Place the hamsters cage away from direct sunlight or a heat source. If you paid with a credit card, the refund will be credited back to your account. Any fees you are charged may be donated to the animal shelter where the animal was taken in for adoption. Stores wont take on hamsters if they dont know their age and health condition. You should provide your hamster with enough material to gnaw on. It's not just a random date that the food company picked out of thin air. Items purchased in-store can be returned with a receipt within 60 days for a full refund in the original form of tender. She is trained as a Fear Free Certified Professional to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. So, its worth getting in touch with any centers in the area. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. 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. The store must do the refund and replacement of the pet. Make sure to bring your receipt and proof of purchase to the nearest Petco shop in order for your refund to be processed. We recommend always calling on a vet to euthanize sick pets including hamsters. Ive raised several lovely creatures from childhood with the aim of being the best pet parent I can be. Can I Take My Hamster Back to the Pet Shop? People blame Petco for fish deaths because they cant accept the responsibility of killing an animal. Boarding houses that host small or 'pocket' animals also have specialized areas to be in a calm and safe environment. Pet hamsters are prone to illnesses like amyloidosis (kidney disease) and congestive heart failure. If you can no longer care for your hamster, sell it to someone online or donate it to an animal charity. These factors can come into play when determining the cost of getting a sick hamster put down. 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. A pet store may accept the return of a hamster if you bring it home and quickly discover that you cant care for it. Why Does My Hair Get Greasy After A Day? But they are also delicate. If you need to be gone longer than 48 hours, you should make arrangements for someone to check your hamsters food and water levels and be prepared to refill any empty parts. 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. If you cannot care for the hamster or find it a new home, your last resort should be euthanasia by a veterinarian. This way, youll know youre relinquishing your hamster to a safe, reliable home. 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. 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. Will pet stores take back previously purchased animals such as snakes or hamsters? And with new content being added every day, there's always something new to discover. There are a variety of hamster toys that are designed to be chewed so your hamster's teeth can be properly cared for, and an exercise wheel will allow a hamster to run as much as they want. Instead, make sure you hold or interact directly with your hamster at least once every 48 hours. What does a blinking blue light on a smoke detector mean? Ready to get the latest from Bankovia? All rights reserved. Tammy Slater is the founder of arew.org, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters alike. Some stores will consider the return an adoption and an act of mercy. Of course, you can factor these into your asking price. 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. Double-check your hamsters cage for escape routes. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Saying Goodbye to Your Hamster During His Last Days. An, The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) lives for around 2-3 years, assuming they can avoid sickness while very young. Your hamster also could need medical care or get itself into an unsafe situation in its cage and need your assistance. Hold the cup through the plastic bag and pour out a half gallon of the vinegar slowly into the baking soda making sure it takes about 60 seconds. Yes, your pet hamster can be euthanized, if your hamster is ill, injured, has organ failure or cancer, severe illness, or old. Location can be a huge factor in determining how much professional hamster euthanasia costs. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If you bought the hamster from a breeder or another source, returning it to them may be an option. With thousands of articles covering everything from do-it-yourself repairs to tips on parenting, Arew has something for everyone. What Happens to Returned Hamsters at Petco. Many folks throw the bodies of dead rodents into the dumpster even if it sounds unconventional. Hamster crematoriums may also charge up to $800 for those who prefer cremation. Either way, it is essential that whoever looks after your hamster fully understands what they need to do while you are away. Alternatively, advertise in a local newspaper or place a card in a local shop window. To wrap things up, it really is best for your hamster to receive daily care and interaction. If you cant care for a hamster, giving it up is the right thing to do. If you cant care for your hamster, find a friend or family member prepared to look after it first. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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. There are various options, including: See if someone you know and trust would be willing to take the hamster from you. 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. Avoid opening the chamber to confirm whether the hamster is dead. Hamsters are common pets. The hamster must be in good health, and you may be charged a restocking fee. Training a hamster. 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. Odds are they will put the hamster in a little cage and sell it to someone else. Dont use bedding that could wrap around their body or limbs to prevent accidents. The price may depend on factors such as location, vets skill level, and the type of service but the range can start from as low as $40 to over $500. 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. The appeal of hamsters as pets for young people is that they dont live long and are inexpensive. 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. Also, personal circumstances can change, meaning you can no longer care for the hamster. When you hamster has stopped eating and drinking completely due to illness and continues to suffer substantial dehydration and weight loss. He's a lifelong expat who has lived in the Philippines, Mexico, Thailand, and Colombia. 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. Petco reserves the right to limit returns regardless of receipt. Watching a beloved hamster wither under severe pain and discomfort can be heartbreaking for everyone. How much room Petco has at any one moment determines whether or not it will accept an unwanted hamster back. Hamsters can also send messages to others by emitting chemicals using scent glands. As youve acknowledged, no animal should be forced to live with an owner that cant meet its basic care needs. If you're selling a hamster, you'll likely be selling a habitat . Search for anything. Overdosing on Tylenol can kill hamsters but the process may be quite slow and painful. 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. [Hamster Always Burrowing]. 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. Heres a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for each month: -Vet visits: $20-$30 The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Im Chuck and I love pets. Returning Products Purchased at a PetSmart Store If youre not satisfied with a product purchased in the store, simply bring the product in its original packaging and in new or salable condition to any PetSmart store to be returned. Yes. One of the easiest ways of getting hold of a hamster is through a pet store. This leaves them vulnerable and highly stressed. Socialization in hamsters. If you gain interest in your hamster from a stranger, ask some questions to the potential buyer. Hi, I'm Julie. 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. can you return a hamster to pets at home. 