Less likely to lose them using ferret locators but i suppose it does happen, always a risk. Guys on here have lost ferrets because they ran into something else other than rabbits. Me personally iv never lost a ferret while ferreting. Nothing wrong with them being pets either it doesnt ruin them .i have 4 absolute pets which dont bite people but all do their job when it comes time. mine also come when called, i just make a squeak or a clicking noise and they come running, doesnt work when their hunting they only come when their done in the burrows.