About the Shelter ...

FERRET RESCUE & HALFWAY HOUSE, INC. ï Click here for road maps to the Shelter.
The shelter has been in existence for several years, and in 2002 we incorporated Ferret Rescue. The shelter rescues from a variety of situations, from owners who no longer want their ferrets to Humane Societies and Animal Controls to strays that people turn in to the shelter, to those who have been abandoned. 2002 saw over 200 ferrets come into the shelter, and we are always looking for people who are conscientious and dedicated to having a pet and caring for it for all of its life. All ferrets are cared for by a veterinarian - all have their shots (distemper and rabies) - and all have roomy, clean cages, with hammocks, carpeting, cuddle cups, toys, etc for the time that they are at Rescue. Ferret Rescue is a "not for profit" 501(c)(3) organization, and all revenues, donations, etc. go into the care of the ferrets. The shelter also provides education to the public, including visits to schools, nursing homes, dog walks, seminars - all in an effort to get more information to the public on the care and treatment of ferrets.

Background on owners and operators of Ferret Rescue
We (Mason & WM Lowrey) got into the ferret "business" about 26 years ago, in 1977... knowing absolutely nothing about ferrets except that they are truly adorable, but with stubborn determination to learn - biting ferrets notwithstanding - our first ferret was quite an education. We were fortunate to be in the Chicago area - so was Dr. Susan Brown. Without her help and guidance with "Cuda" our first ferret, we would probably not have persevered. A friend, Gary Holowicki, was also quite instrumental in helping "Cuda" get over his biting problem.

A move to Pennsylvania (Bucks County) in 1981 added to our efforts and our population increased. When we were "overloaded", we found people interested and willing to adopt ferrets.

When we moved to Indiana in 1990, we found a real need for a shelter and had room and time to get much more involved. Our efforts (in quantity) increase every year and we are able to place between 87% and 92% of all incoming ferrets. Those ferrets not adopted for whatever reason (looks, age, etc.) stay at the Halfway House (our home) or with any of three foster homes in our area that work closely with the shelter.

Any and all ferrets are taken in; we make no judgments about health, age or condition. If health is a problem, they are taken to our Veterinarian, Dr. Sue Whitman, immediately and she and her able staff handle the problem so that they are not in the shelter with other ferrets that might become involved with a problem they have. All efforts are made to save all the ferrets; euthanasia is not an option until all other efforts are exhausted and the ferret is in pain. Only two ferrets have been euthanized in the past seven years.

Our shelter is not large (we're working on changing that) but we can handle up to 35-40 if needed. We carry some retail products and stock three different size metal cages (S-M-L) that provide some support for the Shelter. The balance (a majority) of the funding is from donations of money, or ferret necessities (beds, food, etc). We have a few volunteers (too few, really) who help clean cages, floors, ferrets, etc., and we welcome all who want to lend a hand, if you understand ferrets.

It is virtually impossible to provide you with photos of the ferrets on hand, as our primary effort is to place them in good new homes as soon as possible. We have posted many photos of some who have come to visit with us. This site is for you.

We are located in Martinsville, Indiana, about 25 miles south and slightly west of Indianapolis. We welcome visitors, however is advisable to call first, as we may be out finding a ferret. If we can help with any questions you have on ferrets, we will be glad to help but we may also request that you call your vet - as there are many areas that you are best helped by someone with medical information.

If you want to adopt, be sure you know what's ahead of you. Ferrets are high maintenance pets and require a veterinarian with "ferret experience" - not always easy to find. You will need a ferret proof room-cage, with accessories, and five to eight years commitment on our part. We are dedicated to the betterment of ferrets lives and expect you as a new owner to be as well.