You can take an unwanted hamster, In total, there are at least 20 species of hamsters. The average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. Returns via a Pets at Home store Simply take the order confirmation email you received when you placed the order and the product you wish to return to a store and tell the sales assistant you bought it online. Once the final decision is made to euthanize your hamster, it is time to say a proper goodbye. Hamster housing. Hamsters are also susceptible to other types of bacteria causing diarrhea and dehydration. Yes, your pet hamster can be euthanized, if your hamster is ill, injured, has organ failure or cancer, severe illness, or old. This involves care in how you market your hamster and which website you use. You should quarantine your fish from any store you buy from. The distance from the vets clinic to your home and other location-based factors may also determine how much it costs in the end. If youve ever walked around a PetSmart store you know they sell critters like snakes, iguanas, mice, rats, hamsters, and other cool creatures. At this stage, unsold hamsters are donated to shelters and charities, which is another reason why a pet store is unlikely to buy a mature hamster. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to return one of these animals you have 14 days from date of purchase to do so. Besides they sometimes can climb stairs and often can squeeze under doors! Litter train your pet hamster to keep everything neat. Depending on the height of the fall, the broken neck can be so severe that it ends up killing the hamster. If you have decided that you can no longer care for your hamster, there are a few options available: 1. The proper daily care of your hamster can improve its lifespan. one for the hose and the other to whip out air as the carbon dioxide enters the jar serving as the euthanasia chamber. It is wise not to try and introduce two hamsters into the same living space. Before dropping a hamster off, reach out to the animal shelter to check they have the space and capacity to care for it. Before relinquishing the hamster from your care, ask potential owners about their intentions. Return your hamster to PETCO. Hamsters eat vegetables like lettuce, carrots, and spinach. Unless you are buying obviously sick fish, Petco fish have just as much a chance of survival as any other store. Also, you may find it challenging to track down somebody willing to buy your hamster. The best course of action is to take the hamster to a veterinarian to determine the cause of the illness and to get proper treatment. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. An honest chat with your vet to understand the true state of the hamsters health can be a great start. Petco does not take dogsat least not from the public. If you cannot care for the hamster or find it a new home, your last resort should be euthanasia by a veterinarian. When you buy a Tucker Murphy Pet Cresa Outdoor Crate online from Wayfair, we make it as easy as possible for you to find out when your product will be delivered. Why Does My Hair Get Greasy After A Day? Pet hamsters should be kept in a clean cage with adequate space. You can feed your pet hamster combinations of rat blocks (rodent chow) and seed mix or hamster pellets. Hamsters are small, curious, cage-living pets that can thrive in a variety of home environments. Location can be a huge factor in determining how much professional hamster euthanasia costs. A more experienced vet will likely charge higher for putting down hamsters compared to novices because of the potential difference in skill level. Young hamsters will be easier to train and hand-tame than older hamsters, who may have had bad experiences or have never interacted with humans. Even if the animal shelter is full, it may be able to connect you with other rescuers in the area that can assist. This means you might be able to get a refund or a replacement pet from the shop if your pet gets ill or dies soon after you bought it. While a pet hamster was almost certainly born in captivity, it'll retain instincts that drive it. We are sorry to hear about your bird. Hamster cremation can be done on the same day or the next depending on the crematoriums schedule and how much youre willing to fork out. While thoroughly researched and meticulously checked, the content on Pet Educate does not constitute, nor should replace any pet medical advice. I'm here to share my knowledge and experience with you. Once all evidence points to euthanasia as the best method for the hamsters comfort, a quick decision has to be taken. You will then be given a refund for the purchase price of the hamster. -Bedding: $10-$15 We all adopt or purchase hamsters with the intention of caring and building a lifelong bond. What does a blinking blue light on a smoke detector mean? Choosing a hamster that is easy to tame is another factor to consider. C/O Pet Educate4736 Royal Ave PMB 109160Eugene, OR 97402United States. The shelter will likely already have more hamsters and small animals than theyll ever rehome. Most hamsters will also eat the immature seeds in the hay. In these instances, youll need to look into rehoming the hamster. I've looked after adorable hamsters for more than 10 years. Hamster ownership is a greater commitment than many people realize. You have four general options for your hamster if you go on vacation: take them with you, get a friend to regularly drop by your home and attend to your hamster while you are away, let a friend or family member take them and look after them at their home or hire a pet sitter to undertake the responsibilities. How Do You Humanely Euthanize A Pet Hamster At Home?? For non-health-related reasons, Petco may be able to take it back and assist you in finding a new home. A sick hamster can be returned to Petco for a 30-day guarantee on companion animals, which includes hamsters, and your local shop may accept the return. Pet boarding services for hamsters range from $15 - $19 per night, depending on your pet's location and requirements. eBay doesnt allow the sale of live animals. We try to figure it out, give them proper rest and treatment, but still, you