Canine Distemper Grant Programs
The Ferret Canine Distemper fund has two different grant programs:
Each ferret canine distemper fund works to combat this dreadful and fatal disease. One aids in prevention through vaccinations; while the other provides emergency funds to a stricken shelter in the event of an outbreak. |
Ferret Canine Distemper Emergency Fund
Background
The primary purpose of the Ferret Canine Distemper Fund is to provide emergency financial support to any ferret shelter or hospice in the world that is faced with a suspected or confirmed outbreak of canine distemper. Ferret shelters are the most vulnerable to an outbreak because of the transient nature and incomplete histories of the ferrets they rescue.
Case Study
The Ferret Association of Connecticut was stricken with the canine distemper virus in the summer of 2011. The outbreak exposed 39 ferrets. FACT and 1 adoptive family lost a total of 15 ferrets to the disease. 1 ferret that had symptoms recovered due to the near round the clock care of his adoptive mom.
The ferret with the first symptoms, unrecognized as CD at the time, arrived at the shelter on June 17th. A second ferret began to show the same suspicious symptoms on June 23rd. Upon the advice of our vets, we very quickly began administering booster vaccines for all ferrets in the shelter as well as all ferrets that had been exposed to shelter ferrets (i.e. ferrets that had been adopted out or fostered out during the time that the first ferret arrived). In addition, we were advised to immediately begin an experimental regimen of interferon and Vitamin A with the advice and counsel of consulting veterinarians. We were fortunate in that Washington Ferret Rescue (WFR) had some of the latter on hand remaining from a CD outbreak they experienced earlier in the year which they sent to us. Both are needed to begin treatment as soon as possible.
The total estimated cost of the outbreak, including treatment, hospitalizations, staff support, and humane euthanasia in fatal cases, was approximately $4,000 after all the discounts that we were able to negotiate or about $115 per ferret. FACT was fortunate to have an emergency fund on hand to order supplies immediately, however, most ferret shelters do not have a financial cushion anywhere near the size needed to deal with such a shelter catastrophe.
Consensus
A shelter needs to have immediate access to funds for self or veterinarian provided vaccinations of an approved CD vaccine. If an adequate supply is not immediately at hand it needs to be sent via Express Service to the shelter or their veterinarian’s office from a supplier.
Additionally, the shelter needs to have immediate access to funds for supportive medications such as the Vitamin A FACT needed as well as for the interferon or any other veterinarian recommended medication to begin treatments. Further, if the shelter operator works a full-time job, even with volunteer staff, sometimes help is needed or intensive care at a veterinary clinic is required to provide the round-the-clock care to minimize deaths.
If we consider that the average shelter houses between 10 to 20 ferrets, then a conservative estimate of an on-hand fund of $1,000 is not unreasonable to have to begin aggressive treatment in the event of an outbreak of canine distemper. Obviously, where an outbreak occurs is going to affect the cost as is the availability of vaccines, veterinary services and how many ferrets are in the shelter.
But how many shelters have that kind of money at their disposal? Few, if any. Even if the ferret community were able to begin to fund-raise immediately, it would most likely take anywhere from two to three weeks at a minimum to begin to see funds flow to that shelter and in the interim little lives are going to be lost.
The Result
The purpose of the Ferret Canine Distemper Fund is to have immediate funds available and accessible in the event of an emergency canine distemper event. The fund will be there to immediately pay the veterinarians and suppliers to obtain needed supplies and services in the event of a suspected/medically confirmed CD outbreak. The group behind the fund will then begin a concerted effort to raise more funds for the affected shelter if needed and to replenish the fund. In short, the fund will operate as an emergency "cushion" fund accessible to ferret shelters.
Accessing the Emergency Fund
Any shelter that suspects they have an outbreak of canine distemper should contact us immediately. We can be reached directly via email or on Facebook. That will trigger an emergency consultation with the fund administrators who are charged with approving a grant. As appropriate, we may consult with our ferret veterinarian advisors to help quantify the need and determine the best method/s of support. For a recent outbreak in the Chicago shelter, funds were released; supplies ordered and were delivered for booster CD vaccinations within 3 days of initial contact.
