Our Shelter's History

 Ferret Rescue and Halfway House has been in existance for several years,  and in 2002 we incorporated Ferret Rescue. The shelter rescues from a  variety of situations, including owners who no longer want or can care  for their ferrets, Humane Societies and Animal Controls, strays that  people turn into the shelter, and those who have been abandoned. On  average 250 and 400 ferrets come through the shelter on an annual basis.  We are always looking for people who are conscientious and dedicated to  providing a ferret a forever home. All ferrets are cared for by a  veterinarian, are up to date on their rabies and distemper shots, have  roomy clean cages with plenty of comfy bedding and toys during their  stay at the shelter. Ferret Rescue is a "not for profit" organization,  and all revenues, donations, etc. go into the care of the ferrets. The  shelter also provides education to the public in various ways, all in an  effort to get more information to the public on the care and treatent  of ferrets. 

 The shelter is not large, but we can handle up to 100 if needed. We have  a large assortment of bedding available and stock a variety of used  cages. The sales of these items and others, provides some support for  the shelter. The majority of the funding comes from donations of money  and supplies. We also have several voulenteers, though more are always  welcome, who help with the running of the shelter. 

 Any and all ferrets are taken in; we make no judgements on health, age  or condition. If health is a problem, they are taken to a vet  immediately and the vet will handle the problem. All efforts are made to  save the ferret. Euthinasia is not an option until all other options  are exhausted. Only two ferrets have ever been euthinized in the last 8  years. 

 Mason and W.M. Lowrey got into the ferret 'buisness' 36 years ago, in  1977, knowing absolutely nothing about ferrets, save for the fact that  they are truly adorable. With a stubborn determination to learn, biting  ferrets notwithstanding, their first ferret was quite an education. They  were fortunate to be in the Chicago area, and so was Dr. Susan Brown.  Without her help and guidance with Cuda, their first ferret, they may  not have persevered. A friend, Gary Holowicki, was also quite  instrumental in helping Cuda get over his biting problem. A move to  Bucks County, Pennsylvania in 1981 added to their efforts as their  ferret population increased. When they became overloaded with ferrets,  they found people willng and able to adopt them. 

 When they moved to Indiana in 1990, they found a real need for a shelter  and had room to get much more involved. Their efforts increase every  year and are able to place between 87% and 92% of all incoming ferrets.  Those ferrets who are not adopted out for whatever reason, stay at the  Halfway House, or with any of five foster homes in the surrounding  areas.