Ferrets are popular companion animals in many countries whose welfare needs — particularly for social interaction, space, and veterinary care — are often inadequately met.
Ferret welfare in the US is complicated by industry practices that have created endemic disease: early spay/neuter and photoperiod manipulation before sale predispose ferrets to adrenal disease and insulinoma that affect the majority of middle-aged ferrets. These are welfare problems built into the supply chain before the animal reaches its owner. Veterinary costs for ferret disease management are significant and unexpected for many owners.