[Normal vs. Abnormal]. When picking up a hamster, its important to cup your hands around him so that he feels secure. 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. However, now that you have a pet hamster, you have an animal that must continue living comfortably in your home even when you are gone. Also, you may want to wrap up the corpse in several layers of plastic before dumping the body. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. Greens are a good option to offer daily; parsley, kale, romaine, peas, and squash are all good options. Greens are a good option to offer daily; parsley, kale, romaine, peas, and squash are all good options. If youre not happy with your purchase and want to know if you can return your hamster, this article is for you. 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.. Youre entitled to know what their intentions may be. If theres no such program at your local shelter, see if they have any recommendations for other shelters or rescue organizations in the area that might be able to help. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and fur types. This can be a solid alternative if you want to use the dead rodents body for another purpose. Unconsciousness typically sets in when exposed to over 33 percent of CO2 and a peaceful death becomes inevitable when the concentration levels hit over 80 percent. How Much Does it Cost To Euthanize a Hamster? Whether you get a refund is a matter of discussion between you and the store. Just like your hamster needs plenty of food, they also will need water while you are away. To get a refund, youll need to show evidence of purchase in the form of a valid ID and the original receipt. When you leave, it can be tempting to lower or raise your thermostat to save energy costs when you are gone. Even if you find a willing professional, the procedure can be quite expensive. If your hamster is sick you should only give them medication recommended to them by the vet. The hamster must be in good health, and you may be charged a restocking fee. You can use a specialist app like Pets Home or a website like Animal Direct, which allows you to set your price. If you desire to give your pets the best environment to thrive in, please feel at home as we share some of the most valuable advice on the Web. Just be aware that you'll get a merchandise return card, or cash, but not until a 10-day waiting period from the date of original sale has passed. 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. Hamsters are typically low-maintenance pets but proper care is essential to keeping them happy and healthy. Here are a couple of scenarios where euthanasia may be the most sensible option for hamsters. 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. Not every hamster in the pet store is in optimal health. Sign up for our newsletter. Trying to hold and play with an ill or injured hamster can create stress that slows down healing. Hamsters generally eat grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruits like apples. The previous section covered ways to keep your hamster safe when you need to leave it alone. It is up to them if they re-sell him to you, but unless they really do think you injured him you will very likely get him back. There are a number of reasons why you might need to return your hamster to Petco. 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. 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. However, find out whether this is legal in your state to avoid getting into trouble with the authorities. And with new content being added every day, there's always something new to discover. How to return an item purchased at PetSmart? Another reason pet stores rarely take in unwanted hamsters is that they tend to stop selling them at 12 weeks old. If you gain interest in your hamster from a stranger, ask some questions to the potential buyer. What to do if Petco won't take your hamster Once the fizzing stops, squeeze the bag to let out leftover carbon dioxide into the chamber which should kill the poor little guy within a couple of seconds thanks to the extremely concentrated nature of the CO2. I've looked after adorable hamsters for more than 10 years. Your hamster's diet should be made of 75 % fortified pellets, 20% veggies, greens, and fruits, and 5 % treats. 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. Hamster crematoriums may also charge up to $800 for those who prefer cremation. Before relinquishing the hamster from your care, ask potential owners about their intentions. Hamsters are common pets. It could trigger significant pain for several hours before death occurs. 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. But if that is not viable due to accessibility or financial reasons , the method above is as painless as it comes in DIY hamster euthanasia. See also How To Introduce Formula To Breastfed Baby Besides they sometimes can climb stairs and often can squeeze under doors! We often link to other websites, but we can't be responsible for their content. Giving the hamster to a friend or family member. Also, personal circumstances can change, meaning you can no longer care for the hamster. Take all the necessary precautions to protect your hamster from other companion animals at home. -Bedding: $10-$15 Petco reserves the right to limit returns regardless of receipt. Slowly increase the carbon dioxide concentration as the gas mixes with the air in the euthanasia chamber to prevent the gas from falling down the chamber. 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. For young children, this can be problematic, especially if the hamster bites their sensitive fingers. A hamster should not be left alone for more than 48 hours. Here are the most popular options available. When your refund has been received, Petco will handle it. 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. If youre selling a hamster, youll likely be selling a habitat, toys, leftover food, substrate, and various peripherals. 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. Carbon dioxide gas will start filling the atmosphere, passing through the hose and into the euthanasia chamber. If their cages arent properly secured, they can scale the walls of their enclosure and find a way out. Odds are they will put the hamster in a little cage and sell it to someone else. 