It is also recommended that no ferret be left unattended with any individual incapable of removing himself or herself from the ferret. Ferrets should be vaccinated against rabies, canine distemper and other diseases for which a licensed vaccine exists for use in ferrets. The AVMA strongly opposes the keeping of wild carnivore species of animals as pets and believes that all commercial traffic of these animals for such purpose should be prohibited. The AVMA also strongly opposes keeping as pets those reptiles and amphibians that are considered inherently dangerous to humans and believes that all commercial traffic of these animals for such purposes should be prohibited. People acquire wild animals as pets because they like to possess unusual pets or regard them as status symbols.
Problems associated with wild animals include disease, diet, exercise, housing and traumatic injury.
Wild animals kept as pets are frequently subjected to various surgical procedures for the sole purpose of making the animal more sociably acceptable to its owner. Disposing of a wild animal can be a traumatic experience for both the animal and its owner. The AVMA strongly opposes keeping as pets any hybrids of wild canines crossbred with domestic animals. The AVMA believes that all commercial traffic of these animals for such purposes should be prohibited. Laws in their state or community that may prohibit canine hybrids or require a permit for their presence.