If you’d love a small furry friend who’s playful, lovable and independent, a ferret may be the pet for you. But first, consider these facts.

Owning ferrets is illegal in some areas, so start by checking their status in your locale. If it’s allowed, next visit some ferrets to see if you can live with their distinctive odor.

These tiny weasels let loose by scampering, crawling into small spaces and stealing or chewing on just about everything. So a ferret-proof space is a must for out-of-cage playtime.

You’ll also need to budget for veterinary care. Ferrets need vaccinations and are prone to cancer for at least half of their average seven-year lifespan.

If you’ve done your homework and still want to bring a ferret into your family, there’s one more thing: consider adopting one of these lovable guys from a local shelter.