The primary purpose of the Ferret Canine Distemper Fund is to provide emergency financial support to any ferret shelter or hospice in the world that is faced with a suspected or confirmed outbreak of canine distemper. Ferret shelters are the most vulnerable to an outbreak because of the transient nature and incomplete histories of the ferrets they rescue.
Case Study
The Ferret Association of Connecticut was stricken with the canine distemper virus in the summer of 2011. The outbreak exposed 39 ferrets. FACT and 1 adoptive family lost a total of 15 ferrets to the disease. 1 ferret that had symptoms recovered due to the near round the clock care of his adoptive mom.
The ferret with the first symptoms, unrecognized as CD at the time, arrived at the shelter on June 17th. A second ferret began to show the same suspicious symptoms on June 23rd. Upon the advice of our vets, we very quickly began administering booster vaccines for all ferrets in the shelter as well as all ferrets that had been exposed to shelter ferrets (i.e. ferrets that had been adopted out or fostered out during the time that the first ferret arrived). In addition, we were advised to immediately begin an experimental regimen of interferon and Vitamin A with the advice and counsel of consulting veterinarians. We were fortunate in that Washington Ferret Rescue (WFR) had some of the latter on hand remaining from a CD outbreak they experienced earlier in the year which they sent to us. Both are needed to begin treatment as soon as possible.
The total estimated cost of the outbreak, including treatment, hospitalizations, staff support, and humane euthanasia in fatal cases, was approximately $4,000 after all the discounts that we were able to negotiate or about $115 per ferret. FACT was fortunate to have an emergency fund on hand to order supplies immediately, however, most ferret shelters do not have a financial cushion anywhere near the size needed to deal with such a shelter catastrophe.
Consensus
A shelter needs to have immediate access to funds for self or veterinarian provided vaccinations of an approved CD vaccine. If an adequate supply is not immediately at hand it needs to be sent via Express Service to the shelter or their veterinarian’s office from a supplier.
Additionally, the shelter needs to have immediate access to funds for supportive medications such as the Vitamin A FACT needed as well as for the interferon or any other veterinarian recommended medication to begin treatments. Further, if the shelter operator works a full-time job, even with volunteer staff, sometimes help is needed or intensive care at a veterinary clinic is required to provide the round-the-clock care to minimize deaths.
If we consider that the average shelter houses between 10 to 20 ferrets, then a conservative estimate of an on-hand fund of $1,000 is not unreasonable to have to begin aggressive treatment in the event of an outbreak of canine distemper. Obviously, where an outbreak occurs is going to affect the cost as is the availability of vaccines, veterinary services and how many ferrets are in the shelter.
But how many shelters have that kind of money at their disposal? Few, if any. Even if the ferret community were able to begin to fund-raise immediately, it would most likely take anywhere from two to three weeks at a minimum to begin to see funds flow to that shelter and in the interim little lives are going to be lost.
The Result
The purpose of the Ferret Canine Distemper Fund is to have immediate funds available and accessible in the event of an emergency canine distemper event. The fund will be there to immediately pay the veterinarians and suppliers to obtain needed supplies and services in the event of a suspected/medically confirmed CD outbreak. The group behind the fund will then begin a concerted effort to raise more funds for the affected shelter if needed and to replenish the fund. In short, the fund will operate as an emergency "cushion" fund accessible to ferret shelters.
Accessing the Emergency Fund
Any shelter that suspects they have an outbreak of canine distemper should contact us immediately. We can be reached directly via email or on Facebook. That will trigger an emergency consultation with the fund administrators who are charged with approving a grant. As appropriate, we may consult with our ferret veterinarian advisors to help quantify the need and determine the best method/s of support. For a recent outbreak in the Chicago shelter, funds were released; supplies ordered and were delivered for booster CD vaccinations within 3 days of initial contact.
It is extremely important that the shelter not delay in contacting the Fund! It can take up to two weeks to confirm that suspicious deaths are the result of canine distemper. Even if the shelter does not yet have confirmation, the fund can spring into action to get an initial supply of booster vaccinations delivered. That is the critical first step in dealing with any suspected outbreak.
Many vets have not seen canine distemper firsthand and may be reluctant to provide a tentative diagnosis. However, the symptoms are almost unmistakable once you are aware of them.
