You may have more luck with a local, independent pet store. 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. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. This can be a solid alternative if you want to use the dead rodents body for another purpose. Socialization in hamsters. PETCO does not currently accept returned hamsters, however, we are happy to help you find a new home for your pet. Theyre nationwide, so be clear about where youre located. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hamsteranswers_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_24',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hamsteranswers_com-narrow-sky-2-0');That doesnt mean its not worth enquiring about. We all adopt or purchase hamsters with the intention of caring and building a lifelong bond. To wrap things up, it really is best for your hamster to receive daily care and interaction. This can help you in your efforts to keep the cage clean. If youre determined to sell your hamster, youll need to prepare yourself, as you wont make much money. Manage Settings We will then look at how to safely leave your hamster for longer durations and provide tips that may be able to help you extend your time away. Cervical dislocation, a technique involving the dislocation of the spinal column from the brain or skull via the application of small pressure on the neck is another popular method. Hamsters come in small and large, Hamsters have a high drive to breed as soon as they reach sexual maturity. 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.. If you've ever walked around a PetSmart store you know they sell critters like snakes, iguanas, mice, rats, hamsters, and other cool creatures. Another reason not to leave your hamster alone for more than 48 hours is to help your hamster remain tame and friendly. Hamsters can be returned to Petco without being euthanized. Please consult a licensed veterinarian for any medical condition or query regarding the health of your pet. Some pet stores will take back recently sold hamsters if the owner has changed their mind and can no longer care for them. If youre selling a hamster, youll likely be selling a habitat, toys, leftover food, substrate, and various peripherals. As you can see, owning a hamster is not a cheap undertaking. Pet boarding services for hamsters range from $15 - $19 per night, depending on your pet's location and requirements. There are reports that hamsters returned within 30 days after purchase are kept in a rear room for surveillance purposes. Pets at Home will rehome unwanted hamsters. Ask friends and family members if they want to adopt your hamster. Some petcos will only do the refund/exchange for dead fish if you also bring in a seperate water sample and the sample tests come back normal. Adrienne Kruzer is a veterinary technician with more than 15 years of experience providing healthcare to domestic and exotic animals. As long as you follow the steps below, a successful outcome is likely. Do you want a standard procedure at the vets clinic or prefer home-based euthanasia by a vet on a comfy deathbed? We understand that sometimes life changes and you are no longer able to care for your pet. Instead, make sure you hold or interact directly with your hamster at least once every 48 hours. People blame Petco for fish deaths because they cant accept the responsibility of killing an animal. Or before they are going to need your help and support. Avoid grabbing or forcing your hamster to come out, as this will only break the trust. However, it is always a good idea to check local regulations to be sure youre not on the wrong side of the law. But how do you humanely euthanize a pet hamster at home when you have no access to a vet or cant afford one? Instead of getting rid of it, composting can help boost your backyard gardening efforts by serving as an organic fertilizer. Even in motherhood, females spend only a few weeks with her young. Find a new home for your hamster with a friend or family member. 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. The hamster must be in good health, and you may be charged a restocking fee. Some vets offer complementary services including burial or cremation. Not all businesses and charities can take on hamsters, so check that theyll accept your hamster and that the shelter operates a no-kill policy. Times where leaving your hamster alone in a quiet place is a good idea: Your new hamster needs quiet alone time to adjust to its new cage and routine. 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? At this point, you may be wondering, will pet stores take hamsters? Thats because they dont want to be responsible to a future owner if a hamster dies soon after it leaves the store or for any health conditions that occur once the hamster goes to its new home. Although it's more common with winter whites than other hamster species, Syrians occasionally experience color changes. Create a tiny nest and cover the jar with a cloth or shredded paper to limit the hamsters movements during the final minutes. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. A hamster is a small but active animal; because of its size and active nature, it can quickly become malnourished or dehydrated if they are not eating and drinking. Petsmart will either put the hamster back up for sale after a short quarantine period and vet visit if necessary or adopt them out if they were brought back for a behavioral or health reason. Sick or injured we will still refund you (within the 30 days) but it will go in the Wellness Room. To find a retail store near you, use our Store Locator or call (888) 839-9638. Your hamster's diet should be made of 75 % fortified pellets, 20% veggies, greens, and fruits, and 5 % treats. A pet store may accept the return of a hamster if you bring it home and quickly discover that you cant care for it. He's a lifelong expat who has lived in the Philippines, Mexico, Thailand, and Colombia. Never give them human or another animals medicine as they are dangerous to hamsters. Hamsters are cute and children easily fall in love with them. While the technique is criticised by many in the veterinary community, The University of Iowa and some vets consider cervical dislocation an ethical method for putting down small rodents such as hamsters. Dont use bedding that could wrap around their body or limbs to prevent accidents. 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. However, as long as your hamster is easy to handle, or your room is hamster-proofed, it is okay to let your hamsters free roam regardless of species. Alternatively, advertise in a local newspaper or place a card in a local shop window. link to Can Bearded Dragons Learn Their Name? Petting the hamster gently and whispering sweet words to him during your playtimes can be very comforting in his last days. But before you run to your nearest pet store to buy one, there are a few things you should know about how to care for a hamster. 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. Trying to hold and play with an ill or injured hamster can create stress that slows down healing. When your hamster is diagnosed with a terminal disease such as cancer and suffering from major discomfort from the symptoms. When your hamster does not have the strength to pee or poop like normal. eBay doesnt allow the sale of live animals. However, the vast majority of their diet should be made up of plants. 1 gallon size plastic zip lock bag or shoe box. Without doing any of these things can result in starvation, illness, or even death. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends the use of CO2 for safely putting down small rodents such as hamsters. 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. How do you humanely euthanize a pet hamster at home? The main costs of keeping a hamster include the initial one-off costs of buying the hamster itself and the necessary equipment, which comprises a cage , food dish , water bottle and toys, followed by the recurring costs of bedding , food and chew toys. However, this comes down to individual stores and their policies. Your hamster should not be left alone for more than 48 hours. This price is low because hamsters have short lives, usually around two years. Hamsters eat vegetables like lettuce, carrots, and spinach. If your hamster is sick you should only give them medication recommended to them by the vet. Hopefully, I can share my experiences with everyone. If you're selling a hamster, you'll likely be selling a habitat . Remember to clean the cage regularly. A hamster can learn to enjoy being gently held and interacted with, but if it is left unhandled for long periods of time, it may be more likely to bite the next time you want to play. Be sure your local zoning laws allow this type of burial. An independent pet store may agree to buy a hamster, although this applies only to pups (babies). Leave your hamsters current bedding in the cage until you return. The charges may cover stuff like private cremation, private viewing, and the cost of a fancy urn to carry the little guys ashes back home. Does Petco accept sick hamsters for return? As the acid reacts with the baking soda, a fizzing sound will likely be heard. Make sure your hamster's water bottle is full of fresh water. While many of us try to prolong the rodents life as much as possible, there comes a time when putting down the sick hamster seems to be the best way forward. But they are also delicate. Additional methods include cervical dislocation and even Tylenol overdose. C/O Pet Educate4736 Royal Ave PMB 109160Eugene, OR 97402United States. A stressed hamster is more likely to get ill. A hamsters teeth dont stop growing. Hamsters generally eat grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruits like apples. As long as the shelter youre taking your hamster to isnt full, animal rescue centers will take unwanted animals to find them the right home. This mineral buildup can block the showerhead's water flow, preventing it from Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? 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. Not all hope is lost if you lose your receipt. Respiratory infections for hamsters are very hard on their small airways and lungs. -Other supplies: $5-$10. The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. Ensure the hose stays in place and doesnt fall into the liquid to prevent the expanding gas from forcing the liquid through the hose. You will also need to bring along the purchase receipt, as well as any food or bedding that came with the hamster. If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return it to one of our retail store locations. Live Fish & Invertebrates refunds may only be given by contacting Customer Service and cannot be given at any Petco store location. If your hamster is sick or injured, it is best to provide fresh food and water, then monitor with quiet visual checks. 