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). 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. They come from the subfamily of Cricetinae and are split into 7 different genera. Remember to clean the cage regularly. Besides, while solitary animals by nature a caged pet becomes entirely reliant on their owners to meet their needs. Place the hamsters cage away from direct sunlight or a heat source. Unfortunately, not all vets offer at-home euthanasia services. 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. Hamsters in pet shops should have clean, good-sized accommodation and access to food and fresh water. 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. Day 30 Saying Goodbye to Your Hamster During His Last Days. They need regular attention and care to truly thrive. Arranging a private sale to a friend, family member, acquaintance, or stranger. In this case, the only alternative is to make the item available for adoption rather than resale. Return to a store (Its Free!). Nonetheless, let us now delve deeper into why these hamsters need regular, almost daily checkups. It's not just a random date that the food company picked out of thin air. Pets at Home will rehome unwanted hamsters. -Toys: $5-$10 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. Hamsters may pick and choose what they want to eat from seed mixtures and therefore will not receive a balanced diet. Petco re-sells the hamster once it has recovered its health and is ready to go home with a new owner. Even though these pet rodents have shorter lifespans, the decision to let them cross over to the other side can be extremely difficult. How much room Petco has at any one moment determines whether or not it will accept an unwanted hamster back. They have fast metabolisms to keep their body temperature stable. In these instances, youll need to look into rehoming the hamster. 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. Most often asked questions related to bitcoin. Four good reasons to indulge in cryptocurrency! can you return a hamster to pets at home. If the hamster appears to be in good health, Petco places it back on the sales floor. Why didn't you raise the bleeding paw during the sale since you noticed it? 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. Many unsuspecting new hamster owners find themselves with a pregnant hamster after purchasing it from a pet store. This may mean calling in a friend or family member to offer or lend a hand of support to your hamster here. Required Items: 1 gallon jar or juice pitcher 1 gallon size plastic zip lock bag or shoe box 16-ounce cup Rubber band or tape Cage litter Rodent toy Cloth or shredded paper -Other supplies: $5-$10. It's also a good idea to provide hay in your hamster's environment to help with nesting and foraging. C/O Pet Educate4736 Royal Ave PMB 109160Eugene, OR 97402United States. Both eyes should be open and, ideally, the hamster will be eating or running around the cage. 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. Do hamsters get sick? You could sell the hamster online, but ensure its going to a good home with a suitable cage setup. The time frame and remedies available depend on the specific states law (ten to fourteen days is the usual). Their strong sense of smell helps them identify each other. 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. Dont forget to provide clean fresh drinking water for your pet hamster. How Long Should You Leave Your Hamster Alone? If keeping your pet is no longer viable, you should consider rehoming the hamster. Your hamster also could need medical care or get itself into an unsafe situation in its cage and need your assistance. While a pet hamster was almost certainly born in captivity, it'll retain instincts that drive it. Im Chuck and I love pets. Generally a hamster is fully grown around 3 months of age. They're small, adorable, and relatively easy to care for. Many folks throw the bodies of dead rodents into the dumpster even if it sounds unconventional. However, if the breeder or other source does not want the hamster back, then taking it to a Humane Society or animal shelter should be your next step. DIY gas chambers made from shoeboxes and other materials can serve the purpose by creating a controlled environment where hamsters inhale the C02 which initially acts as an analgesic before finally putting them down in a couple of minutes. The hamster could succumb to dehydration, starvation, or exposure to the elements. But if youre prepared to take on the responsibility (and expense), then youre well on your way to becoming a great hamster owner! If you are looking for a pet that doesnt need grazing space like a horse, or daily walks like a dog, then a hamster may be very appealing! If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. 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. Training a hamster. By cleaning the cage right before leaving, you may accidentally throw out your hamsters favorite food stash for when you are gone. Live Fish & Invertebrates refunds may only be given by contacting Customer Service and cannot be given at any Petco store location. A hamster needs a cage that is at least 18 inches by 12 inches, with a height of at least 12 inches. You should provide your hamster with enough material to gnaw on. Most hamsters will also eat the immature seeds in the hay. After a couple of days, your hamster will feel comfortable and more ready for interaction. Not all hope is lost if you lose your receipt. Without doing any of these things can result in starvation, illness, or even death. How do you humanely euthanize a pet hamster at home? As the acid reacts with the baking soda, a fizzing sound will likely be heard. David Krug is the CEO & President of Bankovia. Returns for same-day delivery purchases, purchases made with our "Buy & Pickup" online feature and purchases made on the DoorDash App may only be made in stores. There are kinder ways to rehome a hamster, so never consider releasing it into the wild. Petco will offer the hamster for adoption