can you return a hamster to pets at home can you return a hamster to pets at home

Some pet stores include adoption centers for pets their owners can no longer care for. 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. If his appetite is not completely lost, this can be a great time to offer some of his favorite treats. You can take an unwanted hamster to an animal rescue shelter, which will find it a new home. 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. 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. In some instances, the hamster could even survive. Day 30 Youre entitled to know what their intentions may be. Petco re-sells the hamster once it has recovered its health and is ready to go home with a new owner. If your hamster has a history of cage breakouts, it is important to give your cage a thorough inspection before leaving your hamster alone. 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 and children. Please review the following options and decide what is best for you and your hamster. Unfortunately, not all owners have sufficient time to meet these needs. 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. Ideally your new hamster should be between four and eight weeks old and bought from a responsible breeder or good pet shop, or rehomed from a charity such as Blue Cross. 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. [Hamster Always Burrowing]. If you do they may fight each other to death. To return your hamster to Petco, youll need to take it to the store and speak with a manager. We wanted to give you a few more general tips for keeping your hamster comfortable when you need to leave it alone. The owner may then return the pet for a refund or another similar animal. 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. Of course, you can factor these into your asking price. It is best to keep the temperature between 68 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity between 30 and 70%. 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. Can I Take My Hamster Back to the Pet Shop? If your hamster is sick you should only give them medication recommended to them by the vet. Petco will offer the hamster for adoption if it is returned after 30 days. If they come back as a non-properly established tank they can technically deny you the refund, saying its your fault the fish died. While you can leave your hamster entirely alone for a day or two, it may just be best for your peace of mind and your hamster to have a friend or neighbor do a visual check on your hamster while you are away. A child may drop the hamster, squeeze it, or scare it. Dont forget to provide clean fresh drinking water for your pet hamster. Returns more than 14 days after purchase either will not be accepted or may be approved on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of a PetSmart store manager. Petco reserves the right to limit returns regardless of receipt. 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.. In theory, nothing can stop you from selling your pet hamster to a third party, as you dont need a license to sell an adult or baby hamster online or in person. When you do not have the financial muscle or cannot commit as much time as necessary to care for the sick hamster. 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. Heres a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for each month: -Vet visits: $20-$30 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. According toThe Laboratory Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Hamster, and Other Rodents, Syrian hamsters are commonly used in laboratory experiments. Hamsters can be legally euthanized in most states but it is always a great idea to check local animal cruelty laws before going ahead. This price is low because hamsters have short lives, usually around two years. The truth is that your hamster probably likes a somewhat dirtier cage than you do. PetSmart doesnt accept surrendered hamsters because they have hamsters to sell and lack the capacity to care for unwanted animals. C/O Pet Educate4736 Royal Ave PMB 109160Eugene, OR 97402United States. Also, you may want to wrap up the corpse in several layers of plastic before dumping the body. 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. They are small rodents that typically live about two years, and are usually best housed alone. Here are a couple of scenarios where euthanasia may be the most sensible option for hamsters. Hopefully, I can share my experiences with everyone. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Protect Your Cat From These Household Hazards. We will make every effort to find a loving home for your hamster. The Laboratory Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Hamster, and Other Rodents, At What Age Do Pet Stores Sell Hamsters? 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. 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. -Bedding: $10-$15 In that case, if for some reason you could not keep that dog/cat the rescue would want to be informed so they could take the animal back and find a ne. Maybe theyre moving, maybe theyre allergic, maybe they just werent prepared for how much work a tiny furry friend can be. Hamster diet. 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. Instead of getting rid of it, composting can help boost your backyard gardening efforts by serving as an organic fertilizer. A hamster can generally be left between 1-2 days before they need checking up on. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Pet stores get hamsters through certain breeders, which means they have enough animals to sell. 