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. 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. However, finding a friend or family member willing to take on the responsibility isnt always possible. 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. David Krug Hamsters are typically low-maintenance pets but proper care is essential to keeping them happy and healthy. These conditions can be fatal to them. The hamster is now store property, but it has to be that way in order to treat him. What to do if Petco won't take your hamster Most items can be returned through any one of these options: 1. As popular as hamsters are, theyre not adopted as often as cats, dogs, or rabbits. Just giving an animal to someone you know is not a good idea unless you know that person already has those sorts of animals and how to care for them. You buy a hamster on a whim, thinking it will be a fun and low-maintenance 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. I really hope that you find this site useful! If they overgrow, take your hamster to the vet. Burial can be quickly done in your backyard by simply digging up a hole 1-2 feet downwards, tossing the dead body, and covering up with the dug soil. Petco will offer the hamster for adoption if it is returned after 30 days. Yes. Before dropping a hamster off, reach out to the animal shelter to check they have the space and capacity to care for it. For instance, some pet cemeteries charge up to $1,000 to get the little guy buried in style. Handling a hamster correctly is crucial to both your safety and the safety of your pet. Bedding also differs from outdoor terrain, preventing hamsters from burrowing for warmth and security. No matter how long youve kept a hamster, Petco will take it in under the Think Adoption First program, which accepts all unwanted pets in good health. If you leave your hamster without any water or food, it can survive up to 48 hours. A good way to think about it is that hamsters should eat a diet that is mostly hay, with a small amount of fresh vegetables and a very tiny amount of pellets, The best way to ensure that your hamster is getting a good mix of hay, fresh vegetables, and pellets is to purchase a commercially prepared hamster food mix. animal humane society: Hamster care., BLUE CROSS: Looking after a hamster., THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES: Is a hamster the right pet for you?. Petco and Petsmart are usually very good about this. Inside the hamster cage you'll need to provide soft and absorbent bedding, awater bottle, an exercise wheel, chew toys, a house, and food dish. It is best to keep the temperature between 68 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity between 30 and 70%. We try to figure it out, give them proper rest and treatment, but still, you find no chance of . If you no longer want the hamster, ask friends and family if they're interested in a new pet. Once hes in your hands, hold him close to your body so that he doesnt feel like hes going to fall. For a refund or exchange within 30 days of your purchase, you can bring your hamster back to Petco with identification and proof of purchase. While hamsters only have short lifespans, they require a high level of care. Vets offer the quickest and most pain-free ways to put down sick pets but be prepared to sign a form of consent and pay the necessary charges before the procedure starts. And with new content being added every day, there's always something new to discover. You can also purchase hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables separately and mix them yourself. Also, you may want to wrap up the corpse in several layers of plastic before dumping the body. They're small, adorable, and relatively easy to care for. In this case, the only alternative is to make the item available for adoption rather than resale. Even if you find a willing professional, the procedure can be quite expensive. Nandini Balial is a writer and fact checker specializing in a variety of lifestyle topics, including film/TV, literature, and feminism, with work appearing in Slate, Wired, Pacific Standard, and more prestigious outlets. For times when you know, you will be leaving your hamster alone, opt instead for dry shelf-stable food that will hold its nutritional value and not rot while sitting in your hamsters cage waiting for your return. It also helps in keeping them sharp. Choosing a hamster that is easy to tame is another factor to consider. The average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. We recommend always calling on a vet to euthanize sick pets including hamsters. Beitrags-Autor: Beitrag verffentlicht: 22. Once the final decision is made to euthanize your hamster, it is time to say a proper goodbye. We don't as a general policy investigate the solvency of companies mentioned (how likely they are to go bust), but there is a risk any company can struggle and it's rarely made public until it's too late (see the.