if it is returned after 30 days. Questions? Make sure your hamsters water bottle is full of fresh water. It also helps in keeping them sharp. Hamsters are also susceptible to other types of bacteria causing diarrhea and dehydration. Some stores will consider the return an adoption and an act of mercy. According toThe Laboratory Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Hamster, and Other Rodents, Syrian hamsters are commonly used in laboratory experiments. What Should You Do If Your Hamster Has Babies. Hamsters come in a variety of colors and breeds, and different breeds are known for distinctive traits. This is a stressful experience for owners. Ask them for photos of their setup to ensure they can properly care for your hamster. If they overgrow, take your hamster to the vet. Within 30 days of the original purchase, the hamster can be returned for any reason, including illness, death, or unhappiness. A hamsters neck may get broken from an accidental drop or fall from a considerable height. Of course, you can factor these into your asking price. A pet store may accept the return of a hamster if you bring it home and quickly discover that you cant care for it. 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. Use a seed mix that contains a mixture of seeds, pellets, grain, and dried vegetables. Maintain calmness in your house or around the hamsters and try not to stress them. Hamsters are small, curious, cage-living pets that can thrive in a variety of home environments. If you bought the hamster from a breeder or another source, returning it to them may be an option. 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. It may mean looking at our personal lifestyles and schedules; it may even mean adapting them a little too. 1. [Hamster Always Burrowing]. He's a lifelong expat who has lived in the Philippines, Mexico, Thailand, and Colombia. 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. Hamsters are trainable. Choosing such additional services can lead to even higher charges. Handling a hamster correctly is crucial to both your safety and the safety of your pet. Hamsters are one of the most popular pets in the world, and its no wonder why. But they are also delicate. A hamster that is used to spending time outside of its cage and exploring with its owner may feel bored when suddenly left alone in its cage. 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. These conditions can be fatal to them. For non-health-related reasons, Petco may be able to take it back and assist you in finding a new 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. The (good) employees do care about them, after all. 2. Hamster diet. A bored hamster can quickly become a destructive hamster. We are seasoned pet owners and enthusiasts who love to share everything that we learn about them! This price is low because hamsters have short lives, usually around two years. The cover cloth should feature two holes i.e. Pet boarding services for hamsters range from $15 - $19 per night, depending on your pet's location and requirements. Theyre nationwide, so be clear about where youre located. A more experienced vet will likely charge higher for putting down hamsters compared to novices because of the potential difference in skill level. Double-check your hamster's cage for escape routes Leave Your Hamster Dry Food You can sell the hamster to a pet store or online to someone in a different town or state. Hamsters are quite small in size and other home animals may see them as prey. I'm here to share my knowledge and experience with you. A hamster is one of the pets available for purchase at Petco. 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. David Krug To get the hamster examined by a veterinarian after 30 days, Petco has the option of doing so. If you want to sell a hamster because it makes too much noise while trying to sleep, a silent exercise wheel can be beneficial. When your hamster is diagnosed with a terminal disease such as cancer and suffering from major discomfort from the symptoms. During this time, the foundation will cover the costs of food, housing, and veterinary treatments. Returning hamsters to Petco over the 30-day mark may be acceptable in some cases, but a refund is unlikely in this instance. The hamster must be in good health, and you may be charged a restocking fee. We all adopt or purchase hamsters with the intention of caring and building a lifelong bond. Do note, while we always aim to give you accurate product info at the point of publication, unfortunately price and terms of products and deals can always be changed by the provider afterwards, so double check first. Keeping a hamster around may harm your respiratory system if youre allergic to animal dander. The store must do the refund and replacement of the pet. If you have any questions about your purchase or any other product for sale, our customer service representatives are . They can be quite fun and they do not need much room due to their size. Petco will accept a dead hamster for return within 30 days of purchase at any of its U.S. stores. Free-roaming allows your hamster to have sufficient exercise and explore spaces other than its own cage. As the hamster hasnt had to defend itself against larger animals in captivity, it would likely be killed by a predator, like a cat. Sick or injured we will still refund you (within the 30 days) but it will go in the Wellness Room. Checking your hamsters food and water at least every other day for freshness as well as signs of being eaten is ideal. Hamsters love to run on wheels, climb, burrow, and even attempt a cage escape now and then. Within 30 days of purchasing a hamster from Petco, you can return it for a full refund. As with any pet, owning a hamster requires time, effort, and money. Double-check your hamsters cage for escape routes. Hamsters need to be active and have enrichment so they don't get bored and overweight. After a brief quarantine period, PetSmart will put the hamster back up for sale. This involves care in how you market your hamster and which website you use. Even if the animal shelter is full, it may be able to connect you with other rescuers in the area that can assist. When your hamster seems to be in excruciating pain every single minute. Such establishments may feel a greater responsibility to a hamster and take on its care, regardless of age. The shelter will likely already have more hamsters and small animals than theyll ever rehome. If you paid with a credit card, the refund will be credited back to your account. 