How do I convince my parents to let me get a ferret?

How do I convince my parents to let me get a ferret?

• I want a ferret really badly but my mom says I can't get one because it stinks and we have too many pets in the house (I have 2 hamsters and a dog). So I really don't have that many pets but my mom thinks I do. So how do I convince her that getting a ferret won't be that bad. I know how to keep the smell down, I have done so much research, and I said I'm paying for EVERYTHING! HOW DO I CONVINCE MY PARENTS TO LET ME GET A FERRET! Please help me!

• Answer:

  First, does your state legally allow ferrets as a pet? Some, like California, don't. Second, you do have a good number of pets. Sometimes dogs and ferrets do not get along well at all. Ferrets are not animals you can keep locked up in a cage all the time, so it would have to get along with everybody. Can your other pets handle a new addition to the family? Will you neglect your other pets by getting a ferret? Third, if you approach your parents like an adult (don't whine or get upset at their answers) sit them down and calmly explain to them the facts: that you did your research, you're aware of the pro's and con's, you're capable of properly caring for it entirely on your own (not just buying the pet and loving it, can you pay for its food and supplies on your own from that point on? If not, its on your parents right?) Be ready for them to question how serious you are and how reliable of a pet owner you are. If you currently treat your pets poorly, that would factor in their decisions too. You might be able to wear them down in a time, but fact is they may not change their mind. And if so, just get a ferret when you move out and live on your own.