Hello everyone,

I really would like to have a ferret as my pet, and I live in Geneva, but it is difficult to find some place or somebody offer the ferret, dose anyone have any idea or any good offer? Thank you!

None of my business, but your post intrigued me. It was three in the morning in Geneva and you either woke up or lay awake wondering where to buy a ferret. Surreal - I love it!

Bit far away I feel but next to Basel in Weil am Rhein, Germany there is a shopping place called the Rhine centre. Inside is a pet shop called kholizoo, also just over the border in France here there is a 'Nilufar' pet shop.

Both have ferrets.

Hope this helps?

Steve

I think you might be talking about TWO ferrets. I think they are included in group of animals that must be purchased in pairs if you are buying from a breeder/store. You might want to check this out before deciding on a purchase.

Here are a couple for sale from individuals:

http://www.anibis.ch/n/4958351

http://www.anibis.ch/n/5568721

How funny. I had this idea last week sometime, although I haven't broached it with Mrs. RandomPerson yet. From what I read, yes, they definitely prefer to live in small groups. Good luck with ferret-proofing your flat (which, from what I read, seems to be an ongoing process rather than something you do once, as they tend to find weaknesses in your defences and destroy the place )

... also because we are living in Switzerland, check if you are in fact allowed to have them in your apartment, presuming you have an apartment. Also, because of possible damage they might cause it will cost you dearly to get everything repaired if you ever move out of the place... just a word of friendly warning.

Poking around Tier Im Recht website, I was quite surprised to see that keeping ferrets as pets, while certainly allowed, requires a permit. (TschV article 89) Who'd a thunk it?

http://www.tierimrecht.org/de/tiersc...ldtiere_II.php

(See: Privates Haltung von Wildtiere)

So... your first stop should be the GE cantonal veterinary office:
http://ge.ch/dares/service-consommat...aires-919.html

See here:
http://ge.ch/dares/service-consommat...-919-3168.html

And here, specifically 'Le furet comme animal de compagnie en Suisse' and 'le coin "Droit Suisse"':
http://www.aufuret.ch/

If you bring a ferret in from outside Switzerland, see the BVet for import conditions:
http://www.bvet.admin.ch/ein_ausfuhr...x.html?lang=fr


Not a ferret owner, so I'm only going by what I've read on the BVet, GE, and Tier Im Recht websites as to what is required - but there are several ferret owners on EF who can probably help you with first-hand experience.


ETA:

Another site with good information of the requirements for keeping and housing ferrets, only in German though:

http://www.frettchen-schweiz.ch/content.php?CID=26


All the best with your future ferrety-friend.

I am a ferret owner. Brought my little guy over from the US just a few weeks ago. So, I can not help you as far as where to get one in Switzerland. Something else to consider, though I have only lived here since the start of the new year, I am having a BITCH of a time finding food, supplies, etc. I was finally directed to places I can order online but in different countries. All the luxuries I was used to having in the US are no longer here. I prefer walking into a store and buying what I need, but it looks like it will be online shopping from here on out. I'm terrified about being able to find a vet knowledgeable in ferret medicine.

Did you try a ferret shop?

I would, however, avoid a chutney ferret.

don't get a ferret. only weirdos have ferrets.

As a long time ferret owner, I think I can help you there.

As Meloncollie mentioned, you're supposed to ask for an authorisation to the cantonal vet in CH to own a ferret. The minimum dimention of the cage is 1m3 for one animal, 1.5m3 for two, which is quite big. A ferret-proof room is usually NOT considered adequate to keep a ferret (go figure).

You can't get a ferret in a pet shop in Switzerland. The easiest is to look on the internet for people who have baby to sell. I've owned 4 ferrets so far: 2 came from France, one from Yverdon, and one was rescued from a shelter.

This website http://www.aufuret.ch/ is extremely complete and includes a forum and announces for ferret to buy/adopt. Danielle Frei is also the vet of Au Furet: she's specialised in ferrets, and she's always provided excellent care to mine.

As mentionned before, ferrets are wonderful animals: cuddly, playful, curious about everything. But they are also full of energy and terribly mischievous: a young ferret is hard work, and you must be sure you can cope with it!

Their smell can also bother some people. I personally find it smells like warm honey, and I do like it. I find sniffing my ferret at the end of a long day very relaxing But some friends think my place stink, this musky smell can bother sensitive noses!

Concerning the food, Au furet sells Fernando. Vitacraft can also be found in most pet shops (qualipet, cats & dogs, etc.). But here it's quite common to give good-quality kitten dry food to ferrets. Ususally Iam's is very appreciated by ferrets.

Yes I was searching for the info until almost 4a.m., simply cuz I want it so bad!

Thank you very much for your info, I was so excited to check the web, it is such a pity that it is far but it might help me anyway

Thanks a lot

Wow I appreciate so much for ur reply, I sent email or sms several owners of baby ferrets but no one replied me back
There is no email address on the aufuret.ch, maybe i should just call them and ask the possibilities. Switzerland is really... sometimes difficult to buy anything

thank you very much!

Hello Steve,

Do you know which bus or tram from main sbb can arrive at Nilufar or Rhine centre? Maybe I ll go to take a look on Friday