Shelters Helped - CD Emergency Outbreak Grants
2017 - Unwanted Fuzz - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia - approximately $2,300 (equivalent $2,925 AUD) grant for 60 booster shot; and PCR test (since confirmed CD outbreak at the Cheswick location as well as treatment funds for the ferrets located there. The grant also covered subsequent testing to verify the shelter was CD free and able to re-open.
2016 - Aussie Ferret Carer Shelter - provided $2.300 (equivalent $3,000AUD) grant for medical expenses for an outbreak of canine distemper in April at this private shelter in the Melbourne, Australia area. Funds were raised via a special fund-raiser on Facebook.
2013 - Greater Chicago Ferret Association - provided immediate emergency medical support. Initiated special fund-raisers to support an outbreak in the shelter in September. Total funds provided $2,883.
2012 - Wolverhampton Ferret Rescue (UK) - provided over $3,000 outstanding veterinary expense assistance following an outbreak of CD in November, 2011.
2017 - Unwanted Fuzz - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia - approximately $2,300 (equivalent $2,925 AUD) grant for 60 booster shot; and PCR test (since confirmed CD outbreak at the Cheswick location as well as treatment funds for the ferrets located there. The grant also covered subsequent testing to verify the shelter was CD free and able to re-open.
2016 - Aussie Ferret Carer Shelter - provided $2.300 (equivalent $3,000AUD) grant for medical expenses for an outbreak of canine distemper in April at this private shelter in the Melbourne, Australia area. Funds were raised via a special fund-raiser on Facebook.
2013 - Greater Chicago Ferret Association - provided immediate emergency medical support. Initiated special fund-raisers to support an outbreak in the shelter in September. Total funds provided $2,883.
2012 - Wolverhampton Ferret Rescue (UK) - provided over $3,000 outstanding veterinary expense assistance following an outbreak of CD in November, 2011.
Ferret Shelter Canine Distemper Vaccination Grants
ANNOUNCEMENT: As of September 1, 2018, the Ferret Canine Distemper Fund has indefinitely suspended providing Shelter Vaccination Grants due to lack of adequate ongoing funding. The Fund still maintains an adequate balance on hand in order to be able to react to any emergency CD shelter outbreak in accordance with our original mission. We regret this action, but without a steady source of support, have no other options.
In the event of an outbreak, the group founders are prepared to assist in providing emergency funds to battle a shelter outbreak and ading in supporting additional fund-raising efforts.
Background
The primary purpose of the fund is to provide emergency support in the event of an outbreak of canine distemper in a ferret shelter. However, we also want to be able to support shelters to obtain CD vaccinations to avoid an outbreak.
The primary target for Vaccination Grants are those shelters dependent upon a veterinarian to provide vaccinations to the ferrets in their shelter. These shelters are generally unable, for various reasons to obtain lower cost "self-vaccinations" of the canine distemper vaccine.
For ferrets with an unknown CD vaccination history, the current medical recommendation is to provide a series of 2 or 3 CD vaccinations approximately three weeks apart in order to ensure the ferret has developed appropriate protection against CD. For almost all shelters, this cost alone for even otherwise healthy ferrets can be a financial burden and often exceeds the adoption fee. The fund seeks to help mitigate the cost through the Ferret Shelter CD Vaccination Grant program.
Overview
Any Ferret Shelters Directory listed shelter will be eligible to apply for a grant from the CD Fund up to two times within each twelve month period. Listing in the directory is free to any shelter in the world.
Grant Award
The grant award will be equal to $5 USD (or equivalent) per ferret vaccinated. Shelters may apply every 6 months for a grant. A minimum of 5 ferrets must be vaccinated during that period. The minimum amount of each grant will be $25 USD. Currently, the maximum amount of each grant will be $250 USD (or equivalent). The rules are subject to change depending upon the status of funds available.
Eligibility
Any shelter, hospice, halfway house or rescue located in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom or the United States whose veterinarian certifies via email, fax or hard-copy a) the number of canine distemper vaccinations, lot numbers and product/s used the day of the clinic or over the grant period applied for on behalf of the shelter. (Statement can be on vet letterhead or a copy of the shelter’s vet record).We also ask, that the shelter or a member, if feasible, join the Xavier - A Ferret Abroad Facebook group to provide feedback to group members.
