Pet budget 101: How much do ferrets cost?

Do your kids want a ferret? They’re popular pets (if they’re legal in your state). But lurking behind every kid’s pet request is a perfect opportunity to talk about the costs and responsibilities involved. It’s also the perfect time to teach kids how to create a pet budget to save up for their dream furry friend. Let’s take a closer look at the cost of owning a ferret to help you and your family make an informed decision.

Ferret costs: First day

Once you’ve confirmed ferrets are legal in your area, talk to your kids about what type of ferret they want and where they'll get it from. Pet stores are a popular option, but more and more, shelters and rescues have ferrets who need homes. The cost of buying a ferret from a pet store or breeder and the cost of adoption may be significantly different.

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• Breeder: The price of a baby ferret can range from $100 to $500 (or more) depending on where you purchase them and their breed. 

• Shelter: On average, ferret adoption fees hover between $150 to $200. 

• Pet fees: If you rent your home, make sure to confirm before you buy a ferret that pets are allowed and any associated pet fees or deposits.

Essential supplies necessary for bringing your ferret home

Your ferret will likely have a lifetime of cool toys, hammocks, and treats, but you don't need everything up front. To bring your ferret home, you'll need:

• Cage: A suitable cage for a ferret can cost anywhere from $50 to $200. Be sure to get one that is large enough for your ferret to move around comfortably.

• Litter box: Like cats, ferrets can be litter-trained, so you'll need a litter box and litter. These can range from $10 to $30 depending on the brand and size.

• Food and water bowls: Stainless steel or ceramic food and water bowls are best for ferrets and can cost $10 to $20 each.

• Bedding: Ferrets can sleep 15-20 hours a day! Many ferret experts favor hammocks as a must-have for ferret comfort. Ferret hammock prices usually range from $10 to $30.

• Food: A high-quality diet can help your ferret stay healthy. Ferret-specific food can range from roughly $15 to more than $40 per bag.

Ferret costs over time: A budgeting breakdown

Like with any pet, your early expenditures tend to be higher due to purchasing and setup. Initial ferret costs often include:

• Licensing fees: (Differ by state and county) Owning a ferret may require you to pay an annual licensing fee, so be sure to check your local laws.

• Checkup: A vet check-up is recommended within the first week of owning a ferret, which can cost at least $50 to $100.

• Vaccinations: Baby ferrets need their first year of vaccinations, but older ferrets may also require some shots or boosters. Vaccines typically cost around $20 each, so depending how many you need, plus vet costs, you could be looking at $50 to $100 in vaccines.

Monthly expenses

• Food: High-quality food for your ferret can cost around $15-$20 per month. 

• Litter: Litter for your ferret's litter box can cost around $10-$15 per month.

• Toys and treats: You'll want to spoil your ferret with toys and treats, right? Figure on a budget of around $20 per month. Even if you plan to only splurge once a year, this helps anticipate holidays or impulse purchases, too. 

Yearly expenses

• Vet visits: Annual check-ups for your ferret can cost $50 to $100 each visit. Factor in vaccines and other common elements of routine vet visits and you’re up to $175 to $350 a year in vet visits. 

• Bedding replacements: Over time, your ferret's bedding will need to be replaced, which can cost $30-$50 per year.

Unexpected expenses

• Illness or injury: Just like any pet, ferrets can get sick or injured and may require costly vet visits and treatments. And buyer beware: Ferret care is expensive! Surgery on a ferret can easily cost $1,000 or more.  

• Spaying/neutering: If your ferret is not already fixed when you adopt them, this procedure can cost $150-$300. If they’re not spayed or neutered, that can increase your regular vet bills as well. 

So, how much do ferrets cost?

The cost to buy and care for a ferret ranges widely depending on where you live, where you buy your ferret, and if they require any special procedures or treatments along the way. To give you a very ballpark figure, figure on anywhere from $250 up to $800 for purchase and startup fees alone. After that, you can bank on at least $300 to $600 per year to keep your ferret thriving. That figure can go lower or higher depending on where you live. 

So, whether you have your kids save up to buy a pet ferret or you plan on footing the bill, paying investing in a ferret - or any pet - can be a valuable lesson in financial responsibility.