To safely leave your hamster alone, you can do a few things: Leave your hamster only dry shelf-stable food. link to Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? 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 no longer want the hamster, ask friends and family if they're interested in a new pet. Unfortunately, not all owners have sufficient time to meet these needs. You could sell the hamster online, but ensure its going to a good home with a suitable cage setup. If money is no object, at-home euthanasia services for hamsters can be an option too. However, there are some basic rules to follow when feeding this fruit to your hamster, to reduce any possible side effects. 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. You may have more luck with a local, independent pet store. Hamsters can be returned to Petco without being euthanized. We recommend always calling on a vet to euthanize sick pets including hamsters. These factors can come into play when determining the cost of getting a sick hamster put down. Avoid using bedding that could cause health problems when eaten. Live Fish & Invertebrates CANNOT be returned to any Petco or Unleashed by Petco stores. Hamsters are one of the most popular pets in the world, and its no wonder why. When your hamster does not have the strength to pee or poop like normal. They dont take returns. 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. If you cant care for a hamster, giving it up is the right thing to do. Theres no specific price to pay for professional hamster euthanasia services. Most items can be returned through any one of these options: 1. If your friend or neighbor does not feel comfortable opening the cage or providing food and water, they can at least send you the reassurance that your hamster is still in his cage, alive, and generally doing well. While a pet hamster was almost certainly born in captivity, it'll retain instincts that drive it. The hamster must be in good health, and you may be charged a restocking fee. 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. It's also a good idea to provide hay in your hamster's environment to help with nesting and foraging. Returning hamsters to Petco over the 30-day mark may be acceptable in some cases, but a refund is unlikely in this instance. Theyre nationwide, so be clear about where youre located. The significant role played by bitcoin for businesses! You may have an allergy to small animal dander, or another pet could end the hamsters life. Petco reserves the right to limit returns regardless of receipt. If the teeth are left to continue growing they will eventually start causing pain and other health issues. The owner may then return the pet for a refund or another similar animal. Some pet stores will take back recently sold hamsters if the owner has changed their mind and can no longer care for them. Selecting a Hamster. Hamsters love to run on wheels, climb, burrow, and even attempt a cage escape now and then. eBay doesnt allow the sale of live animals. David Krug 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. Within 30 days of the original purchase, the hamster can be returned for any reason, including illness, death, or unhappiness. But how long can you generally leave them alone before issues can typically arise? When your hamster has lost interest and does not have the strength to move, self-groom, or engage in healthy daily activities. 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. According toThe Laboratory Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Hamster, and Other Rodents, Syrian hamsters are commonly used in laboratory experiments. Avoid opening the chamber to confirm whether the hamster is dead. If you paid with a credit card, the refund will be credited back to your account. What to do if Petco won't take your hamster If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return it to one of our retail store locations. Double-check your hamster's cage for escape routes Leave Your Hamster Dry Food A hamster can generally be left between 1-2 days before they need checking up on. Can I return a hamster to PetSmart? - AskingPet You shouldnt put them together after they reach 10 weeks old. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hamsteranswers_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_24',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hamsteranswers_com-narrow-sky-2-0');That doesnt mean its not worth enquiring about. Carbon dioxide gas will start filling the atmosphere, passing through the hose and into the euthanasia chamber. A short weekend away or a family event can mean that we need to leave our hamster alone. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Facebook decides whether a profile belongs to a business or an individual. Dont use bedding that could wrap around their body or limbs to prevent accidents. As long as the shelter youre taking your hamster to isnt full, animal rescue centers will take unwanted animals to find them the right home. This mineral buildup can block the showerhead's water flow, preventing it from Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? Before giving up a hamster, ensure there are no other options available. You may also add to your hamsters stress by making him feel less at home in his environment. Pet stores get hamsters through certain breeders, which means they have enough animals to sell. It is important that you make sure your home is safe and conducive for a pet hamster. If youre determined to sell your hamster, youll need to prepare yourself, as you wont make much money. It may mean looking at our personal lifestyles and schedules; it may even mean adapting them a little too. How Long Can You Leave A Hamster Alone? [And Tips To Do So] - Pet Educate Hamsters are notorious escape artists. 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. 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. Take all the necessary precautions to protect your hamster from other companion animals at home. To get the hamster examined by a veterinarian after 30 days, Petco has the option of doing so. If behavior is not an issue, and you are simply no longer able to keep your pet, contact the pet store where you purchased it. Should you return a sick hamster to Petco? Petco Hamster Return Policy (all You Need To Know) 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. A hamster should not be left alone for more than 48 hours. Consider leaving your thermostat on its regular settings so that your hamster doesnt spend your time away battling with extreme and irregular temperatures. If you leave your hamster without any water or food, it can survive up to 48 hours. 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. There is no financial compensation if the hamster was acquired outside of Petco. For instance, some pet cemeteries charge up to $1,000 to get the little guy buried in style. After safely putting down 3 sick hamsters in the last 5 years, our personal experiences show that theres no easy way to get the deed done even if you know how to go about it. Always remember anyone can post on the MSE forums, so it can be very different from our opinion. The appeal of hamsters as pets for young people is that they dont live long and are inexpensive. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. 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. Theres no easy way to say this: sometimes people just realize that they cant keep their hamster, and they need to return it to the store. Tucker Murphy Pet Cresa Outdoor Crate | Wayfair As you can see, owning a hamster is not a cheap undertaking. Shouldnt we leave our hamster cage fresh and clean for them to enjoy? 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. 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. 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. If the hamster isnt sold, itll be given to an animal shelter so it doesnt live out its life in a pet store. A more experienced vet will likely charge higher for putting down hamsters compared to novices because of the potential difference in skill level. Even though a hamster lives in a cage, it is not an entirely hands-free pet. 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. But before you run to your nearest pet store to buy one, there are a few things you should know about how to care for a hamster. 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. Few things are more admirable than the sight of a pet responding to its name when called. Will pet stores take back previously purchased animals such as snakes or hamsters? Take your hamster to a local animal shelter or rescue organization. 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. Some hamsters are more like little Houdini escape artists than others. David Krug is the CEO & President of Bankovia. Hamsters are quite small in size and other home animals may see them as prey. Dr. Diehl is a passionate veterinarian pursuing specialty medicine with over 6 years' experience with exotic pets. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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). Day 30 Bedding also differs from outdoor terrain, preventing hamsters from burrowing for warmth and security. The store must do the refund and replacement of the pet. Your hamster's diet should be made of 75 % fortified pellets, 20% veggies, greens, and fruits, and 5 % treats. Hamsters come in small and large, Most captive hamsters are native to desert conditions, so digging is a natural behavior. Pet boarding services for hamsters range from $15 - $19 per night, depending on your pet's location and requirements. The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. This piece of advice might seem a bit strange. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'hamsteranswers_com-leader-3','ezslot_13',165,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hamsteranswers_com-leader-3-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'hamsteranswers_com-leader-3','ezslot_14',165,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hamsteranswers_com-leader-3-0_1');.leader-3-multi-165{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Price your hamster higher than frozen mice to avoid this fate. For non-health-related reasons, Petco may be able to take it back and assist you in finding a new home. Petsmart also doesnt have shrimp or snails or many things needed to care for them and most fish such as driftwood. Questions about the swimming abilities of bearded dragons Hey there! Keeping a hamster around may harm your respiratory system if youre allergic to animal dander. Hamsters can be unfriendly if theyre not tamed properly. Can I Return Live Animals? If you gain interest in your hamster from a stranger, ask some questions to the potential buyer. I really hope that you find this site useful! 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. Theyre small, cute, and relatively low-maintenance. 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.