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. Also, living situations can change, such as a no-pets policy on a rental property. Hamsters can be returned to Petco without being euthanized. However, find out whether this is legal in your state to avoid getting into trouble with the authorities. This piece of advice might seem a bit strange. An honest chat with your vet to understand the true state of the hamsters health can be a great start. Hamster encounters. Instead, cover and leave it alone for half an hour or so. If their cages arent properly secured, they can scale the walls of their enclosure and find a way out. If you have decided that you can no longer care for your hamster, there are a few options available: 1. Double-check your hamsters cage for escape routes. Within 30 days of purchasing a hamster from Petco, you can return it for a full refund. If you are returning a sick hamster, you may also need to provide a vets note. These factors can come into play when determining the cost of getting a sick hamster put down. Make sure your hamster's water bottle is full of fresh water. If you are away, then make arrangements to have your hamster checked on at least every 48 hours. Leave your hamsters current bedding in the cage until you return. As you can see, owning a hamster is not a cheap undertaking. Keep in mind that hamsters like and need to chew on items so wood, cardboard, plastic, and other items that are able to be chewed may not last very long inside the enclosure. It also helps in keeping them sharp. For instance, some pet cemeteries charge up to $1,000 to get the little guy buried in style. Use a seed mix that contains a mixture of seeds, pellets, grain, and dried vegetables. 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. If you no longer want the hamster, ask friends and family if theyre interested in a new pet. While hamsters only have short lifespans, they require a high level of care. Training a hamster. Petco will also reimburse the price of a dead hamster that is returned to them. Looking for something in particular? Keeping a hamster around may harm your respiratory system if youre allergic to animal dander. Also, no DIY euthanasia method can be as pain-free as getting the procedure done by a vet. If money is no object, at-home euthanasia services for hamsters can be an option too. Offering 5-10 tablets of Tylenol PM should do the trick but expect your hamster to look disoriented after overdosing on the painkillers. Please return the hamster to your local store for a full refund if it dies within the first 30 days of its purchase. Even if you dont want the hamster anymore, you should still ensure it doesnt come to any harm. You shouldnt put them together after they reach 10 weeks old. You can feed your pet hamster combinations of rat blocks (rodent chow) and seed mix or hamster pellets. Some only take cats and dogs, while others have the facilities to take in hamsters and other small animals. Whatever the reason, Petco has a policy in place to make returning your hamster as easy as possible. Hamsters are common pets. Read customer reviews and common Questions and Answers for Tucker Murphy Pet Part #: W011128250 on this page. Why didn't you raise the bleeding paw during the sale since you noticed it? Always remember anyone can post on the MSE forums, so it can be very different from our opinion. It is important that you make sure your home is safe and conducive for a pet hamster. And with new content being added every day, there's always something new to discover. Any fees you are charged may be donated to the animal shelter where the animal was taken in for adoption. The hamster could succumb to dehydration, starvation, or exposure to the elements. 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. 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. Whatever the reason, if you find yourself in this situation, know that youre not alone-and there are options. If your hamster dies within 30 days of purchase, you can return it to Petco for a refund or exchange. Hamsters especially dwarf hamsters have a tendency to burrow. Some pet stores will accept unwanted hamsters back with a valid receipt within 14 days of the sale. What to do if Petco won't take your hamster If you bought the hamster from a breeder or another source, returning it to them may be an option. Facebook decides whether a profile belongs to a business or an individual. Few things are more admirable than the sight of a pet responding to its name when called. They are safe and healthy for them to enjoy too. Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair (known as the teddy bear variety). They are usually between six and eight weeks if you bought them from the normal area rather than adoption. Live Fish & Invertebrates CANNOT be returned to any Petco or Unleashed by Petco stores. However, youll still likely struggle to attract a buyer at more than $40. How to return an item purchased at PetSmart? You should quarantine your fish from any store you buy from. 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. Self-easing may become labored with strange scents. Many Pets at Home stores have adoption centers (run by the Pets at Home Foundation), which is a charity that finds suitable homes for animals that can no longer be cared for. Hamsters are one of the most popular pets in the world, and its no wonder why. To get a refund, you'll need to show evidence of purchase in the form of a valid ID and the original receipt. Theyre nationwide, so be clear about where youre located. Free-roaming allows your hamster to have sufficient exercise and explore spaces other than its own cage. 