PetSmart has become popular in the U.S. as one of the leading stores that sell a variety of pets, such as dogs, cats, fish, birds, and other types of small animals, along with essential products for these pets.
But what if you’re interested in purchasing a more unconventional pet, such as a ferret? Can you find one at PetSmart? Read on to learn what I’ve discovered about whether PetSmart sells ferrets at its stores!
Does PetSmart Sell Ferrets?
Unfortunately, PetSmart no longer sells ferrets at any of its in-store adoption centers. Instead, it sells small animals, such as hamsters and guinea pigs, along with essential supplies for ferret owners. If the state allows it, ferrets can be adopted from animal shelter organizations, private breeders, and Petco.
If you want to learn more about where to find ferrets to adopt as pets, how much it costs to adopt a ferret, and much more, keep on reading!
Why Does PetSmart Not Sell Ferrets Anymore?
The primary reason that PetSmart no longer carries ferrets anymore is the lack of the required customer experience level.
Although ferrets are small and do not need as much space as a dog, they require a massive amount of daily interaction with their owners to become an ideal pet.
Additionally, ferrets are predatory animals, which makes their diet particularly important and difficult to manage.
Other than that, they give off a specific musk that, as pet store employees have found, distresses the other, smaller prey animals also in the store.
For these reasons, ferrets are no longer offered for adoption in any PetSmart location.
Where Can You Get A Pet Ferret?
Luckily, there are several options for places that will allow you to adopt a pet ferret.
While PetSmart does not offer pet ferrets for customers to take home, you can find ferrets up for adoption at the following places:
- Animal Rescue Organizations
- Ferret Shelters
- Petco
- Private Ferret Breeders
Note that customers interested in having ferrets for pets should contact their local animal shelters first, as the rescued ferrets are in greater need of a home and will generally be cheaper to adopt.
How Much Does A Pet Ferret Cost?
Pet ferrets cost more than their typical small pet counterparts, such as guinea pigs and even chinchillas, with the exact pricing depending on breed, gender, age, and size of the ferret.
Typically, Petco charges around $150 for a single ferret, $250 for a bonded pair, and $239.99 for single baby ferrets.
However, you can adopt or rescue a ferret from an animal shelter or organization for a minimal cost, likely around $70, and you will be giving it a new lease on life in the process.
Other than that, additional pet ferret expenses include specialty vet care, specific dietary needs, and proper home setups.
Does PetSmart Sell Pet Ferret Supplies?
PetSmart offers a wide variety of small mammal supplies, so ferret owners can still enjoy PetSmart’s great discounts on its pet goods.
You can visit PetSmart’s small pets aisle in-store or shop online to get deals on a variety of ferret-sized products, including:
- Cages and Carriers
- Food and Treats
- Grooming Essentials
- Habitats and Hides
- Harnesses and Travel Essentials
- Pet-Safe Cleaning Products
- Toys and Accessories
- Toys and Enrichment Activities
- Training Tools
Can You Keep Ferrets As Pets?
Ferrets can certainly be kept as pets since these small mammals make wonderful companions, especially if socialized and handled from a young age.
Much like pets such as hamsters and rats from the rodent family, ferrets are members of the weasel family and can be trained and played with very easily.
However, ferrets are not accepted as pets in every part of the world.
In the U.S., it is illegal to keep pet ferrets in certain states, including California and Hawaii, and even in some particular cities like Dallas (in Texas).
Since animal ban regulations tend to change fairly frequently, it’s a good idea to check your state’s individual guidelines for what animals are allowed to be kept as pets.
To find out more about PetSmart, you can also see our posts on whether or not PetSmart sells bunnies, if PetSmart sells hedgehogs, and if PetSmart sells dogs & puppies.
Conclusion: Does PetSmart Sell Ferrets?
PetSmart no longer offers ferrets in its pet adoption centers. However, ferrets are available through ferret shelters, animal rescue organizations, private breeders, or even Petco.
Ferrets can be quite expensive, ranging from $70 to $250, depending on different factors. PetSmart does sell plenty of small pet supplies at low cost so that ferret owners can take advantage of the stock variety and sales there.
