How much do ferrets cost?
How much do ferrets cost?
$200 – $950 average upfront cost (ferret + supplies)
$30 – $80 average cost per month
Average cost of ferrets
A pet ferret costs $200 to $950 on average, including the animal itself and necessities. Food, toys, and litter cost about $30 to $80 per month. Ferrets cost more from a breeder or store like Petco or PetSmart than from an animal shelter, but shelters don’t always have ferrets available to adopt.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Animal | $100 – $500 |
| Cage | $60 – $300 |
| Food | $15 – $40 |
| Toys | $5 – $50 |
| Bedding | $10 – $30 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Average total initial cost | $200 – $950 |
Ferrets are cuddly pets that are popular with kids. However, not all states allow the sale of ferrets, so be sure to check your state’s laws before committing to buying one.
Animal
The ferret itself will cost about $100 to $500, depending on where you get it:
Adopting at a shelter costs about $100 to $250.
Getting a kit (baby ferret) from a breeder costs $100 to $500.
Getting a ferret from a pet store like Petco or PetSmart costs $200 to $400.
Cage
Ferret cages can cost anywhere from $60 to $300, depending on the size and features. Be sure to get one that’s big enough for the ferret to move around in comfortably.
Food
Ferret-specific kibble costs $15 to $40 per bag. Like cats, ferrets are carnivores. You can feed your ferret fresh, unseasoned meat from prey animals like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish. Feeding your ferret high-quality food can help them stay healthy and have a better quality of life.
Toys
Toys for ferrets cost $5 to $50, depending on the type and how many you buy. Ferrets are intelligent and curious animals that need mental stimulation to prevent boredom or depression. They may even get bored of their favorite toys eventually, which means you’ll need to rotate their toys often.
Bedding
Ferrets sleep up to 15 to 20 hours per day, so it’s important to have at least one warm, clean, dark, comfortable place for them to sleep. Ferret experts recommend hammocks, which cost $10 to $30, but you can also use blankets or some kind of enclosure.
Many ferret owners also litter train their ferret like a cat. This costs $10 to $200 for the litter box and $10 to $25 per bag or box of litter.
Bowls
Food and water bowls cost $10 to $30, depending on the type and size. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are usually the best choice for ferrets.
Monthly ferret cost
Ferrets cost about $30 to $80 per month for food, litter, toys, and treats. Your overall costs will greatly depend on the quality of food and type of litter you buy, as well as the amount of extras you buy your furry friend.
| Factor | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Food | $15 – $40 |
| Litter | $10 – $25 |
| Toys / treats | $5 – $15 |
| Average total ongoing costs | $30 – $80 per month |
Ferret price factors
Several factors affect the cost of taking home a ferret:
Licensing: Some locations require ferret owners to pay an annual licensing fee of up to $30, so check your local laws or ask your state’s department of agriculture for advice. These fees vary depending on your state and county.
Color: Ferret breeders sometimes charge more for cinnamon, champagne, and chocolate-colored ferrets. White, black, and gray ferrets typically cost less because they’re more common.
Location: Ferrets usually cost less at shelters or pet stores than breeders, but animal shelters don’t usually have ferrets. Breeders are also the best way to find rare breeds or colors.
Descenting: Ferrets have a natural musky odor produced by glands. Many pet stores in the U.S. neuter ferrets and remove anal glands to help prevent smell. However, it’s not necessary with proper grooming and is considered inhumane in many parts of the world because it can cause incontinence if done incorrectly.
Vet visits: A vet visit costs $40 to $80 for routine checkups. You should take your ferret for a checkup within the first week. If your ferret hasn’t had any vaccinations, this will cost about $50 to $100.
Insurance: Pet insurance costs about $15 to $50 per month or $180 to $600 per year. You may need to weigh the cost and the benefits of having pet insurance for a small animal with a relatively short lifespan.
Spay / neuter: If your ferret isn’t already spayed or neutered, it will cost $150 to $300 to perform this surgery on average.
Alternatives
Are ferrets illegal in your area, or are you not sure if you want a ferret but know you want a small, furry pet? Hamsters, guinea pigs, or cats could be a good alternative:
Hamsters cost $100 to $250 up front and $15 to $30 per month afterward.
Cats cost $0 to $200 initially and $50 to $230 per month.
Guinea pigs cost $120 to $570 at first and $20 to $70 per month.
Ferret FAQs
How long do ferrets live?
Ferrets live for about 5 to 7 years on average, or up to 10 years with proper nutrition and activity. Ferrets fully mature between 8 months and 5 years and are considered seniors after that.
What do ferrets eat?
Ferrets are carnivores and eat meat-based kibble as well as cooked meat like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish. If you decide to feed your ferret fresh meat, make sure you remove any bones or skin on the meat, thoroughly cook it, and dice it.
Do not give your ferret foods that contain rice, vegetables, seeds, nuts, or fruit. You may also be tempted to use cat or dog kibble, but these are not formulated for ferrets and may cause pain and inflammation.
Are ferrets good pets?
Ferrets are playful, curious, and social pets that often form strong bonds with their owners. However, they may not be the best option for small children as they tend to bite when startled or improperly handled.
Are ferrets rodents?
No, ferrets aren’t rodents. They’re actually a part of the weasel family, or Mustelidae, which includes badgers and otters.
Are ferrets illegal in California?
Ferrets are illegal both in California and Hawaii. Most other places allow ferrets, but some cities and counties prohibit the sale of ferrets or require a license to own one.
Finding and choosing a pet ferret
Follow these steps to help you in your search for a pet ferret:
Look for stores, shelters, or breeders near you.
Read their reviews on Vety and Google where possible.
Make sure they have a business license and that any breeders have a USDA license.
Review the breeds or colors they have available.
Ask if they have any specials or bundles for food or equipment.
Questions to ask a pet store or breeder
Asking these questions can help you find a ferret from an ethical, reputable source:
How long have you been selling ferrets?
What is the overall cost of a ferret if I bought one today?
Which colors or types do you have?
Which cage and bedding type would you recommend?
Does the ferret need any vaccinations or a vet visit first?
How long do ferrets normally live?
What kind of food, toys, and treats would you recommend?
What type of hammock do ferrets like the most?
What should I do to help the ferret bond with me?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.