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. A hamsters neck may get broken from an accidental drop or fall from a considerable height. 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. Make sure your hamsters water bottle is full of fresh water. Four good reasons to indulge in cryptocurrency! They're small, adorable, and relatively easy to care for. They need regular attention and care to truly thrive. There are several methods available for DIY hamster euthanasia but the gas chamber option seems to be the most pain-free from personal experience. Handling a hamster correctly is crucial to both your safety and the safety of your pet. Most people assume that a store-bought bag of hamster seed is what is best for a hamster but they actually need a variety of proteins, fruits, and vegetables to keep them healthy and happy. If you buy a dog from a pet store or commercial breeder, Californias so-called Puppy Lemon Law gives you some protections in case the animal becomes ill shortly after purchase. The proper daily care of your hamster can improve its lifespan. This will prevent their teeth from overgrowing. Why Does My Hair Get Greasy After A Day? Hamsters are small animals that can be very cute and cuddly. But then you realize that taking care of a hamster is actually a lot of work. With thousands of articles covering everything from do-it-yourself repairs to tips on parenting, Arew has something for everyone. Hamsters come in a variety of colors and breeds, and different breeds are known for distinctive traits. Litter training may help in making the cleaning process easier. can you return a hamster to pets at home. 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. One of the easiest ways of getting hold of a hamster is through a pet store. At this point, they surrender the hamsters to rescue centers. Now youre stuck with a fuzzy little creature that youre not sure what to do with. Some pet stores will accept unwanted hamsters back with a valid receipt within 14 days of the sale. 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. We have a 30-day guarantee on companion animals, please contact your local Petco about a return. 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. Giving the hamster to a friend or family member. Signs of, Hamsters have short lifespans because smaller animals endure more metabolic stress than larger animals. You will also need to bring along the purchase receipt, as well as any food or bedding that came with the hamster. Within 30 days of the original purchase, the hamster can be returned for any reason, including illness, death, or unhappiness. I've looked after adorable hamsters for more than 10 years. Watching a beloved hamster wither under severe pain and discomfort can be heartbreaking for everyone. Create a tiny nest and cover the jar with a cloth or shredded paper to limit the hamsters movements during the final minutes. 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. This method is not recommended for anyone looking to put down pet rodents in a humane way. If a hamster stays at the store more than 6 months it would either be transferred to a new location or adopted out (free). Hamsters are omnivorous, meaning that they eat both plants and animals. As hamsters have short lifespans, few traders will pay for an adult. What does a blinking blue light on a smoke detector mean? Either way, it is essential that whoever looks after your hamster fully understands what they need to do while you are away. When she's not blogging or spending time with her family, you can usually find her rooting around in the garden or at the hardware store. Your dog or cat may want to chase or eat them. The cover cloth should feature two holes i.e. Some people believe their hamster may get lonely if it is living alone, but hamsters are generally solitary animals. You can take an unwanted hamster to an animal rescue shelter, which will find it a new home. Choosing such additional services can lead to even higher charges. Aside from the initial cost of purchasing your pet and setting up its habitat, youll need to budget for regular Vet visits, food, bedding, toys, and more. The shelter will likely already have more hamsters and small animals than theyll ever rehome. Arranging a private sale to a friend, family member, acquaintance, or stranger. You should handle a sick hamster with care since some of the bacteria strains can spread to people. Whats the return policy for unleashed by Petco? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. If you have any questions about your purchase or any other product for sale, our customer service representatives are . Contact Shelters and Pet Rescues Call around and find out if you have an animal shelter or pet rescue facility in your area that will either take your hamster or help you network with other animal lovers to find the right new home for him. Dwarf hamsters, on the other hand, can live with others if theyre introduced at a young age. If youre not happy with your purchase and want to know if you can return your hamster, this article is for you. The best way to painlessly euthanize a hamster is via exposure to high concentrations of Carbon dioxide (CO2) generated from vinegar and baking soda solution according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. 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. The distance from the vets clinic to your home and other location-based factors may also determine how much it costs in the end. There are many hamster cage options available both online and at pet stores but some cages are definitely better than others. Additional methods include cervical dislocation and even Tylenol overdose. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Suck on the hose to get rid of maximum amount of air in the bag containing the baking soda and vinegar prior to putting the hose in the euthanasia chamber jar. 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). 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?. If youre considering returning your hamster to Petco, here are a few things you should know first. Will pet stores take back previously purchased animals such as snakes or hamsters? Once all evidence points to euthanasia as the best method for the hamsters comfort, a quick decision has to be taken. Hamsters generally eat grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruits like apples. He's a lifelong expat who has lived in the Philippines, Mexico, Thailand, and Colombia. After 30 days, call your local store and ask if they have room to take the pet. While daily checking on your hamster and regular holding is best for your hamster most of the time, there are occasions where it might be wise to leave your hamster mostly alone. After a brief quarantine period, PetSmart will put the hamster back up for sale. If your hamster is older than 8 weeks, you'll need to reduce your asking price from what a pet store would expect. After all, hamsters originate from wild habitats, and domesticated pets are ill-equipped to survive. However, there are some basic rules to follow when feeding this fruit to your hamster, to reduce any possible side effects. When your hamster struggles significantly to breathe. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. Some hamsters are more like little Houdini escape artists than others. Most items can be returned through any one of these options: 1. 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. However, you must check with your local store to determine whether it has space for the sick hamster. 1. Sometimes the need to leave our hamster completely alone is inevitable. Respiratory infections for hamsters are very hard on their small airways and lungs. Of course, some issues arent possible to overcome. Hamsters can be humanely euthanized at home via exposure to high concentrations of carbon dioxide. Some vets offer complementary services including burial or cremation. That's why you need to buy a healthy hamster one free from illness and disease that could cut, It's normal for a hamster's fur to change color. To wrap things up, it really is best for your hamster to receive daily care and interaction. Choose a cage that has good ventilation, is easy to clean, has space for a hamster to run and explore, and won't allow your hamster to escape. Depending on your perspective, that could be considered a good or bad thing. To get the hamster examined by a veterinarian after 30 days, Petco has the option of doing so. Answer (1 of 4): Petco does not sell cats or dogs. Some vets offer body disposal services at a fee so that can make the whole process a bit easy after getting professional pet euthanasia. Stores wont take on hamsters if they dont know their age and health condition. Beitrags-Autor: Beitrag verffentlicht: 22. There are various options, including: See if someone you know and trust would be willing to take the hamster from you. There are kinder ways to rehome a hamster, so never consider releasing it into the wild. Pet boarding services for hamsters range from $15 - $19 per night, depending on your pet's location and requirements. While doing so you can notice when they start acting differently. When a hamster gets scared or awakened suddenly they may bite. Make sure to bring your receipt and proof of purchase to the nearest Petco shop in order for your refund to be processed. It is wise not to try and introduce two hamsters into the same living space. What to do with a hamster when you dont want it? 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. Carbon dioxide gas will start filling the atmosphere, passing through the hose and into the euthanasia chamber. Questions about the swimming abilities of bearded dragons Hey there! Hamsters may pick and choose what they want to eat from seed mixtures and therefore will not receive a balanced diet. What type of euthanasia service are you requesting? You can return a companion animal for a refund within 30 days of purchase, this can be done by contacting your local Petco store. Many unsuspecting new hamster owners find themselves with a pregnant hamster after purchasing it from a pet store. Bedding also differs from outdoor terrain, preventing hamsters from burrowing for warmth and security. If they overgrow, take your hamster to the vet. From my personal experience, Petco has been better than petsmart. The easiest option for getting rid of a hamster would be to release it into nature. For instance, you can expect to pay substantially more for such services in Manhattan, NYC compared to a rural town in Arkansas. Dont use bedding that could wrap around their body or limbs to prevent accidents. How much room Petco has at any one moment determines whether or not it will accept an unwanted hamster back. But this doesnt mean that they can be bought, set up, left, and forgotten. 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 youre unable to find a new home for your hamster through a shelter or rescue organization, your next best option is to return it to the store where you bought it. Your hamster may have a full bottle of water and plenty of food, but you need to be checking these items regularly for unblocked access and freshness. When your hamster is diagnosed with a terminal disease such as cancer and suffering from major discomfort from the symptoms.