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. With thousands of articles covering everything from do-it-yourself repairs to tips on parenting, Arew has something for everyone. Theyre small, cute, and relatively low-maintenance. Taking in an unwanted hamster that is also ill may create some difficulties because of the potential health dangers to other animals, such as other hamsters. Please do not mail any specimens back to Petco. After all, hamsters originate from wild habitats, and domesticated pets are ill-equipped to survive. As long as you follow the steps below, a successful outcome is likely. At this point, you may be wondering, will pet stores take hamsters? 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 hamsters only have short lifespans, they require a high level of care. Hi, I'm Julie. You should handle a sick hamster with care since some of the bacteria strains can spread to people. 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. If the hamster is dead after 30 days, you can return it to Petco, but you will not receive a refund or exchange. Choosing a hamster that is easy to tame is another factor to consider. But then you realize that taking care of a hamster is actually a lot of work. If you are away, then make arrangements to have your hamster checked on at least every 48 hours. Dwarf hamsters, on the other hand, can live with others if theyre introduced at a young age. The first thing you should do is reach out to your local humane society or animal shelter. Hamsters can be legally euthanized in most states but it is always a great idea to check local animal cruelty laws before going ahead. Litter training may help in making the cleaning process easier. Im not sure if you will need to bring in your hamsters body, probably not, but maybe call to ask. You'll need to have your purchase receipt, and you may be asked to fill out a return form. Avoid opening the chamber to confirm whether the hamster is dead. Under these laws, a buyer must promptly give the seller written notice of the problem, along with a certification from a licensed veterinarian that the animal has an illness or disease that existed before the purchase. 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. This can help you in your efforts to keep the cage clean. Petco sells off-brand products with name brand labels slapped on them as a scam for your money. 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. The appeal of hamsters as pets for young people is that they dont live long and are inexpensive. If you decide to use the internet to sell your hamster for cash, you need to know how to sell hamsters online. Some pet stores will accept unwanted hamsters back with a valid receipt within 14 days of the sale. Leave your hamsters current bedding in the cage until you return. Do you want a standard procedure at the vets clinic or prefer home-based euthanasia by a vet on a comfy deathbed? Companion Animals explains that hamsters are prey animals. 3. Can I Return Live Animals? Pet hamsters should be kept in a clean cage with adequate space. To get a refund, you'll need to show evidence of purchase in the form of a valid ID and the original receipt. However, this comes down to individual stores and their policies. Please consult a licensed veterinarian for any medical condition or query regarding the health of your pet. You may need to call around the local area to find a rescue center that accepts hamsters. Facebook bans the sale of animals between individuals but allows it for businesses. The bar spacing on the cage should be no more than 1/2 inch, to prevent the hamster from escaping. This price is low because hamsters have short lives, usually around two years. Nothing beats knowing your fuzzy pal is doing alright and waiting for your return. Instead, make sure you hold or interact directly with your hamster at least once every 48 hours. 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. They have a habit of hoarding food in their bedding. Ask friends and family members if they want to adopt your hamster. 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. 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. 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. 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. Before dropping a hamster off, reach out to the animal shelter to check they have the space and capacity to care for it. link to Can Bearded Dragons Learn Their Name? Our cage with 32"43.3"21" spacious inner space can give your beloved pet a sweet home and its contrast-colored appearance make a decorative display to your room.The cage comes with 3 resting shelves and 3 safety-ramps; a slide-out tray; and removable bottom grilles; lockable casters; etc. You can take an unwanted hamster to an animal rescue shelter, which will find it a new home. 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. 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 you're selling a hamster, you'll likely be selling a habitat . 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. You can feed your pet hamster combinations of rat blocks (rodent chow) and seed mix or hamster pellets. There are many things to consider before returning your hamster to PETCO. If you remain convinced that you want to sell your hamster, you have the following options: Ask if anybody you know would be interested in buying the hamster. This way, if one bottle malfunctions or leaks, your hamster will still have access to another freshwater source. You can finally check the chamber to confirm death and make plans for disposal of the dead body. Avoid using bedding that could cause health problems when eaten. People blame Petco for fish deaths because they cant accept the responsibility of killing an animal. Litter train your pet hamster to keep everything neat. There are laws about releasing animals into the wild.