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Title: Holiday Traveling
Date: November 28, 2001
By: Mary R. Shefferman

Usually traveling around the holidays means finding someone to take care of your ferrets while you're away. But with so many people forgoing flying and, instead, taking to the open road, many holiday travelers will have the chance to bring their ferrets with them for the holidays. That is, as long as the people you're visiting will welcome the little furballs. Here's a little checklist of the things you'll need to bring with you: 

• Plenty of food. It's a good idea to bring more than you think you'll need. 
• Water. Unless you'll be able to give them filtered water, you'll want to bring the water they're used to. 
• Litter and litter box. You can't guarantee the place you're going will have the litter your ferrets like. 
• Toys. Make sure there's plenty to keep the little guys busy. 
• Vaccination papers. Make sure you have your ferrets' rabies vaccination papers. If you're crossing state lines, you'll need to have your vet sign them by hand (no rubber stamps!). 
• Medication. If any of your ferrets is on medication, make sure you bring enough to last the entire trip and then some-- just in case. 
• Familiar smells. Bring a blanket, hammock, or snooze sack that your ferrets have slept in. The smell will help them maintain a sense of security. 
• Cage. Make sure the cage you bring is the largest you can manage in your vehicle. We have several different sized "travel" cages for different length trips. 
• A dark hideout. Especially in an unfamiliar place with strange noises, smells, and people, your ferret will need a nice dark place to retreat to when he gets a little overwhelmed. 
• Gates. If you have removable gates, you can bring them with you to help create a small ferretproof-able area wherever you go. 
• Cleaning supplies. Assume your ferrets are going to "go" on the floor. Bring some of the cleaning supplies you usually use in your own home to clean up messes and eradicate odors (eg, Nature's Miracle). Bring paper towels. Some other things to think about before you leave: 
• Ferretproofing. Whether you're staying at a friend's or relative's or at a hotel, make sure you choose an area for your ferrets to play that is safe for them. You'll have to keep a close eye on the little furballs when they're out for play. If you don't think you'll be able to create a safe environment or if you think you won't be able to provide your ferrets with plenty of exercise time, maybe you should make other arrangements for them. 
• Veterinarian. Accidents happen at the worst times. Make sure you know the name and location of a veterinarian who sees ferrets in the town you'll be visiting. Your host or hostess might ask around for you. 
• Laws. Some areas do not allow ferrets. If it is illegal to have ferrets where you'll be visiting, think twice about bringing them. Most laws apply to possession of the ferret and don't care whether you live there or are just visiting. 
• Are they really welcome? Make sure your ferrets are welcome where you're going. If you're staying at a hotel, make sure it allows your pets. If a relative's or friend's, make sure they understand that your ferrets will be curious about everything in their home -- and they might dig at carpets or knock over things. If your ferret does cause a mess or damage at your host's or hostess' home, make sure you clean it up and offer to fix anything your pets have wrecked. Better still, keep a very close eye on your ferrets so they'll be invited back! 

Most ferrets travel fairly well. Of all our ferrets (a total of 11 over the years), only one -- Gabby -- gets restless while we're driving. Then again, she's a very high energy ferret. If you're driving particularly far, you might want to bring a harness and lead so you can walk your ferrets at a rest stop along the way. You'll also want to check on them from time to time to make sure they haven't spilled their food or that their water bottle hasn't leaked. Once you've gotten everything together -- have a good time!

Designer Pet Tote by Marshall Marshall’s Designer Pet Tote is the stylish way to carry your ferret. Made of a durable, suede-like fabric, it features a removable bottom for easy cleaning, 3 vents for extra airflow, 3 zippered access areas and a viewing window for pet and owner enjoyment. Dimensions: 11.5in L x 10in H x 10in W.

Marchioro Aran Pet Carrier Marchioro Aran Pet Carrier Dog Crate. Opens from top or side. Easy to carry design - ideal for small animals. Ideal for small dogs, cats, ferrets and more. The Aran series of carriers is ideal for traveling to the vet or across country with small animals. Easy to carry using the built in handle, over your shoulder with the handy strap (sold separately) or add the optional wheels to push or pull. Designed with durability in mind, constructed with hi-impact, durable polymers to withstand knocks and drops. Beige/Green color. 22 1/4"L x 14 1/2"W x 14 1/4"H.

You can order all the ferret supplies you need for your trip online!