Each year in the US, millions of domestic mink are “harvested” for their fur on fur farms. These mink are kept in crowded, often less than sanitary conditions that most animal welfare advocates consider extremely inhumane. Some mink from fur farms are also brokered into the exotic pet trade, and sold to homes across the US as pets.

MMR intakes displaced domestic mink from both the fur trade, and the exotic pet trade. 

We assist with rescuing domestic mink that have self-escaped from farms and are found loose and straying. Domestic mink, although they are technically the same species as our native wild American mink (Neovison vision) do not belong in the wild. After 100-150 years of selective captive breeding, these mink are now physically and behaviourally altered from their wild counterparts. They are often larger, have a different coat texture & excess skin, come in many colors that do not naturally occur in the wild, and they may lack survival instinct and a natural fear of humans/predators. They are also highly prone to genetic health issues due to generations of inbreeding. It is vital that escaped domestic mink be safely captured, so that they do not spread damaging genetics or disease to our populations of native wild American mink.

We also assist with surrendered or displaced pet mink. Mink are extremely powerful and challenging animals to keep, and for owners that feel they can no longer provide the care that is necessary, we are here to help. Most mink found in the exotic pet trade still originated on fur farms, and were simply brokered or sent to exotic pet auctions.

Although we have extremely limited physical capacity, we can also offer remote assistance and network with other like-minded rescues, so that no mink in need is left behind.