigs have become a trend on social media, many people who aren’t quite animal lovers have adopted, neglected, and abandoned mini pigs to improve their own feeds. Thanks for giving those lovable animals a second chance at happiness!

4. Do Not Ever Support Pig Mills.

If you’re interested in adopting a mini pig as a companion, then it’s clear that you have a lot of love in your heart for animals. That’s why you absolutely must do your research on where you’re buying your mini pig.

So-called pig mills are more common than you think, and they force their “inventory” to live in horrible conditions. Make sure you’re getting your mini pig from a shelter or sanctuary that you check out in person and online. They can provide you with all the medical records and paperwork you need.

5. Making a Happy Mini Pig Home

If you live in a mild environment, then your mini pig can live outside, inside, or both. They eat vegetables and fruits, but to make sure they’re getting all of their nutrients, their biggest meal should be top-shelf pig pellets. Just like dogs, your pig will have different dietary needs at different ages, so make sure you’re talking to a veterinarian with mini-pig experience. 

As for your mini pig’s home, it’s important that they have lots of room to roam — so if you have a big fenced-in backyard, a big house, or (preferably) both, then you’re off to a great start. The outdoor pig shelter should have a roof and cool shade with fresh hay lining the floors, while the indoor crate should have cozy blankets and perhaps an enclosed area, so your pet can walk around a bit at night before getting free rein in the daytime!

Help a Pig, Help Yourself

Pets are remarkable at keeping us healthy — they get us off the couch, give us plenty of love, and bring us so much joy. If you’re an animal lover, you may benefit from an emotional support animal or exploring animal-assisted therapy. I’d be happy to give you more information. Feel free to read more here or contact me!

A Beginner’s Guide to Pet Birds

We’ve all heard about the dog-person or cat-person dichotomy, but there’s another special pet that takes a special kind of person to adopt: birds. Whether you want to hear your pet say “Hey!” when you come home or just spend time with your new companion, this guide will get you started on the exciting world of bird adoption.

What Types of Birds Make Good Pets?

There are plenty of friendly bird species out there that flourish in bird-lovers’ households. As a rule of thumb, for beginners, the best pet birds are those that are gentle, relatively low maintenance, and naturally friendly. There are plenty of great birds out there for beginners, but here are just a couple of examples:

1. Parrolets are tiny, personality-packed birds that are known for forming strong bonds with their owners. They’re small, averaging about 5 inches, and require a lot of socialization and playtime. As long as you can spend meaningful amounts of time with them every day, they’re great beginner birds!

2. Parakeets are small, trainable, and affectionate birds. They’re the smallest of the parrot species, and they’re generally playful and sweet. They can also mimic human speech and other household sounds like ringtones and opening doors!

3. Cockatiels are Australian birds known for their friendly and affectionate dispositions. They’re about twice the size of parakeets and have a few vocal tricks of their own, like whistling and mimicking some environmental sounds around them. Mostly, they can’t mimic speech. But they might start mimicking your doorbell!

For bird owners with more experience and time on their hands, there are a few other bird species that are incredibly rewarding companions! They just need a lot more attention. Let’s look at two examples:

1. Cockatoos are medium-sized birds with beautiful plumage. Overall, they’re quite playful, but they’re also very intelligent and socially needy. Once they bond with their owners, they can quickly become depressed if you don’t spend enough time with them. As such, make sure you know what’s needed from you to give a cockatoo a good life.

2. If you’re looking for a highly affectionate and playful bird, then the hyacinth macaw is a great option. Just understand that they’re big birds, averaging 40 inches! They’ll need a lot of room to live comfortably, and you’ll need a lot of free space to store their big cage.

How Do I Bond With a Bird?

Birds aren’t the same as dogs and cats — they’re flock animals and won’t naturally see people as their friends. That’s why bonding is so important. After all, by bringing a bird into your home, you’re probably the only significant relationship it will have for its entire life. Making sure your bird is happy and healthy means keeping a strong bond. Here’s what you should do:

1. Socialize: Birds are social animals. They need to have regular and meaningful mental stimulation to live happy lives, especially if they’re caged for the majority of their life. Make sure you talk in a gentle and friendly voice to your bird, hang out near the cage while doing other things, and gently handle your bird.

2. Play: Mental stimulation isn’t just about talking — birds also love to play with toys! It keeps their brain active. A bored bird can be very difficult to deal with, and with too little to do in so confined a space, your companion can become depressed. Great bird toys involve swings, foraging feeders, chewable kabobs, and more.

3. Share: Birds really appreciate when it looks like you’re sharing your food with them. You can pretend to take a bite out of a bird snack and then hand them the rest, or you can share bird-safe food with them. This shows your companion that you’ll take care of them — even if it means less food for you!

