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Ferret Vet Phone Script
Ferret Vet Phone Script
By Holly
Here’s a script for you to follow (you can click here for a Google Doc version to print/download) for the phone call to a potential new vet.
“Hello, I’m looking for a ferret vet, and was hoping to get some info about your ferret specialist.
I currently share my home with _______ wonderful ferrets, ______________, ranging from _____ to _____ years old.”
(# of ferrets) (genders)How much is an office visit and what methods of payment are accepted?
(Make sure you can afford the vet and that they take a payment option you can provide. Ask if they accept CareCredit or ScratchPay if you are in a pinch.)How many ferrets do you see weekly?
(Ideally, at least 1-2 ferrets a week.)How long has Dr. _______________been treating ferrets?
(This answer can help prepare you for how much your vet will rely on your knowledge and research. Write down the ferret vet’s name!!)Do you have the ferret vaccine for distemper on hand?
(This can only be bought in boxes in most places, so this would indicate that they see enough ferrets to merit purchasing the vaccine.)Do you have both of the implants for adrenal disease on hand?
(This indicates that the clinic sees a number of ferrets and is a good sign that they are current in ferret treatment options.)Do you draw blood from ferrets without anesthesia?
(This indicates how comfortable the vet is with ferrets. It’s unnecessarily risky to anesthetize a ferret just to draw blood.)How many vets on staff can treat ferrets?
(While it’s common for clinics to only have one ferret specialist, it’s good to know that you have a backup vet for when your vet is unavailable, particularly in emergencies.)What range of services is offered for ferrets? Can you perform x-rays, ultrasounds, and/or surgeries?
(If the vet cannot perform all of the possible services your ferret needs, see if they refer another facility or if you need to find a place on your own.)What are the most common ferret ailments your clinic treats?
(The answer to this question will give you a good idea of what the vet is used to treating and also how knowledgeable they are of common ferret diseases.)How are emergency calls handled?
(Does the clinic have an emergency number? Do they refer you to another clinic? This information is vital to have BEFORE your ferret has an emergency, so you can easily refer to it.)Do you offer multiple-pets discount?
(If you have multiple ferrets who need a check-up, implant, vaccination, or etc, it’s easier to bring them all at once.)Do you have an estimated cost for the implant procedure?
(More likely than not, you will need it at some point.)“That’s all the questions I have! I know I've ask a lot & I appreciate your time.”
24-Hour Emergency Vet
24-Hour Emergency Vet
By Holly
HAVE A 24-HR EMERGENCY VET phone number/address available! They don't have to be ferret-savvy (though it helps). The closer drive to you, the better!
How to find a 24 hr emergency vet?
If your regular clinic has no suggestions, here’s what you can do...
- Google "emergency vet near me"
- Check their website to see if they mention "after hours phone number" or "emergency after-hours visit"
- Call them and ask if they have 24 hr emergency services. Not that you need it now, but just so you have their info in the future.
- Ask if they will see a ferret in an emergency (some will turn you away)
When to go to 24 hr emergency vet?
AN EXAMPLE OF some symptoms that may require an emergency visit are:
- Constant vomiting
- Blockage
- Eating something toxic
- Seizures
- Stepped on/sat on/kicked/caught in something/fell off something tall/etc
- Severe drooling & zoning out
- Severe prolapse
- Not eating all day
- Many more... If you are freaking out, CALL. Better safe than sorry.
PIN YOUR 24 HOUR EMERGENCY VET'S PHONE NUMBER TO YOUR FRIDGE.
Save the website in your bookmarks! When something comes up and you are panicking, you might forget that this is an option. Keep the info somewhere you look all the time.
***Bonus points: Find a back-up 24 hour emergency vet, in case the first one is busy, the ferret-friendly vet is out and they deny you cause no one on staff is comfortable caring for an emergency-situation ferret, or other various reasons.
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