It is not hard to buy a ferret.  Go down to the local pet store, give them $75 - $125, take your buddy home, and voila, finito, it's done.  No fuss or muss.

If it were that simple than everyone would have a ferret right?  No, not really, but from my personal experience it is just as important on preparing to buy a ferret with learning and being able to provide proper care, as it is to learn where to buy your new ferret.

Here are the places to consider:

  • Large Chain Pet Store: The Good: Probably the cheapest you will find a ferret, $75 - $100.  The Bad: The ferrets are bought from ferret farms where they are not properly cared for, and are raised for the sole purpose of breeding and making offspring.  This leads to less healthy ferrets that have contracted diseases, are more susceptible to illness, and often get cancer.  Buying here is a gamble, but expect the life expectancy of your ferretto be 1 - 3 years.  I would never dissuade you from buying at a major chain, as these ferrets need loving homes, but be prepared for heartbreak sooner than later.
  • Local Pet Store - The Good:  Price should still be decent but not quite as good as a large chain store: $100 - 150 usually. Warning:  Be careful as some local, mom and pop shops still buy from ferret farms, but are less likely than large chain pet stores.  Ask questions, find out the source where the pet owner got the ferret.  Many get them from private breeders, but usually not the finest pets of the highest pedigree.  Usually you can see the health of the ferret by looking at its fur, and shine in its eyes. The Bad:  Sometimes bought from ferret farms, and local owner may not be as upfront to relay the ferret's background if they think it will lose a sale.
  • Private Breeder - The Bad: Higher Price $150 - 300 and up.  The Good - Pedigree blood lines, high care, veterinarian cared for, and bunches of love.   Make sure they are raising the pets as a passion and not a career.  Usually you can tell within seconds by the atmosphere the ferrets are living in.  For the best ferrets with the longest life spans this is the route to go.
  • Ferret Shelters - Most states(or your surrounded states) will have a ferret shelter.  The Good - $100, includes spay/neuter initial vet care and often an rfid chip.  Everything is good here, give a ferret a second chance and show them you care, and help them in their life.  The Bad - Health concerns, less social, and they may take time to warm up to  you.

So remember, it's not only preparing to buy your ferret, but also where you buy your ferret.