Washington Metropolitan Area Ferret Outreach

Founded in 2010, WMAFO is a foster-based rescue and network of ferret enthusiasts in the Washington, DC metro area.  In late 2010, a ferret shelter in the DC area closed its doors permanently, while another announced they were no longer taking in surrenders. Some volunteers from those two rescues came together to found Washington Metropolitan Area Ferret Outreach to fill the gap in no-kill ferret shelters in the mid-Atlantic area.

The goals of WMAFO are simple: prevent ferrets from being unnecessarily euthanized in county animal shelters and provide support and education to keep ferrets in their current homes.  The organization has two branches related to those goals, one that takes in ferrets from county shelters and private individuals as foster homes are available and places them in new, forever homes, and an educational branch, which holds outreach events at petstores, local animal expos and other venues and provides guidance and support for ferret owners.  The organization also provides a support network for DC area ferret owners including pet-sitting, information sharing and advice, a newsletter, social events and a sense of community.

To become a member, please visit our Membership page, fill out the application and pay your $15 annual dues.  Or, adopt a ferret from our organization or become a foster home or sponsor and you recieve a year's membership as part of your adoption fee, donation or foster status.  We are always looking for volunteers to help with a variety of projects, please sign up today!

The organization is a non-profit corporation registered in the state of Virginia and is a 501(c)3 charity.  The 2011 Board of Directors consists of Stephanie Richmond, Lisa Ostereich and Bonnie Russell.