Because of the predicament new Zealanders face with ferret ownership. I would like to discuss the options available out there should your ferret become sick. Is taking your ferret to a vet to risky? Would the vet be prepared to help your ferret?
Is there some sort of confidentiality between the vet and yourself?
These questions would be in the back of the minds of many ferret owners and maybe some of our members can shed some light on these questions as no doubt some of them have been in a situation where there ferret needs attention.
I just had some in getting deknackered, the vets down here are fine with them.
How far south are you wirehunt?
Has anyone had any problems with taking there ferret to a vet?? I would imagine sitting in the waiting room you would have to have the carrier covered haha
My vet is bound by "patient/doctor" confidentiality - this is current law affecting both humans and animals.
It was confirmed by my vet that it would take a court order to reveal a "specific" patient but NEVER all patients. It was also revealed that the "owner" would have to be contacted by them (the vet) if such an incident were to take place giving more than sufficient time to "make a plan".
If in doubt, be blunt and directly ask your vet what confidentiality policies they have in place.
With my vet, the same day I asked the question, he promptly held a meeting with all his staff and reminded them over policies of confidentiality.
If your vet cannot provide confirmation or commitment over these policies then I suggest you find another vet immediately and one that adheres to the strict medical rules/regulations that apply to both veterinary and [human] medical laws.
Yes, I tend to "conceal" my ferret when at a vet - not so much for their protection but for awkward conversations with people in the waiting room.
Last time I was there a few weeks ago a lady sat down next to me - she asked what was wrong with my "cat".
Feeling pissed off with society I showed her - she was startled!
She immediately said "Oh, I know nothing about ferrets and all I know is that they stink"!
And there I was, sitting in the waiting room trying hard not to vomit over the mixed stench of cats and dogs - I felt REALLY angry and was wondering how I was going to compose myself and not say something REALLY nasty to her about her BLEEPing cat and that I was really upset because I was bring in my favourite little girl to be put down!
Luckily, a few seconds later I was saved by the vet who had a warm and caring smile on his face.
Hello. Yea that's a real shame about your ferret I'm sorry to hear it. I'm not sure if I would feel to confident walking into a vet and asking the receptionist if confidence is assured. I often feel nervous when i take the dog in and ask if I can pay the bill off haha. Maybe I should ring one just out of curiosity and see what they say.