For the past 2 hours you have been looking for your ferret, and you still cannot find your little one. Is this ‘fuzz butt’ sleeping somewhere in the house-- or did s/he find an escape route out of the house?
Help! - my Ferret is MIA!
The sooner you recognize that a ferret is missing, the quicker she will be found!
Take immediate action: think like a ferret: where does your ferret usually go when s/he is out in the house?
Stop and listen. Listen carefully for any scratching, sniffing, or other noises. Check for noises coming from the wall, beneath the floor, behind a closed door.
Search inside the house - thoroughly. Any place your ferret would normally hide or sleep is a likely hiding spot. This may include a briefcase or duffel bag, boxes, or other storage containers.
Check the kitchen cabinets – and drawers. Many a missing ferret has been found sleeping in a drawer right under the kitchen countertop.
Check appliances - and other places- refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer AND hoses leading to and from appliances -- anywhere a ferret could have escaped.
Don't forget the basement, the attic, closets AND underneath the furniture (and the bottoms of chairs and couches).....
How to prepare in case this happens to you:
Keep your ferret current on Immunizations.
Ferret proof your home. Check the doors, windows, any vents to the outdoors, and the dryer hose.
Get down on your knees and check out spaces between the kitchen cabinets and bathroom sinks, etc.
Where the head goes, the body will follow.
Take close-up photos of your ferret(s).
When you have guests at the house, keep your ferret(s) in a safe area until your guests leave.
Train your ferret to come to a squeak toy. It is a very easy trick to teach your ferret. Every time you squeak the toy and the ferret comes to you, give your ferret a treat. Don’t forget to call your ferret by his/her name as you squeak the toy. Shaking a treat can also have the same effect.
Food is a great motivator for ferrets. This can be a lifesaver when you are looking for your lost ferret.
Deaf ferrets can be trained to come to a thump sound on the floor. Ferrets can feel the vibration. Thump on the floor until your ferret comes to you; reward your ferret with a treat. This might not work outdoors, but will help inside the house.
If you own one or more ferrets, make sure to count noses. Know where your ferret(s) are in the household before you leave for work in the morning, or go out during the day, and most importantly-- before you retire at night.
Sequester your ferret(s) at night or when you leave the house. This means caging your ferret or keeping him or her in an area that is known to be secure from a ferret escape. This protects them from getting lost, but also from hurting themselves through mischief.
>>FERRET ALERT<<
Ask your family and friends to help search for your ferret. The more eyes looking, the better the chances of finding your ferret.
Once you are absolutely certain that you have exhausted all indoor possibilities, check outdoors around your home. This might be a hallway, a neighbor’s apartment, or the garden.
Post "Lost Ferret" Flyers
Choose a good photo of your ferret. Include his/her name, description, any features that make your ferret standout.
Post flyers around your neighborhood, local stores, and out to check in with your neighbors.
Ask local children- they may be more alert to a wandering pet than adults. Ask them to check their yards, garages, surrounding areas.
Alert your postal carrier
Local shelters, Humane societies, pet stores and veterinary offices can be helpful. Give them flyers. Let these places know that your ferret is missing, in case someone calls or comes in with a ferret.
Go online
Place a “Lost Ferret” ad online at local venues, or in the local paper.
Search online for reports of "Found" ferrets.
Lastly, place a carrier with your ferret’s used blankets, bedding, food and water outside. If your ferret follows his nose, it might lead him back to his own belongings. Check that carrier frequently.
Don't Give up - keep looking. Search your house and the outdoors again-- and again.
If your ferret knows his name, call it loudly and often.