From Left to Right: Jack, Ramona, Samson, Gambit
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Our MissionWe value the quality of life of our animal friends and the potential impact that they can have on different individuals.
We believe that animals can be an excellent way for children to learn social skills such as respecting boundaries, reading body language, and practicing empathy. We believe that animals can demonstrate the importance of diversity and encourage children to accept differences among their peers. We believe that children learn best when they are encouraged to think for themselves. We help children investigate why animals are the way they are and how their features are adaptive to their environments. We believe that these experiences should be accessible to people of all backgrounds. We are happy to work with communities to bring these unique experiences to their neighborhoods. |
Alex with their first ferret, Diamonds
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Our HistoryAlex Byrne (founder of Ferrets and Friends, LLC) has always had a love for ferrets. Their first ferret was a sable girl who they named "Diamonds". Over the years, Alex has had over ten ferrets. Alex says that it was their intense curiosity and expressive enthusiasm for life that sparked a lifelong passion for ferrets.
One day, Alex was working at a day program for adults with developmental disabilities when they had an idea. After a visit from a pet therapy dog, Alex noticed that some participants were uncomfortable with the large and unfamiliar animal. Alex was inspired to bring their young ferrets, Gambit and Sophie, to work with them. The ferrets' small size and natural curiosity made them a favorite activity for many of the day program participants. When Alex moved to Maryland, they became involved with Pets on Wheels to help "lick loneliness" with their therapy ferret, Gambit. Alex also began performing animal shows with Painted You, a local children's entertainment company. Alex knew that they wanted to start their own business; one that focuses on not just teaching about animals, but also building social skills and sharing the joy of interacting with animals. In 2016, Alex started Ferrets and Friends, LLC. |
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Alex originally started working in animal entertainment as a side job while attending school. They were able to graduate with a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work before becoming licensed as a social worker.
Alex spent about a decade working in crisis services including suicide prevention, domestic violence, and working as part of a police-partnered mobile crisis unit. This work has helped Alex develop compassion and understanding for the full spectrum of human experiences. Now, Alex can be found working in a quiet office in the evenings providing outpatient therapy. You may find some familiar animal friends in Alex's office when they provide animal-assisted therapy sessions. Alex shares their home with all of the animal ambassadors. |
Alex with Jubilee the Harlequin Macaw
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Our Animal Friends
We currently have about 60 animal friends from over 40 species. We have millipedes, tarantulas, frogs, salamanders, tortoises, lizards, chameleons, snakes, parrots, ferrets, chinchillas and a hedgehog. We are proud to offer a larger diversity of animals than any other service in the area.
We have animals from most continents and types of environments that range in size, shape, and color. With such a variety, even the most timid child can find an animal friend that speaks to them. Sometimes literally if it's one of our parrots!
Most of our animals have been socialized from a young age to enjoy interacting with people. We sometimes accept rescue animals, but they might not be used in shows depending on their temperament.
We have animals from most continents and types of environments that range in size, shape, and color. With such a variety, even the most timid child can find an animal friend that speaks to them. Sometimes literally if it's one of our parrots!
Most of our animals have been socialized from a young age to enjoy interacting with people. We sometimes accept rescue animals, but they might not be used in shows depending on their temperament.
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Mammals:
Birds:
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Lizards:
Snakes:
Tortoises:
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Amphibians:
Invertebrates:
Domestic Cats:
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Our tortoises are great for outdoor events and large community events, but our amphibians are great for a smaller crowd. Check out the descriptions here!
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Our Invertebrate FriendsWe also have the following invertebrates available:
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