4. Comfort: Different birds appreciate different types of affection, but all birds want to be comforted. If your bird isn’t bonded to you yet, then slow and respectful movements will keep them comfortable until they’re ready to be petted and picked up. If you and your bird are already close, then figure out how they like to be petted and played with!

Help a Bird, Help Yourself

Pets are remarkable at keeping us healthy — they get us off the couch, give us plenty of love, and bring us so much joy. If you’re an animal lover, you may benefit from an emotional support animal or exploring animal-assisted therapy. I’d be happy to give you more information. Feel free to read more here or contact me!

Everything You Need to Know About Pet Rabbits

There’s nothing better than cuddling up with a floppy, fluffy rabbit, but prospective bunny parents should know that these pets are just as complicated as dogs and cats. That’s why, in this article, we’re going to explore six must-know facts about owning and taking care of rabbits as pets. Let’s get started!

1. What are Bunnies Like as Pets?

Rabbits are clean, cozy, sociable, and playful. They love spending time around people and other rabbits, and they’re always up to something, whether that’s breaking apart their cardboard castles or hopping up and down ramps. Like dogs, cats, and other sociable pets, they need plenty of face-to-face playtime and exercise.

They also need to be groomed, since they tend to shed. By removing loose fur, you can make sure they don’t ingest it, which can lead to some health issues. Finally, since rabbits are very timid, they won’t make it obvious if they’re sick or hurting. So, take them for regular checkups at the vet!

2. Rabbits Roam — So Bunny-Proof Your House.

Just like other animals, rabbits aren’t meant to be stuck in a cage all day. They have a lot of complicated feelings and needs, which include exploring the world around them, choosing where they go, and socializing with their rabbit friends and you.

But just as natural to rabbits as their wanderlust is their proclivity to nibble on everything. From laptop chargers and ethernet cables to shoe straps and clothes, anything is fair game. Make sure there are zero wires within their reach (they can electrocute your pet) and that nothing you’d miss is in the bunny danger zone. 

3. Are Rabbits Picky Eaters?

They aren’t exactly “picky eaters” — but, just like us, they require a diverse, exciting, and easy diet to be healthy and happy. Make sure your rabbit has an abundance of fresh hay (timothy hay, grass hay, or oat hay) available. This is where they’ll get the majority of their nutrients.

But that’s not all! Your rabbits need fresh greens and fiber-rich pellets to round off their diet. Here are a few things your rabbit would love to snack on: basil, bok choy, carrot tops, celery, collard greens, dill, and broccoli leaves.

4. You’re in Luck — They Poop in One Place.

Not only is rabbit poop extremely easy to clean up (they’re just tiny pellets that are almost odorless), but rabbits also like to go to the bathroom in just one spot. All you have to do is set up a comfy litter box area near their food and water. It sounds counterintuitive to place it near their food, but rabbits tend to go to the bathroom while they eat.

It doesn’t have to be fancy, but you should understand that there are some materials you simply cannot use. These common materials are unsafe for rabbits: wood shavings, clay cat litter, and clumping cat litter. Instead, use rabbit-safe litter (like pellet litter made from recycled newspapers) and then place a bunch of hay on top of it. 

5. Bunnies Get Bored — Here’s What They Love.

Rabbits are smart and sociable pets with very active mental lives. Trapping them in a cage alone with only one or two visits a day would be a very, very sad life. You should treat them more like dogs than fish — giving them lots of social time, playtime, free time, and even fresh air.

Beyond equipping their cage with the right exercise gear, as we’ll get to next, your rabbits should have plenty of things to stimulate them. This includes other rabbits, logic toys, a variety of chewable things, and plenty of time out of the cage where they can move around freely. If you can safely bring your rabbit outside (something away from predators, like a roofed patio), then they would love the fresh air!

6. Rabbit Homes Should Be Cozy and Fun.

Rabbits are going to spend a lot of time in their cage (but they can live free-reign in a dedicated room too), so you should always err on the side of getting a cage that’s too big rather than too small. There are three main factors to consider: coziness, nutrition, and fun.

For coziness, rabbits love their beds — so much that they eat them! Make sure your rabbit bedding is non-toxic, like aspen shreds, shredded pepper, or hay. As for nutrition, we covered what rabbits need to eat for a varied and healthy diet, but make sure their eating nook is always filled with fresh water and plenty of food.

Now for fun. Keeping in mind the mental stimulation we discussed earlier, your rabbit’s room or cage should include things that encourage thinking and exercise. Ramps and edible things that they can roll, rattle, drag, and chew are perfect. (They also love cardboard castles!)