Methods
Requirements
Cost to the Shelter
None.
Number of Grants Available
The goal is to fund at least $500 in grants annually As the fund balance grows, the number of grants available may increase. Grants are available as long as the base $1,000 in CD emergency funds remains intact.
Grant Payment
Payment will be made immediately following receipt of the veterinarian’s certification. Payment will be made via PayPal, credit card or check directly to the shelter if they are a registered charity in their country. If the shelter is not a registered charity in their country, the payment will be made to the attending veterinarian to be credited to the account held in the shelter or shelter operator’s name.
How to Apply
Please contact us for details.
Note: The purpose of joining the Xavier Facebook group is to keep our primary membership and donor base informed of our activities; not, to discourage shelters that do not have a Facebook account from applying. Lack of a Facebook shelter account or the ability to host one of the plushies for a visit will not preclude eligibility for a grant.
In the event of an outbreak, the group founders are prepared to assist in providing emergency funds to battle a shelter outbreak and ading in supporting additional fund-raising efforts.
Background
The primary purpose of the fund is to provide emergency support in the event of an outbreak of canine distemper in a ferret shelter. However, we also want to be able to support shelters to obtain CD vaccinations to avoid an outbreak.
The primary target for Vaccination Grants are those shelters dependent upon a veterinarian to provide vaccinations to the ferrets in their shelter. These shelters are generally unable, for various reasons to obtain lower cost "self-vaccinations" of the canine distemper vaccine.
For ferrets with an unknown CD vaccination history, the current medical recommendation is to provide a series of 2 or 3 CD vaccinations approximately three weeks apart in order to ensure the ferret has developed appropriate protection against CD. For almost all shelters, this cost alone for even otherwise healthy ferrets can be a financial burden and often exceeds the adoption fee. The fund seeks to help mitigate the cost through the Ferret Shelter CD Vaccination Grant program.
Overview
Any Ferret Shelters Directory listed shelter will be eligible to apply for a grant from the CD Fund up to two times within each twelve month period. Listing in the directory is free to any shelter in the world.
Grant Award
The grant award will be equal to $5 USD (or equivalent) per ferret vaccinated. Shelters may apply every 6 months for a grant. A minimum of 5 ferrets must be vaccinated during that period. The minimum amount of each grant will be $25 USD. Currently, the maximum amount of each grant will be $250 USD (or equivalent). The rules are subject to change depending upon the status of funds available.
Eligibility
Any shelter, hospice, halfway house or rescue located in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom or the United States whose veterinarian certifies via email, fax or hard-copy a) the number of canine distemper vaccinations, lot numbers and product/s used the day of the clinic or over the grant period applied for on behalf of the shelter. (Statement can be on vet letterhead or a copy of the shelter’s vet record).We also ask, that the shelter or a member, if feasible, join the Xavier - A Ferret Abroad Facebook group to provide feedback to group members.
Methods
- The shelter can host an “open to the public” canine distemper vaccination clinic; and/or,
- The shelter can have shelter/rescue ferrets vaccinated at their veterinarian’s office, “on-site” or by their veterinarian “on-site” at the shelter.
Requirements
- We ask that the shelter join and participate in the Xavier - A Ferret Abroad group on Facebook if possible. This gives our donor members an opportunity to see and hear about the results of the grant provided through their donations.
- The shelter also needs to be a registered shelter - public or private - on the Ferret Shelters Directory.
- If holding a vaccination event, the shelter needs to pre-register with the Xavier group providing an anticipated vaccination goal for the clinic or projected number/s of ferrets. Because the fund is limited in size and we want to be certain that we will be able to meet the grant commitment beforehand.
- We ask the shelter provide or post images to the group* – for either the clinic or, at least once a year, for a photo at the shelter or vet’s office. We ask this only to provide an opportunity for our group members to see the results of their fund-raising efforts.