find no chance of . Overdosing on Tylenol can kill hamsters but the process may be quite slow and painful. Generally a hamster is fully grown around 3 months of age. Hamsters are trainable. If past that 30 says your animal can be surrendered and depending on space will take in. You may struggle to find a pet store willing to take on a hamster, let alone buy it from you. As youve acknowledged, no animal should be forced to live with an owner that cant meet its basic care needs. But if youre prepared to take on the responsibility (and expense), then youre well on your way to becoming a great hamster owner! From my personal experience, Petco has been better than petsmart. You can also purchase hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables separately and mix them yourself. Greens are a good option to offer daily; parsley, kale, romaine, peas, and squash are all good options. Within 30 days of purchasing a hamster from Petco, you can return it for a full refund. Also, as per The Laboratory Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Hamster, and Other Rodents, Syrian hamsters are commonly used in lab experiments. However, find out whether this is legal in your state to avoid getting into trouble with the authorities. Its an upsetting thought, but some snake owners look to purchase hamsters as a food source. Within 30 days of the original purchase, the hamster can be returned for any reason, including illness, death, or unhappiness. It's also a good idea to provide hay in your hamster's environment to help with nesting and foraging. If a cage seems to have a few sick hamsters, it is probably best to avoid buying any hamster from that group since hamster diseases are very contagious.. Answer (1 of 4): Petco does not sell cats or dogs. Please bring your hamster to the store and speak with a team member about finding a new home. We have a 30-day guarantee on companion animals, please contact your local Petco about a return. But this doesnt mean that they can be bought, set up, left, and forgotten. Giving the hamster to a friend or family member. Merck Veterinary Manual. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If your hamster keeps climbing the walls of its cage and escaping, get a glass habitat that cant be easily ascended and keep the roof securely in place. What happens to hamsters that dont get sold? And the most important thing you can do is guarantee your hamster has plenty of food and water access and know when you will be able to return and care for your pet. Ready to get the latest from Bankovia? Mikey McDanielPetco Yes, you can return; however, we recommend calling ahead. This method is not recommended for anyone looking to put down pet rodents in a humane way. What happens if I buy a puppy and it dies? Some only take cats and dogs, while others have the facilities to take in hamsters and other small animals. To safely leave your hamster alone, you can do a few things: When you are home with your hamster, they may often enjoy fresh green treats, small bits of fruits and veggies, and even live mealworms. If you bought the hamster from a breeder or another source, returning it to them may be an option. If you are going to be leaving your hamster alone, make sure it has a functioning wheel and high-interest toys to explore while it waits for your return. Even then, it is essential to provide them with enough food and water while you are away. States such as California and Hawaii have laws against raising hamsters at home in the first place so putting them down must be illegal too. See also How To Introduce Formula To Breastfed Baby Although it's more common with winter whites than other hamster species, Syrians occasionally experience color changes. Litter training may help in making the cleaning process easier. If you no longer want the hamster, ask friends and family if they're interested in a new pet. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'hamsteranswers_com-leader-3','ezslot_13',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hamsteranswers_com-leader-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'hamsteranswers_com-leader-3','ezslot_14',165,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hamsteranswers_com-leader-3-0_1');.leader-3-multi-165{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Price your hamster higher than frozen mice to avoid this fate. Typically, the longer the level of experience, the higher the price charged but there may be exceptions. If your hamster is sick or injured, it is best to provide fresh food and water, then monitor with quiet visual checks. We created Pet Educate to ensure that any owner can get access to the information they need to take the best care of their pet. For instance, you can expect to pay substantially more for such services in Manhattan, NYC compared to a rural town in Arkansas. Ensure the hose stays in place and doesnt fall into the liquid to prevent the expanding gas from forcing the liquid through the hose. Times It Is Smart To Leave Your Hamster Alone, Your Hamster Has Been Showing Signs Of Feeling Unwell, How You Can Safely Leave Your Hamster Alone, Leave Your Hamster With A Full Bottle of Fresh Water, Leave Your Hamsters Current Bedding In The Cage, Double Check Your Hamsters Cage For Escape Routes, Maintain The Normal Temperature And Light Patterns Your Hamster Is Used To, Make Sure Your Hamster Has A Wheel And Plenty Of Toys For Entertainment, Consider Having A Friend Do A Visual-Check On Your Hamster, Why Is My Hamster Not Using Its Wheel [And How To Get Them To], How Much Exercise Does A Chihuahua Need? Things like sudden movements and loud noises can cause them distress. Checking your hamsters food and water at least every other day for freshness as well as signs of being eaten is ideal. Some stores will consider the return an adoption and an act of mercy. When you purchase a hamster from Petco, they will typically give you a 14 day return policy in which you can return the hamster for a full refund as long as you have your original receipt and the hamster is healthy and has not been abused in any way. If money is no object, at-home euthanasia services for hamsters can be an option too. This will allow you to gain your hamster's trust over time, and allow you to pet and hold your hamster while avoiding being bitten. This means that the hamster is both sexually mature, and also has reached, or is very close to, its full length. Hamsters are omnivorous, meaning that they eat both plants and animals. Prepare your home. What Should You Do If Your Hamster Has Babies. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and fur types. -Food: $5-$10 Hamsters and children. To return an item in store that was purchased at petsmart.com, simply bring the product in its original packaging plus the packing slip or the shipping confirmation email as proof of purchase to any PetSmart store. Hamsters generally eat grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruits like apples. Before leaving, clean out the corner of the cage where your hamster typically uses the bathroom and leave the rest of the bedding for a clean-out when you return. Even if your hamsters bottle is relatively full, it is best to dump and prepare a completely fresh bottle before leaving your hamster alone. She is trained as a Fear Free Certified Professional to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. Studies have shown that rodents put down through this method showed no signs of stress after post-humous blood tests for ACTH, corticosterone, and glucose. Keeping a hamster around may harm your respiratory system if youre allergic to animal dander. You may also have to consider that smaller hamster breeds have different cage needs than the larger Syrian varieties, since cage wire spacing can determine whether or not a hamster is able to escape. But if you offer a pelleted diet instead of a seed mixture and supplement it with a variety of other safe foods, you will be providing your hamster with everything it needs to thrive. Check all plastic parts for wear and tear, position toys in a way that makes it difficult for the hamster to reach the cage lid, and consider securing your lid with extra weight or clamps. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. If you return it dead within 30 days well give you a refund or exchange and dispose of it for you. Males tend to outlive females, but their lifespan remains short. Depending on your perspective, that could be considered a good or bad thing. Use a. We understand that sometimes life changes and you are no longer able to care for your pet. This doesnt mean they want to live in a waste dump, but that they enjoy knowing right where their food stash is and the familiar smell of a well-used sleeping den. Beitrags-Autor: Beitrag verffentlicht: 22. Now youre stuck with a fuzzy little creature that youre not sure what to do with. Due to an average lifespan of around two years and a low asking price at nationwide pet stores, the demand for rescue hamsters is limited, especially as they age. I've looked after adorable hamsters for more than 10 years. Also, personal circumstances can change, meaning you can no longer care for the hamster. If your hamster is older than 8 weeks, youll need to reduce your asking price from what a pet store would expect. Facebook bans the sale of animals between individuals but allows it for businesses. While it is understandable that you may feel a sick hamster is not what you paid for, returning the hamster to Petco may do more harm than good. Most pet stores have policies in place for returning small animals, and the staff will likely be able. If youre unsure of how to go about it or would rather not get your hands dirty, a vet can get it done quickly and painlessly for a fee. While doing so you can notice when they start acting differently. There are many hamster cage options available both online and at pet stores but some cages are definitely better than others. According toThe Laboratory Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Hamster, and Other Rodents, Syrian hamsters are commonly used in laboratory experiments. We recommend always calling on a vet to euthanize sick pets including hamsters. If a hamster stays at the store more than 6 months it would either be transferred to a new location or adopted out (free). Most often asked questions related to bitcoin. If they overgrow, take your hamster to the vet. You shouldnt put them together after they reach 10 weeks old. Hamsters that arent native to their surroundings destroy ecosystems and breed, threatening local plants and wildlife. If your friend or neighbor does not feel comfortable opening the cage or providing food and water, they can at least send you the reassurance that your hamster is still in his cage, alive, and generally doing well. Live Fish & Invertebrates refunds may only be given by contacting Customer Service and cannot be given at any Petco store location. How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? Because of the recent media attention on the problems caused by pet releases, many pet stores may be willing to take back unwanted pets, rather than risk having it set free. Return to a store (Its Free!). If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. A refund or exchange can then be obtained from Petco. However, if circumstances require you to be away for one or two days, with proper preparation, your hamster should be just fine. If you're selling a hamster, you'll likely be selling a habitat . Never feed your hamster uncooked beans, onions, candy, chocolate, or junk food. Avoid using bedding that could cause health problems when eaten. Hamster diet. It will only be possible to leave your hamster alone for a month if you have somebody come and check up on your hamster, replace their food, clean their cage and provide access to fresh water. Also, you may want to wrap up the corpse in several layers of plastic before dumping the body. If you gain interest in your hamster from a stranger, ask some questions to the potential buyer. Be patient and let your hamster walk onto your hand, maybe offering a treat to keep the experience as positive as possible. Hamster breeding is not something the casual hamster owner should do. It is best left to hamster breeders who are breeding for specific qualities and temperaments but accidents do happen. Returns via a Pets at Home store Simply take the order confirmation email you received when you placed the order and the product you wish to return to a store and tell the sales assistant you bought it online. The owner may then return the pet for a refund or another similar animal. This should reduce the whole familys grief and speed up closure when the pet rodent is finally gone. Hamsters are cute and children easily fall in love with them. People blame Petco for fish deaths because they cant accept the responsibility of killing an animal. Stores wont take on hamsters if they dont know their age and health condition. They don't recognize siblings from the same litter as their family, so brothers and sisters may, Hamsters only have short lifespans of around 2 to 2.5 years. Pets at Home will rehome unwanted hamsters. A short weekend away or a family event can mean that we need to leave our hamster alone. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. A hamster should not be left alone for more than 48 hours. The hamster could succumb to dehydration, starvation, or exposure to the elements. However, this comes down to individual stores and their policies. The first thing you should do is reach out to your local humane society or animal shelter. All pets sold through Petco are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Boarding houses that host small or 'pocket' animals also have specialized areas to be in a calm and safe environment. During this time, the foundation will cover the costs of food, housing, and veterinary treatments. A refund or exchange can then be obtained from Petco. Hamsters can be unfriendly if theyre not tamed properly. Create a tiny nest and cover the jar with a cloth or shredded paper to limit the hamsters movements during the final minutes. It could trigger significant pain for several hours before death occurs. For instance, some pet cemeteries charge up to $1,000 to get the little guy buried in style. They also need chew toys to keep their teeth neat and trim. Does Petco accept sick hamsters for return? Returning hamsters to Petco over the 30-day mark may be acceptable in some cases, but a refund is unlikely in this instance. You may have more luck with a local, independent pet store. Please return the hamster to your local store for a full refund if it dies within the first 30 days of its purchase. A hamster can generally be left between 1-2 days before they need checking up on. Read our, Choosing the Best Cage for Your Syrian Hamster, Determine Whether or Not a Hamster Is the Right Pet For You, The 5 Most Popular Hamster Species Kept as Pets, How to Care for a Pet Winter White Dwarf Hamster, How to Care for a Pet Robo (Roborovski) Hamster. Why Is Your Zucchini Plant Stem Splitting? He's a lifelong expat who has lived in the Philippines, Mexico, Thailand, and Colombia. However, you can return an unwanted hamster within 14 days of purchase with a valid receipt. Arrange a Pet Sitter You may also want to buy treats for your hamster to eat, while vitamin supplements will be . Avoid grabbing or forcing your hamster to come out, as this will only break the trust. Please do not mail any specimens back to Petco. Your hamster's diet should be made of 75 % fortified pellets, 20% veggies, greens, and fruits, and 5 % treats. [Hamster Always Burrowing]. Before you get one as a pet, there are some things you should know. You can take an unwanted hamster to an animal rescue shelter, which will find it a new home. However, pet stores must sell hamsters old enough to go to a new home., Due to an average lifespan of around two years and a low asking price at nationwide pet stores, the demand for rescue hamsters is limited, especially as they age. To find a retail store near you, use our Store Locator or call (888) 839-9638. To get a refund, you'll need to show evidence of purchase in the form of a valid ID and the original receipt. Facebook decides whether a profile belongs to a business or an individual. Trying to hold and play with an ill or injured hamster can create stress that slows down healing. Encounters between hamsters that don't know each other can result in violent fights. can you return a hamster to pets at home. Never give them human or another animals medicine as they are dangerous to hamsters. If your hamster has a history of cage breakouts, it is important to give your cage a thorough inspection before leaving your hamster alone. link to How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? Within 30 days we will refund you and put the pet back on the floor for full price if it is not sick or injured. [Normal vs. Abnormal]. To safely leave your hamster alone, you can do a few things: Leave your hamster only dry shelf-stable food. Socialization in hamsters. When your hamster has lost interest and does not have the strength to move, self-groom, or engage in healthy daily activities. That way, you can ensure the home has a suitable setup and good intentions. If you are away, then make arrangements to have your hamster checked on at least every 48 hours. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Also, if you adopt another pet, like a cat or dog, it might be unsafe for your hamster to exercise or live safely when youre not around. If you cant care for your hamster, find a friend or family member prepared to look after it first. This info does not constitute financial advice, always do your own research on top to ensure it's right for your specific circumstances and remember we focus on rates not service. Here are some peer-to-peer trading websites on the internet: Other social media apps, such as Twitter, may not identify discussions about selling pets between users. Hamsters can also send messages to others by emitting chemicals using scent glands. While hamsters only have short lifespans, they require a high level of care. As the acid reacts with the baking soda, a fizzing sound will likely be heard. Sign up for our newsletter. How to return an item purchased at PetSmart? There are two main species of hamsters kept as pets: Syrian (Golden) hamster and Siberian (Dwarf) hamsters. Tammy Slater is the founder of arew.org, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters alike.