Help a Rabbit, Help Yourself

Pets are remarkable at keeping us healthy — they get us off the couch, give us plenty of love, and bring us so much joy. If you’re an animal lover, you may benefit from an emotional support animal or exploring animal-assisted therapy. I’d be happy to give you more information. Feel free to read more here or contact me!

A Field Guide to Pet Ferrets: What to Know

Ferrets are silly, energetic, and mischievous pets, but don’t let their looks fool you — they’re smart enough to learn tricks, love socializing with their fellow ferrets, and can form really meaningful bonds with people. While they’re definitely considered a “low-maintenance” pet, they’re still a big responsibility (and a big source of love).

From balancing their diets and giving them plenty of play time to getting check-ups at the vet and keeping their homes clean, there’s plenty to know before you get your fuzzy friends! That’s why, in this quick guide to pet ferrets, we’re going to explore the top five things to prepare for.

1. Ferrets are a Social Bunch

They might not be as people-oriented as dogs, but ferrets are very smart pets who love to socialize. Ideally, they’ll have more than just their owners to hang out with. After all, you’d get pretty lonely cooped up in a room too, right? With a ferret friend, your pets will have plenty of opportunities to talk, play, and stay stimulated. Otherwise, your pet might get bored, depressed, and just overall gloomy.

2. Ferrets Have a…Unique Smell

If you’ve ever been around wild ferrets before, you’ve probably deduced that they have scent glands. Those glands release that powerful musky smell that you definitely don’t want in your home. That’s why many domestic ferrets have been “descented,” which is a surgical procedure that removes those glands. It doesn’t get rid of the smelliness of your ferrets completely, but it substantially reduces it.

If you feel bad that you have to put your pets through surgery for your own comfort, then understand that descenting surgery isn’t necessary. While popular for domestic ferrets, you can always ventilate and clean the ferret room to keep the smell under control!

3. Ferrets Need Check-Ups Too

Some people approach less-common pets like ferrets, hamsters, and reptiles as lower maintenance animals than your typical cat and dog. While in some ways that’s true, your uncommon pet still needs to get regular checkups to make sure they’re in tip-top shape! Like all animals, ferrets have particular health issues that they’re susceptible to, and they’re counting on you to take care of them.

One common condition is an adrenal gland disease, which isn’t fully understood and has no complete cure. If your ferret has this disease, they might lose their hair, get vulvic enlargement and prostatic inflammation, become aggressive, and itch all day. So get your pets looked at regularly to keep them as happy and comfortable as possible!

4. Ferrets Wouldn’t Mind Some Fresh Food

Ferrets have very particular diets — ideally, they’ll consume food that has a bunch of protein and fat and limited carbohydrates. While a typical commercial ferret food will check all of these boxes, some pet owners feel like that limits their quality of life (like dogs eating the same dry kibble all day, every day)! If you want to spice things up for your pet ferrets, you can look up recipes that incorporate foods like raw meat, dairy, and eggs.

5. Ferrets Need a Big, Fun, and Cozy Home

Since your ferret will spend most of its life in a cage, it’s really, really important that they have everything they need to live happy, exciting, and healthy lives. Beyond physical health, there’s a lot to consider regarding mental health. These are the biggest checkboxes to fill while you’re getting your ferret home ready!

• Space: Adult ferrets are around 20 inches long from snout to tail! Make sure you overestimate the size of your cage. Ideally, you’ll get a big, perhaps even multistaged, cage with plenty of room for toys, structures, food, water, and waste. The first floor is perfect for potty time, the second for play time, and the third for sleeping time. They’ll be very thankful.

• Fun: Ferrets are smart and social, and as such, they require a lot of mental stimulation. Make sure they have tubes to crawl through, structures to climb, burrows to crawl into, and plenty of ferret toys to keep them occupied. Since most ferrets need buddies, make sure there’s enough for everyone!

• Coziness: Ferrets are cuddly pets. Make sure they have plenty of nooks to hang out in and ample bedding to sleep in. They love t-shirts, towels, blankets, cloth bags, and especially ferret hammocks!

• Free Time: Cages are not permanent homes for your ferrets — they’re just where your pet will stay while you aren’t spending time with them. Ferrets, like all pets, require ample time to roam and feel free in safe play areas. Just remember that these escape artists will take advantage of even the smallest openings!

Help a Ferert, Help Yourself

Pets are remarkable at keeping us healthy — they get us off the couch, give us plenty of love, and bring us so much joy. If you’re an animal lover, you may benefit from an emotional support animal or exploring animal-assisted therapy. I’d be happy to give you more information. Feel free to read more here or contact me!