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. Or before they are going to need your help and support. This can help you in your efforts to keep the cage clean. Unfortunately, not all owners have sufficient time to meet these needs. Arranging a private sale to a friend, family member, acquaintance, or stranger. Some pet stores include adoption centers for pets their owners can no longer care for. Petsmart also doesnt have shrimp or snails or many things needed to care for them and most fish such as driftwood. Yes. 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. If your hamster is older than 8 weeks, youll need to reduce your asking price from what a pet store would expect. The first thing you should do is reach out to your local humane society or animal shelter. I really hope that you find this site useful! Why didn't you raise the bleeding paw during the sale since you noticed it? It is important that you make sure your home is safe and conducive for a pet hamster. Even though a hamster lives in a cage, it is not an entirely hands-free pet. 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. However, youll still likely struggle to attract a buyer at more than $40. Even then, it is essential to provide them with enough food and water while you are away. If you want to sell a hamster because it makes too much noise while trying to sleep, a silent exercise wheel can be beneficial. 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 have fast metabolisms to keep their body temperature stable. 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. There is no financial compensation if the hamster was acquired outside of Petco. 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 expiration date on food is there for a reason. Instead, cover and leave it alone for half an hour or so. But if youre prepared to take on the responsibility (and expense), then youre well on your way to becoming a great hamster owner! To allow this in a cage make their bed deep enough. 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. Petting the hamster gently and whispering sweet words to him during your playtimes can be very comforting in his last days. -Food: $5-$10 Hamsters in pet shops should have clean, good-sized accommodation and access to food and fresh water. Besides they sometimes can climb stairs and often can squeeze under doors! [Activity Guide]. It may mean looking at our personal lifestyles and schedules; it may even mean adapting them a little too. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. You should handle a sick hamster with care since some of the bacteria strains can spread to people. You can return a companion animal for a refund within 30 days of purchase, this can be done by contacting your local Petco store. Provide them with dust-extracted bedding. Double-check your hamster's cage for escape routes Leave Your Hamster Dry Food Letting your furball go through additional excruciating pain because of indecision can be a disservice to him. Males and females come together to mate, only to separate quickly afterwards. The average hamster lifespan is relatively short, around 1-2 years, but they can live up to 5 years. Pets at Home will rehome unwanted hamsters. Moving from a breeder or supplier to a store can be a stressful period for baby hamsters, and they will often get sick from it. 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. 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. 5 Certain Reasons You Should Know! An independent pet store may agree to buy a hamster, although this applies only to pups (babies). Pet hamsters should be kept in a clean cage with adequate space. 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. There are reports that hamsters returned within 30 days after purchase are kept in a rear room for surveillance purposes. You should always observe your hamsters closely. There are no restrictions placed on what you place for sale on Craigslist, provided you abide by the terms and conditions of the website. 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. Within 2 minutes, the pet rodent should be deeply asleep and making heavy breaths due to the deep anesthesia exposure. 1. Pet boarding services for hamsters range from $15 - $19 per night, depending on your pet's location and requirements. 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. While all pet stores have different policies, most national chain stores wont buy a hamster from you or take the hamster back for free. If the hamster isnt sold, itll be given to an animal shelter so it doesnt live out its life in a pet store. Hamsters especially dwarf hamsters have a tendency to burrow. Adrienne Kruzer is a veterinary technician with more than 15 years of experience providing healthcare to domestic and exotic animals. Hamsters are typically low-maintenance pets but proper care is essential to keeping them happy and healthy. eBay doesnt allow the sale of live animals. They need regular attention and care to truly thrive. We are sorry to hear about your bird. When your hamster does not have the strength to pee or poop like normal. Selecting a Hamster. Can I Return Live Animals? Maybe theyre moving, maybe theyre allergic, maybe they just werent prepared for how much work a tiny furry friend can be. I'm here to share my knowledge and experience with you. An original receipt or purchase confirmation email will be required to verify your identity and transaction. Do you want a standard procedure at the vets clinic or prefer home-based euthanasia by a vet on a comfy deathbed? If you have to spend money taking your pet to the vet soon after you bought it, you should ask the trader you bought it from to cover the cost of the vets fees. Facebook bans the sale of animals between individuals but allows it for businesses. -Other supplies: $5-$10. Hamsters come in a variety of colors and breeds, and different breeds are known for distinctive traits. What type of euthanasia service are you requesting? Maintaining normal light patterns also helps protect your hamsters health and sleep cycle. Most hamsters sold by pet stores are 6-8 weeks old and retail at about $10-20. Facebook decides whether a profile belongs to a business or an individual. 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. Unless you are buying obviously sick fish, Petco fish have just as much a chance of survival as any other store. 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. See also How To Introduce Formula To Breastfed Baby You can feed your pet hamster combinations of rat blocks (rodent chow) and seed mix or hamster pellets. This involves care in how you market your hamster and which website you use. Open the 1 gallon jar or juice pitcher and add familiar litter and toys from the hamsters cage to provide comfort during the little guys last moments. Additional methods include cervical dislocation and even Tylenol overdose. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This is a stressful experience for owners. Can I Return Live Animals? A child may drop the hamster, squeeze it, or scare it. Hamsters are popular pets for children and adults alike. Also, personal circumstances can change, meaning you can no longer care for the hamster. 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. 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. Manage Settings Theres no specific price to pay for professional hamster euthanasia services. Within 30 days we will refund you and put the pet back on the floor for full price if it is not sick or injured. 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. You may have an allergy to small animal dander, or another pet could end the hamsters life. Even if you dont want the hamster anymore, you should still ensure it doesnt come to any harm. Here are the most popular options available. Most hamster fur color changes. We wanted to give you a few more general tips for keeping your hamster comfortable when you need to leave it alone. They're small, adorable, and relatively easy to care for. Nonetheless, let us now delve deeper into why these hamsters need regular, almost daily checkups.