ABOUT US:

The Ferret Rescue & Education Society (FRES) is a non-profit, charitable organization that was started by a group of devoted ferret owners in the Calgary area who recognized the need for a locally based rescue dedicated to ferrets.  Our committed volunteers assist FRES in their goal to find permanent homes for all of the ferrets surrendered to us.  They also provide shelter, basic needs, veterinary care, and if necessary, rehabilitation for all abused, unwanted, and abandoned ferrets regardless of their health status.

With the rapid rise in the popularity of ferrets as pets, there is a great need for public education.  While ferrets make wonderful pets, it is important that those who select them, as well as those in contact with them, have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding ferrets care.  FRES places a high priority on educating potential and present ferret owners as to the special needs required by these increasingly popular, but often very misunderstood, pets.  FRES also offers ferret information and care workshops for pet store employees as well as information tables for ferret owners to provide them with tips on the best care for their fuzzy friends.  Additionally, active FRES volunteers are continually seeking out and sharing new information on the latest ferret facts and medical care.

All ferrets surrendered to FRES are fostered and cared for by members of our Society.  While our foster families generously provide these ferrets with love, FRES provides all necessary supplies and medical care.  No ferret is ever, or will ever, be turned away for any reason, and FRES will care for them until adoptive homes can be found through our three step adoption process.  To date, FRES volunteers have been very successful with the rehabilitation of sick, injured, untrained, and fearful ferrets.

FRES operates entirely by volunteer efforts and owes its success to frequent donations and an extensive fundraising program to cover our increasing expenses.  With the support from some very kind veterinarians in the Calgary area we can ensure that all surrendered ferrets receive any medical care they require.  Without their knowledge and assistance it would be extremely difficult to care for the ferrets to the extent that we do.

FRES has established excellent working relationships throughout the community whose ongoing partnership, assistance, and sponsorship has allowed our organization to continue working towards our mission of enriching the lives of ferrets in our community.

The Board of Directors have all volunteered for other animal rescue organizations in the past and bring a great deal of experience to the Society.  To date, they have collectively cared for over 200 ferrets, many of whom have since been adopted into loving, permanent homes.

Through education, collaboration, communication, rehabilitation, and rescue, the Ferret Rescue & Education Society is working diligently to increase public awareness and responsible ferret ownership.  

Statistics

May 2002 - September 2005

Become A Member - Click Here

Our membership continues to grow at a rapid rate, showing that ferret people enjoy the many benefits FRES offers its valued members.  These benefits include:

         Bi-monthly Newsletters

                   View a past issue of The Raisin Report

         Discounts

                   FRES has united with several Calgary and area businesses to provide its members with great discounts on everything from ferret litter to car washes!

         Lower Rates

             Members are entitled to lower admission rates at FRES ticketed functions and when purchasing FRES merchandise from our website or at events.

         A Voice

              Share your concerns, comments, and ideas through the voting process

              at FRES General Meetings and take advantage of the opportunity to

              improve   and encourage ferret knowledge within your ferret

              community and beyond.

         New Friends

              Exchange ideas, volunteer, and have fun with other ferret enthusiasts\

              just like you!

         Volunteer Opportunities

              Showcase your talents in areas such as education, graphic design,

              event planning, newsletter editing, writing, public relations, crafts,

              sewing, and much more.

The success of our organization depends on the dedication and hard work of our volunteers.  As such, a volunteer spotlight appears in every newsletter, and the names of our volunteers are entered into regular prize draws.  Read about our latest volunteers who deserve their name in the Spotlight!

Volunteer Spotlight

“Jessica, we need someone out of town to…” Whenever Jessica S. hears those words from a FRES volunteer she is ready to jump in and help, even though she lives over an hour outside of Calgary.  Jessica has been involved in numerous events, including helping to teach animal health technicians at Olds College about ferrets needs and their care.  Her volunteer efforts have also included pet store information tables and representing FRES at the Calgary Pet Expo.   Jessica is a regular at our events and can always be counted on to make others feel welcome and comfortable.  She has performed out of town adoptions and brought ferrets into town for their veterinary appointments.   Jessica currently cares for 6 foster ferrets, regularly ferret sits for others and has provided a caring and loving atmosphere for some of the FRES post-operative ferrets who just needed a little extra time and attention to recuperate.  From fuzzies everywhere, “We thank you!”

Annual Membership Fees

You do not have to own ferrets to become a member since ferret owners rarely own just one and are usually willing to share their cuddly friends.

