A hamster needs a cage that is at least 18 inches by 12 inches, with a height of at least 12 inches. Try not to wake it up, and instead entice it to climb onto your hand on its own using a tasty treat. can you return a hamster to pets at home. This can be an indication of illness and you might have to call a vet. Also, you may want to wrap up the corpse in several layers of plastic before dumping the body. Instead, cover and leave it alone for half an hour or so. By There are also rescue groups for hamsters and other rodents, the Humane Society. For non-health-related reasons, Petco may be able to take it back and assist you in finding a new home. A deceased hamster that you didnt buy from Petco can be returned to the store and disposed of by a Petco employee. You should provide your hamster with enough material to gnaw on. Merck Veterinary Manual. Greens are a good option to offer daily; parsley, kale, romaine, peas, and squash are all good options. If you live near an independent pet store that prides itself on animal care, it may take the hamster from you to find a new, loving home. Make sure your hamsters water bottle is full of fresh water. How much room Petco has at any one moment determines whether or not it will accept an unwanted hamster back. Before you start down a potentially arduous process of looking to sell your hamster, consider donating it to a local animal shelter. Do hamsters get sick? You will also need to bring along the purchase receipt, as well as any food or bedding that came with the hamster. Please do not mail any specimens back to Petco. 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. 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. The answer is YES, hamsters can eat apples. Stores wont take on hamsters if they dont know their age and health condition. If you gain interest in your hamster from a stranger, ask some questions to the potential buyer. After 30 days, call your local store and ask if they have room to take the pet. If you need to return your hamster to Petco, you will need to bring them back to the store where you purchased them. Unfortunately, there are times when it is the right thing to do. The fish at Petsmart seem to be stocked better, but I have also seen much, much more deaths in the tanks at Petsmart than Petco. You buy a hamster on a whim, thinking it will be a fun and low-maintenance pet. What to do if Petco won't take your hamster Instead of getting rid of it, composting can help boost your backyard gardening efforts by serving as an organic fertilizer. Theyre small, cute, and relatively low-maintenance. David Krug is the CEO & President of Bankovia. I doubt if any of thrm will give you a refund unless you just bought the animal and discovered something wrong with it when you got it home. Generally a hamster is fully grown around 3 months of age. Hamsters are quite small in size and other home animals may see them as prey. Some pet stores include adoption centers for pets their owners can no longer care for. They need regular attention and care to truly thrive. The distance from the vets clinic to your home and other location-based factors may also determine how much it costs in the end. We often link to other websites, but we can't be responsible for their content. I really hope that you find this site useful! Overdosing on Tylenol can kill hamsters but the process may be quite slow and painful. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Few things are more admirable than the sight of a pet responding to its name when called. Whats the return policy for unleashed by Petco? This means that the hamster is both sexually mature, and also has reached, or is very close to, its full length. 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. 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. As with any pet, owning a hamster requires time, effort, and money. Vets often conduct euthanasia in the clinic after giving the owner some space and time to hang out with the sick hamster for the final time. Peteducate.com uses affiliate links; where we may earn from qualifying purchases (at no additional cost to you). Besides they sometimes can climb stairs and often can squeeze under doors! Theres no specific price to pay for professional hamster euthanasia services. If you no longer want the hamster, ask friends and family if they're interested in a new pet. Facebook bans the sale of animals between individuals but allows it for businesses. To get the hamster examined by a veterinarian after 30 days, Petco has the option of doing so. Im not sure if you will need to bring in your hamsters body, probably not, but maybe call to ask. If your hamster is older than 8 weeks, youll need to reduce your asking price from what a pet store would expect. While all pet stores have different policies, most national chain stores wont buy a hamster from you or take the hamster back for free. This leaves them vulnerable and highly stressed. A child may drop the hamster, squeeze it, or scare it. Without doing any of these things can result in starvation, illness, or even death. Your hamster also could need medical care or get itself into an unsafe situation in its cage and need your assistance. Pet boarding services for hamsters range from $15 - $19 per night, depending on your pet's location and requirements. Also, living situations can change, such as a no-pets policy on a rental property. If your hamster has a history of cage breakouts, it is important to give your cage a thorough inspection before leaving your hamster alone. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. The previous section covered ways to keep your hamster safe when you need to leave it alone. But then you realize that taking care of a hamster is actually a lot of work. Can I Take My Hamster Back to the Pet Shop? Arranging a private sale to a friend, family member, acquaintance, or stranger. Unless you are buying obviously sick fish, Petco fish have just as much a chance of survival as any other store. If past that 30 says your animal can be surrendered and depending on space will take in. If keeping your pet is no longer viable, you should consider rehoming the hamster. While healthy treats such as Chia seeds are usually recommended, you can throw caution to the wind by offering sweets like Plain Cheerios or Marshmallows. Beitrags-Autor: Beitrag verffentlicht: 22. Just because you cant care for a hamster anymore doesnt mean that you want it to come to any harm. No money, refund, or other compensation will be given if you bring the animal to one of the companys locations to find a new home. A hamsters neck may get broken from an accidental drop or fall from a considerable height. If his appetite is not completely lost, this can be a great time to offer some of his favorite treats. Easy, ask the pet store! Once the final decision is made to euthanize your hamster, it is time to say a proper goodbye. There are several ways to kill hamsters but the majority may cause significant degrees of pain before the rodent passes out. You may bring your hamster to a Petco store to be treated in the wellness room if it becomes unwell during the first 30 days of its purchase. If your hamster is older than 8 weeks, you'll need to reduce your asking price from what a pet store would expect. During the first 48 hours of having a new hamster at home, it is best to simply do regular visual checks on your hamster without disturbing them. Petco will also reimburse the price of a dead hamster that is returned to them. Hamsters fetch low prices in pet stores, and their value depreciates with age. Take all the necessary precautions to protect your hamster from other companion animals at home. -Food: $5-$10 If your hamster dies within 30 days of purchase, you can return it to Petco for a refund or exchange. You should quarantine your fish from any store you buy from. While hamsters only have short lifespans, they require a high level of care. Your sweetheart will be surprised by your gift! Consider allowing your kids and other family members to spend some time with the hamster too to ensure a proper goodbye from everyone. You may need to call around the local area to find a rescue center that accepts hamsters. Some only take cats and dogs, while others have the facilities to take in hamsters and other small animals. Arrange a Pet Sitter There are various options, including: See if someone you know and trust would be willing to take the hamster from you. Also, you may find it challenging to track down somebody willing to buy your hamster. A hamster that has escaped without notice for more than 48 hours will be much harder to track down than one that has only just made a breakout. Blunt force trauma from hitting them with a heavy object or slaughtering by cutting their throat can be two cruel but quick ways to kill hamsters. The easiest option for getting rid of a hamster would be to release it into nature. They have fast metabolisms to keep their body temperature stable. 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. A hamster is one of the pets available for purchase at Petco. It may mean looking at our personal lifestyles and schedules; it may even mean adapting them a little too. Will pet stores take back previously purchased animals such as snakes or hamsters? 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. What Should You Do If Your Hamster Has Babies. David Krug is the CEO & President of Bankovia. Yes, your pet hamster can be euthanized, if your hamster is ill, injured, has organ failure or cancer, severe illness, or old. Technically speaking, you can leave your hamster alone at your home for up to a week, provided that you leave enough food and water for him to go around comfortably. Re: Age of pets at home hamsters? Use a seed mix that contains a mixture of seeds, pellets, grain, and dried vegetables. 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 method is not recommended for anyone looking to put down pet rodents in a humane way. As the acid reacts with the baking soda, a fizzing sound will likely be heard. So, how long can you leave your hamster alone? If your hamster squeals or becomes anxious, return them to their safe space. A self-taught DIYer, Tammy loves nothing more than tackling a new project in her own home. When a hamster gets scared or awakened suddenly they may bite. C/O Pet Educate4736 Royal Ave PMB 109160Eugene, OR 97402United States. The hamster is now store property, but it has to be that way in order to treat him. 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. Hi, I'm Julie. When your hamster does not have the strength to pee or poop like normal. If you bought the hamster from a breeder or another source, returning it to them may be an option. Hamsters are social animals within themselves and with people. 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.. Hamsters generally eat grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruits like apples. For instance, some pet cemeteries charge up to $1,000 to get the little guy buried in style. If its been longer than 30 days, we wont refund you, but we will adopt it out for cheap if its alive, and dispose of it for you if its dead. 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. A short weekend away or a family event can mean that we need to leave our hamster alone. Carbon dioxide gas will start filling the atmosphere, passing through the hose and into the euthanasia chamber. When your hamster is diagnosed with a terminal disease such as cancer and suffering from major discomfort from the symptoms. We have a 30-day guarantee on companion animals, please contact your local Petco about a return. -Other supplies: $5-$10. To return your hamster to Petco, youll need to take it to the store and speak with a manager. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Respiratory infections for hamsters are very hard on their small airways and lungs. Weve all been there. How to return an item purchased at PetSmart? This can help you in your efforts to keep the cage clean. 