- The shelter should work with their vet to identify the appropriate available vaccine and dosage to be used for the clinic based on generally accepted veterinary practice in their country. The Xavier – A Ferret Abroad group assumes no responsibility or obligation in designating which vaccine/s are appropriate for ferrets. Our goal is to facilitate preventative care not practice veterinary medicine or suggest one vaccine is better than another.
Cost to the Shelter
None.
Number of Grants Available
The goal is to fund at least $500 in grants annually As the fund balance grows, the number of grants available may increase. Grants are available as long as the base $1,000 in CD emergency funds remains intact.
Grant Payment
Payment will be made immediately following receipt of the veterinarian’s certification. Payment will be made via PayPal, credit card or check directly to the shelter if they are a registered charity in their country. If the shelter is not a registered charity in their country, the payment will be made to the attending veterinarian to be credited to the account held in the shelter or shelter operator’s name.
How to Apply
Please contact us for details.
Note: The purpose of joining the Xavier Facebook group is to keep our primary membership and donor base informed of our activities; not, to discourage shelters that do not have a Facebook account from applying. Lack of a Facebook shelter account or the ability to host one of the plushies for a visit will not preclude eligibility for a grant.
Shelters Helped - Vaccination Grants
2018 - Five Points Ferret Refuge - Indianapolis, Indiana - provided $400 vaccination grant to cover canine distemper vaccinations for ferrets taken into the refuge through July, 2018.
2018 - BonTemps Ferret Rescue - Breaux Bridge, Louisiana - provided $240 in canine distemper vaccine and supplies.
2017 - Gem Ferret Care Group - Lancing, West Sussex, United Kingdom - provided $200 (£150 GBP) vaccination grant for their shelter ferrets.
2016 - Five Points Ferret Refuge - Indianapolis, Indiana - provided $400 vaccination grant to cover canine distemper vaccinations for ferrets taken into the refuge through July, 2016.
2016 - Greater Chicago Ferret Association - provided another $500 canine distemper vaccine grant for this calendar year in support of high summer shelter intakes.
2016 - Texas Ferret Lovers Rescue - Balch Spring, Texas - provided $200 vaccination grant for their shelter ferrets which covered 50 vials of CD vaccines.
2016 - Three Shires Ferret Rescue & Welfare (UK); Gem Ferret Care Group (UK); Ferret Love (AU) - $240 fundraising match grants for vaccines.
2015 - Texas Ferret Lovers Rescue - Balch Spring, Texas - provided $280 vaccination grant for their shelter ferrets which covered 75 vials of CD vaccine and supplies.
2015 - Ann's Ferret Shelter and Adoption, Inc. - Manchester, Ohio - provided $335 vaccination grant for their shelter ferrets which covered 100 vials of CD vaccine.
2015 - Five Points Ferret Refuge - Indianapolis, Indiana - provided $130 vaccination grant for a large ferret group of ferrets taken in under emergency circumstances.
2015 - Love Me Again Ferret Rescue - Fairfield, Ohio - provided $130 vaccination grant for a large ferret group of ferrets taken in under emergency circumstances.
2015 - Greater Chicago Ferret Association - provided $500 canine distemper vaccine grant for calendar year to help support a high number of intakes at the shelter during the late spring/early summer months. The grant was targeted at providing approximately 3 to 4 months of vaccines for the shelter.
2015 - Unwanted Fuzz - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia - provided $187 ($247 AUD) vaccination grant for another influx of ferrets that was placing a strain on shelter resources.
2015 - Ferret Association of Connecticut - Hartford, Connecticut - $55 vaccination grant for public clinc held at the shelter by their vet.
2014 - Fox Valley Ferret Shelter - Hortonville, Wisconsin - $250 vaccination grant for their shelter ferrets.
2014 - Three Shires Ferret Rescue & Welfare - Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Bedfordshire, England - $165 ( £100 GBP) vaccination grant for their shelter ferrets.
2014 - BonTemps Ferret Rescue - Ville Platte, Louisiana - provided $200 in canine distemper vaccine and supplies for a large group of ferrets they received from a hoarding situation.
2014 - Gem Ferret Care Group - Lancing, West Sussex, United Kingdom - provided $165 (£100 GBP) vaccination grant for their shelter ferrets.
