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Because ferrets are extremely curious creatures, given the opportunity, they will want to explore as much of the world as they possibly can. They are not "running away from home" but, rather being true to their unique ferret nature. More often than not, they cannot get home again for various reasons. The world at large is not a safe place for ferrets due to dogs, traffic, extreme weather conditions and people who kill them because they "don't know what they are". You need to get your pet back home safely as soon as possible.
1. ALERT YOUR NEIGHBOURS
This may take a bit of courage if you don't know your neighbours very
well, but is the most likely place to find your ferret. Most found
ferrets are reported to the Ferret Society by a neighbour who was not aware
that a ferret lived on the other side of the fence! Take a picture,
or another ferret with you, because some people do not know what a ferret
looks like. By calling your ferret, using a squeaky toy or bell,
banging a dinner dish, or any other sound that is familiar to your pet,
you may be able to coax it out of hiding.
(Dogs barking nearby could indicate the location of your ferret).
2. PUT A SIGN UP IN YOUR FRONT YARD
A simple sign such as FERRET MISSING will do. Just make it large
and conspicuous. This has met with success many times as people who
spot an escaped ferret will often be on the lookout for any sign of where
the ferret comes from.
3. SEARCH DOOR TO DOOR
Once more, armed with a picture of a ferret, do a door knock of your
neighbourhood, including the streets behind your home as well as over the
road.
4. PHONE FERRET RESCUE, LOCAL VETS , PET SHOPS & SCHOOLS.
Ferret Rescue Co-ordinator :-
Dale PERDRIX 9375.2015
If Ferret Rescue are aware that your ferret is missing, your pet can
be returned to you more quickly when found.
Leave your name and phone number at vets & pet shops in case it
is some time before your pet is located.
Ask the schools if they will put a notice over their public address
system or in their newsletter.
5. DO A LETTER BOX DROP
It helps if you have access to a photocopier of course. If you
keep your message short, 4 leaflets can fit on an A4 sheet. Don't
forget to mention that this is a family pet which is missing and won't
bite (if this is true).
6. PLACE BEDDING, FOOD & WATER AT YOUR FRONT DOOR
Ferrets will often try to return home during the night and may wander
off again if confronted by a securely locked door. Familiar bedding
and food may encourage it to stay put.
7. ADVERTISE IN THE NEWSPAPER AND LOCAL PAPER
Some papers have a free Lost & Found section, so take advantage
of this service
Remain vigilant and keep checking places where a ferret could be trapped, eg garden sheds and behind fences. Ferrets have been found alive and well up to 10 days after being lost, so don't give up hope.
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