5 Certain Reasons You Should Know! You can feed your pet hamster combinations of rat blocks (rodent chow) and seed mix or hamster pellets. Although they are small, these agile creatures can easily bite if frightened or mishandled. From my personal experience, Petco has been better than petsmart. Most state laws on euthanasia specify conditions under which the procedure can be carried out at home and the general guidelines to follow. Live or dead fish can be returned to PetSmart within 14 days of purchase, customer service representatives for PetSmart said. 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 cases of human to hamster disease transmission are rare, it is still best to avoid holding your hamster when you may have extra bacteria on your hands and face. Although this can extend up to 72-hours, it all depends on your hamster, its nature, and you. If you know you will be away much longer than usual, consider leaving two water bottles for your hamster. 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. We are seasoned pet owners and enthusiasts who love to share everything that we learn about them! Boarding houses that host small or 'pocket' animals also have specialized areas to be in a calm and safe environment. According toThe Laboratory Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Hamster, and Other Rodents, Syrian hamsters are commonly used in laboratory experiments. Adrienne Kruzer is a veterinary technician with more than 15 years of experience providing healthcare to domestic and exotic animals. Im Chuck and I love pets. Your hamster's diet should be made of 75 % fortified pellets, 20% veggies, greens, and fruits, and 5 % treats. If they overgrow, take your hamster to the vet. This price is low because hamsters have short lives, usually around two years. If you decide to use the internet to sell your hamster for cash, you need to know how to sell hamsters online. Should you return a sick hamster to Petco? You'll need to have your purchase receipt, and you may be asked to fill out a return form. Generally, the buyer can return the dog and get a refund, return the dog and select a new dog, or keep the dog and get some compensation for veterinary expenses. Or before they are going to need your help and support. How Long Should You Leave Your Hamster Alone? If you return it dead within 30 days well give you a refund or exchange and dispose of it for you. However, this comes down to individual stores and their policies. The result is unconsciousness within a minute or two, after which a fatal injection is given to finish the job. Companion Animals explains that hamsters are prey animals. There are many things to consider before returning your hamster to PETCO. They make great pets for people who live in apartments or houses without a lot of space. For this reason, checking on your hamster daily helps you to know that they are still safely in their cage and not caught up on any play equipment. If you're selling a hamster, you'll likely be selling a habitat . 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. Letting your furball go through additional excruciating pain because of indecision can be a disservice to him. The dogs you might see for adoption in store are available through a shelter or rescue that is in partnership with the Petco Foundation. Find a new home for your hamster with a friend or family member. The Laboratory Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Hamster, and Other Rodents, At What Age Do Pet Stores Sell Hamsters? For young children, this can be problematic, especially if the hamster bites their sensitive fingers. Some pet stores will take back recently sold hamsters if the owner has changed their mind and can no longer care for them. If the hamster appears to be in good health, Petco places it back on the sales floor. The shelter will likely already have more hamsters and small animals than theyll ever rehome. You can take an unwanted hamster to an animal rescue shelter, which will find it a new home. 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. They should provide a large enough cage, a wheel, deep bedding, and accessories. If you are returning a sick hamster, you may also need to provide a vets note. Here we answer the most important questions with complete, objective, thorough and extensive research, while also pulling from our combined 250 years of pet ownership experience. Hamsters generally eat grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruits like apples. Hamster housing. The (good) employees do care about them, after all. Charitable donations to shelters may be made in exchange for surrendering your pet. What happens if I buy a puppy and it dies? 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. There is no financial compensation if the hamster was acquired outside of Petco. Contact us. This is a good time for special seed treats like sunflower seeds! A sick hamster should not be released into the wild as this can spread disease to other animals. Leaving your hamster alone for a period of time can be done with a little bit of planning and preparation ahead of time. They can be quite fun and they do not need much room due to their size. They come from the subfamily of Cricetinae and are split into 7 different genera. Their strong sense of smell helps them identify each other. You could sell the hamster online, but ensure its going to a good home with a suitable cage setup. If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return it to one of our retail store locations. Petco reserves the right to limit returns regardless of receipt. Dont forget to provide clean fresh drinking water for your pet hamster. Some hamsters are more like little Houdini escape artists than others. I am a practiced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets. 4 minute read. Put the poor hamster in the euthanasia chamber jar with the hose extended about 2 inches into the chamber and partially seal the container, making sure theres a small opening to allow the containers air to escape. When he's not reading about cryptocurrencies, he's researching the latest personal finance software. Hamsters and children. Before relinquishing the hamster from your care, ask potential owners about their intentions. Most hamsters sold by pet stores are 6-8 weeks old and retail at about $10-20. Hamster crematoriums may also charge up to $800 for those who prefer cremation. Ask them for photos of their setup to ensure they can properly care for your hamster. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Sometimes the need to leave our hamster completely alone is inevitable. Items purchased in-store can be returned with a receipt within 60 days for a full refund in the original form of tender. Before dropping a hamster off, reach out to the animal shelter to check they have the space and capacity to care for it. Ensure the hose stays in place and doesnt fall into the liquid to prevent the expanding gas from forcing the liquid through the hose. Whatever the reason, if you find yourself in this situation, know that youre not alone-and there are options. If the hamster isnt sold, itll be given to an animal shelter so it doesnt live out its life in a pet store. It's also a good idea to provide hay in your hamster's environment to help with nesting and foraging. Several cages may look cool, but aren't very functional and are extremely difficult to clean (cages with colorful tubes are a good example of this). We try to figure it out, give them proper rest and treatment, but still, you find no chance of . Even if you dont want the hamster anymore, you should still ensure it doesnt come to any harm. When your hamster has lost interest and does not have the strength to move, self-groom, or engage in healthy daily activities. If you are thinking about getting a pet hamster for you or a child, it is important that you know how to choose one, what supplies you need, and how to feed and carefor your new pet. A high metabolism releases free radicals,, In total, there are at least 20 species of hamsters. Hamsters are notorious escape artists. Pet stores get hamsters through certain breeders, which means they have enough animals to sell. The hamster must be in good health, and you may be charged a restocking fee. A refund or exchange can then be obtained from Petco. Day 30 Signs of, Hamsters have short lifespans because smaller animals endure more metabolic stress than larger animals. This should reduce the whole familys grief and speed up closure when the pet rodent is finally gone. This can be a solid alternative if you want to use the dead rodents body for another purpose. Also, personal circumstances can change, meaning you can no longer care for the hamster. There are times when your Hamster does not feel much well. Whether you get a refund is a matter of discussion between you and the store. Trying to hold and play with an ill or injured hamster can create stress that slows down healing. When your hamster struggles significantly to breathe. When your hamster seems to be in excruciating pain every single minute. Our return policy is simple if you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return it to any of our Petco or Unleashed by Petco stores or to one of our petco.com warehouses. This way, youll know youre relinquishing your hamster to a safe, reliable home. 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. Litter train your pet hamster to keep everything neat. Bury the hamster in an out-of-the-way plot, at least three feet deep, to ensure that it wont be unearthed by other animals. Why you might need to return your hamster to Petco, What to do if Petco wont take your hamster, What to do if you cant keep your hamster. So, its worth getting in touch with any centers in the area. Hamsters are not aggressive pets but if they are scared or startled they may bite. If you no longer want the hamster, ask friends and family if theyre interested in a new pet. 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. Socialization in hamsters. Over time, showerheads can become clogged with deposits of calcium, magnesium, lime, silica, and other minerals. Its very uncommon for Petco to quarantine ill or injured hamsters for treatment in the wellness room, where they are kept in a secluded cage. Most pet stores will stop selling hamsters older than 12 weeks due to the short lifespan of these pets. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. They use body language to communicate with each other and will also try to communicate with you. Here are the most popular options available. This way, if one bottle malfunctions or leaks, your hamster will still have access to another freshwater source. Weve got all the information you need on when and how to return your pet hamster to Petco, as well as the terms and restrictions. The premium service is popular among hamster parents who want their beloved furballs to spend their last moments in the comfort of familiar surroundings and people. A refund or exchange can then be obtained from Petco. Dont use bedding that could wrap around their body or limbs to prevent accidents. Hamsters are popular pets for children and adults alike. Not all hope is lost if you lose your receipt. Hopefully, I can share my experiences with everyone. Can I Return Live Animals? We wanted to give you a few more general tips for keeping your hamster comfortable when you need to leave it alone. An honest chat with your vet to understand the true state of the hamsters health can be a great start. Such establishments may feel a greater responsibility to a hamster and take on its care, regardless of age. You may also add to your hamsters stress by making him feel less at home in his environment. 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. Take your hamster to a local animal shelter or rescue organization. Yes, you can make a return if you originally paid with a check. Pet hamsters are prone to illnesses like amyloidosis (kidney disease) and congestive heart failure. 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.