2014 - Unwanted Fuzz - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia - provided $315 ($340 AUD) vaccination grant for a large group of ferrets they received.
2014 - Undisclosed Location US - provided $260 vaccination grant for ferrets to facilitate rehoming into new shelters due to an imminent shelter closing.
2013 - Richmond, Virgina area - provided $110 vaccination grant for ferrets to facilitate emergency transport from a private home into multiple shelters.
2013 - Lakeroad Ferret Farm Rescue/Shelter, Inc. - provided $50 vaccination grant at a public clinic held at the shelter by their vet.
2018 - Five Points Ferret Refuge - Indianapolis, Indiana - provided $400 vaccination grant to cover canine distemper vaccinations for ferrets taken into the refuge through July, 2018.
2018 - BonTemps Ferret Rescue - Breaux Bridge, Louisiana - provided $240 in canine distemper vaccine and supplies.
2017 - Gem Ferret Care Group - Lancing, West Sussex, United Kingdom - provided $200 (£150 GBP) vaccination grant for their shelter ferrets.
2016 - Five Points Ferret Refuge - Indianapolis, Indiana - provided $400 vaccination grant to cover canine distemper vaccinations for ferrets taken into the refuge through July, 2016.
2016 - Greater Chicago Ferret Association - provided another $500 canine distemper vaccine grant for this calendar year in support of high summer shelter intakes.
2016 - Texas Ferret Lovers Rescue - Balch Spring, Texas - provided $200 vaccination grant for their shelter ferrets which covered 50 vials of CD vaccines.
2016 - Three Shires Ferret Rescue & Welfare (UK); Gem Ferret Care Group (UK); Ferret Love (AU) - $240 fundraising match grants for vaccines.
2015 - Texas Ferret Lovers Rescue - Balch Spring, Texas - provided $280 vaccination grant for their shelter ferrets which covered 75 vials of CD vaccine and supplies.
2015 - Ann's Ferret Shelter and Adoption, Inc. - Manchester, Ohio - provided $335 vaccination grant for their shelter ferrets which covered 100 vials of CD vaccine.
2015 - Five Points Ferret Refuge - Indianapolis, Indiana - provided $130 vaccination grant for a large ferret group of ferrets taken in under emergency circumstances.
2015 - Love Me Again Ferret Rescue - Fairfield, Ohio - provided $130 vaccination grant for a large ferret group of ferrets taken in under emergency circumstances.
2015 - Greater Chicago Ferret Association - provided $500 canine distemper vaccine grant for calendar year to help support a high number of intakes at the shelter during the late spring/early summer months. The grant was targeted at providing approximately 3 to 4 months of vaccines for the shelter.
2015 - Unwanted Fuzz - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia - provided $187 ($247 AUD) vaccination grant for another influx of ferrets that was placing a strain on shelter resources.
2015 - Ferret Association of Connecticut - Hartford, Connecticut - $55 vaccination grant for public clinc held at the shelter by their vet.
2014 - Fox Valley Ferret Shelter - Hortonville, Wisconsin - $250 vaccination grant for their shelter ferrets.
2014 - Three Shires Ferret Rescue & Welfare - Northamptonshire, Leicestershire and Bedfordshire, England - $165 ( £100 GBP) vaccination grant for their shelter ferrets.
2014 - BonTemps Ferret Rescue - Ville Platte, Louisiana - provided $200 in canine distemper vaccine and supplies for a large group of ferrets they received from a hoarding situation.
2014 - Gem Ferret Care Group - Lancing, West Sussex, United Kingdom - provided $165 (£100 GBP) vaccination grant for their shelter ferrets.
2014 - Unwanted Fuzz - Ballarat, Victoria, Australia - provided $315 ($340 AUD) vaccination grant for a large group of ferrets they received.
2014 - Undisclosed Location US - provided $260 vaccination grant for ferrets to facilitate rehoming into new shelters due to an imminent shelter closing.
2013 - Richmond, Virgina area - provided $110 vaccination grant for ferrets to facilitate emergency transport from a private home into multiple shelters.
2013 - Lakeroad Ferret Farm Rescue/Shelter, Inc. - provided $50 vaccination grant at a public clinic held at the shelter by their vet.