Family                    $25.00

Single                     $15.00

Junior (16 & under) $10.00

Out of Area             $10.00

Corporate                $45.00

Introduction to our Board Members

Marcy K. - Executive Director

Marcy has owned ferrets for 13 years, and presently owns five ferrets. Over the years Marcy and her family have owned over twenty ferrets, most of whom being the ferrets that no one else wanted due to their special medical or behavioral needs. Marcy became involved with FRES because she saw a need for representation for these often-misunderstood animals. Her goals for the Society include finding permanent homes and providing medical care to all of the foster ferrets. She feels it is important to help educate ferret owners about the specific needs of these animals. She is currently enrolled to complete her Business Masters degree before she ventures into Medical School.

Mark B. - Vice President

Mark has owned ferrets for 3 years, and presently owns 7.  After attending the 2002 FRESky Ferret Fun Run, Mark became involved with FRES because he saw the education being shared with the public and how receptive they were to it, and wanted to be able to share his knowledge and expertise.  Mark’s goals for the Society include being the best provider of ferret care and rescue and education. Mark currently works as a banker.  In his spare time, Mark likes to spend time with his family and in the spring and summer Mark likes to golf. 

Lori W. - Treasurer

When Lori became involved with FRES as a foster home one year ago, she had no idea how it would change her life.  The compassion, commitment and drive of FRES compelled her to become involved in bettering the lives of ferrets in our community.  She currently shares her home with five cats, fish, three ferrets of her own (adopted from FRES) and five foster ferrets.  Lori has a Certified Management Accountant designation and is employed in the oil and gas industry.  Her interests include spending time with her family and fuzzies, as well as gardening, sewing and hiking.  Lori's goal is to educate people to understand the needs of ferrets and hopes that someday all ferrets will lead rewarding lives as members of loving homes.
 

James F. - Secretary
As James’ very first ferret was a rescue, he knows first hand the importance of an organization like FRES and all it has to offer.  Having owned ferrets for over 10 years, James and his other half currently own six including Akki, Cleo and Sphynx, all of whom were adopted through FRES.  In his spare time, James enjoys frequenting Starbucks, loves to go hiking, and takes all his fuzzies with him on his trips to the Okanagan.  His wish is that all ferrets could have rich, rewarding lives and believes in the importance of educating people on “the way of the ferret.”

Sheila G. - Education Director/Volunteer Coordinator
Sheila has been a member of FRES since its inception and first started loving ferrets when she found one in a back yard with no clue what to do. Things have come a long way and now, as Education Director, she would like to play a significant role in the education of others who are interested in ferrets. Sheila's family has grown to include four ferrets, as well as two cats. Sheila is currently pursuing her Masters degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Calgary and works part-time as a Research Assistant investigating ways to improve the psychological health of people with cancer. Sheila hopes that by educating the community about these unique little critters, we can help Calgary's ferrets find fantastic forever homes.

VACANT - Fundraising Director

Andrea C. - Member Relations Director
Andrea has owned ferrets for 2 years and presently owns five ferrets, including Jax who was adopted through FRES, and two cats.  Andrea joined FRES because she saw the need to help bring recognition to the FRES name among all ferret owners and lovers.  Andrea currently works full-time as a legal assistant at a medium-sized firm and brings that experience with her to fulfill her role as Member Relations Director.

Shelby K. - Public Relations Director/Veterinary Advisor
Dr. Shelby Kimura, a native Calgarian, returned to Calgary after completing vet school to practice as a companion animal and emergency veterinarian.  Shelby has been actively involved with ferret rescue since 2000 and has owned ferrets for 15 years.  She currently shares her home with three ferrets adopted from FRES, three cats and the occasional foster ferret(s).   

Russell R. - Rescue Operations Director (Adoptions/Follow-Up)

When Russell joined FRES one year ago, he had no idea how much FRES would change his life.  He quickly discovered how much he loved ferrets and wanted to do more to better their lives.  As Member Relations Director, Russell hopes to increase member involvement since members are a crucial part of FRES.  Russell works for a major airline fixing the electronics on airplanes.  Although Russell enjoys traveling to strange and exotic countries and playing in the great outdoors, he's always looking forward to being with his cats and ferrets.

Tammy G-S. - Rescue Operations Director (Foster/Surrender)
Tammy has owned ferrets for two years.  After her first ferret purchase from a pet store (Sadie), she quickly discovered that there was more to owning a ferret than she originally thought.  She contacted FRES for advice and assistance in raising the little fuzzy, and quickly became interested in the Society and everything it did.  She got more involved so that she could be a part of enriching the lives of the little animals that caught a hold of her heart.  She now owns four ferrets (three of which were adopted from FRES) and continues to help and enrich the lives of people and the ferrets who own them.

Society Bylaws

You can view the Society bylaws by clicking here or by downloading a printable version here.