The cost of ferrets varies depending on whether you buy from a breeder, adopt from a rescue, or purchase at a pet store, as well as the ferret's color and lineage.
- Buying from a breeder typically costs between $100 and $400, with some rare colors like cinnamon costing up to $400, and more common colors like albino or sable around $100-$200
- Adopting from a rescue usually costs less, around $50 to $300
- Pet stores like Petco sell ferrets for about $150 to $400 on average, depending on location and ferret type
- In the UK, ferrets can be much cheaper, sometimes £20-£50 per ferret when adopting, or £50-100 from private breeders
Additional initial costs include supplies such as cages ($50-$200), litter boxes, food bowls, bedding, and initial veterinary care, which can bring the total startup cost to roughly $250-$800
. Ongoing expenses for food, litter, toys, and vet visits typically range from $300 to $600 per year, with potential for higher costs due to emergencies or surgeries
. In summary, the initial price of a ferret generally ranges from about $50 to $500 depending on source and type, with significant additional costs for care and supplies over the ferret’s lifetime.