can you return a hamster to pets at home

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. There are a number of reasons why you might need to return your hamster to Petco. Pet hamsters should be kept in a clean cage with adequate space. But then you realize that taking care of a hamster is actually a lot of work. Your hamster's diet should be made of 75 % fortified pellets, 20% veggies, greens, and fruits, and 5 % treats. one for the hose and the other to whip out air as the carbon dioxide enters the jar serving as the euthanasia chamber. Respiratory infections for hamsters are very hard on their small airways and lungs. 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. 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. 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. Petco reserves the right to limit returns regardless of receipt. 1. A hamster should not be left alone for more than 48 hours. We recommend always calling on a vet to euthanize sick pets including hamsters. Call a local animal shelter and ask if they take small pets. Petco will also reimburse the price of a dead hamster that is returned to them. As you can see, owning a hamster is not a cheap undertaking. If your hamster is older than 8 weeks, you'll need to reduce your asking price from what a pet store would expect. 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. Unwanted hamsters remain in the centers until they find a home. The (good) employees do care about them, after all. The hamster must be in good health, and you may be charged a restocking fee. Their strong sense of smell helps them identify each other. The distance from the vets clinic to your home and other location-based factors may also determine how much it costs in the end. Mikey McDanielPetco Yes, you can return; however, we recommend calling ahead. The veterinarian often allows the pet rodent to inhale anesthesied gas mixed with oxygen. Extra food and a quiet nesting area inside the cage need to be provided to a pregnant hamster. Hamsters need to be active and have enrichment so they don't get bored and overweight. Within 2 minutes, the pet rodent should be deeply asleep and making heavy breaths due to the deep anesthesia exposure. Looking for something in particular? 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. Live Fish & Invertebrates CANNOT be returned to any Petco or Unleashed by Petco stores. 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. 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. The proper daily care of your hamster can improve its lifespan. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. If you paid with a credit card, the refund will be credited back to your account. Need a new start..wheres good to live in the UK?! 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. Hamsters generally eat grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruits like apples. This way, if one bottle malfunctions or leaks, your hamster will still have access to another freshwater source. So, its worth getting in touch with any centers in the area. There are reports that hamsters returned within 30 days after purchase are kept in a rear room for surveillance purposes. Stores wont take on hamsters if they dont know their age and health condition. There are many hamster cage options available both online and at pet stores but some cages are definitely better than others. We all adopt or purchase hamsters with the intention of caring and building a lifelong bond. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. After 30 days, call your local store and ask if they have room to take the pet. Before relinquishing the hamster from your care, ask potential owners about their intentions. How Long Should You Leave Your Hamster Alone? If you paid with cash, you will receive a cash refund. Yes, you can make a return if you originally paid with a check. Besides they sometimes can climb stairs and often can squeeze under doors! Peteducate.com uses affiliate links; where we may earn from qualifying purchases (at no additional cost to you). If the hamster isnt sold, itll be given to an animal shelter so it doesnt live out its life in a pet store. Whether you get a refund is a matter of discussion between you and the store. While the process should be done quickly to put the little guy out of his misery, the value of spending some final time together with a pet that has become like family cannot be overemphasized. Double-check your hamsters cage for escape routes. A pet store may accept the return of a hamster if you bring it home and quickly discover that you cant care for it. 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. We are seasoned pet owners and enthusiasts who love to share everything that we learn about them! Facebook bans the sale of animals between individuals but allows it for businesses. 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. When your hamster has lost interest and does not have the strength to move, self-groom, or engage in healthy daily activities. 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. Heres a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for each month: -Vet visits: $20-$30 He's a lifelong expat who has lived in the Philippines, Mexico, Thailand, and Colombia. But if youre prepared to take on the responsibility (and expense), then youre well on your way to becoming a great hamster owner! Hamsters come in small and large, Most captive hamsters are native to desert conditions, so digging is a natural behavior. link to Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? 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. It's also a good idea to provide hay in your hamster's environment to help with nesting and foraging. 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. Even when hamsters have plenty of food and water, they need to be checked on by their owners or another caretaker to make sure they are eating, drinking, and exercising. Prepare your home. Editor, Marcus Herbert. You can feed your pet hamster combinations of rat blocks (rodent chow) and seed mix or hamster pellets. However, this comes down to individual stores and their policies. Facebook decides whether a profile belongs to a business or an individual. One of the easiest ways of getting hold of a hamster is through a pet store. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. It's not just a random date that the food company picked out of thin air. Bedding also differs from outdoor terrain, preventing hamsters from burrowing for warmth and security. If your hamster is sick you should only give them medication recommended to them by the vet. Most hamsters will also eat the immature seeds in the hay. Should you return a sick hamster to Petco? Hamster crematoriums may also charge up to $800 for those who prefer cremation. 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. They are small rodents that typically live about two years, and are usually best housed alone. Over time, showerheads can become clogged with deposits of calcium, magnesium, lime, silica, and other minerals. Take your hamster to a local animal shelter or rescue organization. When you do not have the financial muscle or cannot commit as much time as necessary to care for the sick hamster. They have fast metabolisms to keep their body temperature stable. During this time, the foundation will cover the costs of food, housing, and veterinary treatments. Location can be a huge factor in determining how much professional hamster euthanasia costs. 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. What to do if Petco won't take your hamster Hamsters can also send messages to others by emitting chemicals using scent glands. Hamsters can be returned to Petco without being euthanized. How do you humanely euthanize a pet hamster at home? Day 30 That way, you can ensure the home has a suitable setup and good intentions. You should handle a sick hamster with care since some of the bacteria strains can spread to people. Petco sells off-brand products with name brand labels slapped on them as a scam for your money. Instead, cover and leave it alone for half an hour or so. Self-easing may become labored with strange scents. Hamsters are small, curious, cage-living pets that can thrive in a variety of home environments. By cleaning the cage right before leaving, you may accidentally throw out your hamsters favorite food stash for when you are gone. Theyre small, cute, and relatively low-maintenance. Pet boarding services for hamsters range from $15 - $19 per night, depending on your pet's location and requirements. If you get a cat or dog from Petco you did not purchase it, you adopted it from a local rescue. However, you can return an unwanted hamster within 14 days of purchase with a valid receipt. Prescription medication items and special orders cannot be returned in our stores. However, youll still likely struggle to attract a buyer at more than $40. Releasing a hamster into the wild isnt an option, as domesticated hamsters lack survival instincts. Hamster diet. This can be a solid alternative if you want to use the dead rodents body for another purpose. How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? Although they are small, these agile creatures can easily bite if frightened or mishandled. If you no longer want the hamster, ask friends and family if theyre interested in a new pet. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. Avoid opening the chamber to confirm whether the hamster is dead. We are sorry to hear about your bird. In some instances, the hamster could even survive. When you leave, it can be tempting to lower or raise your thermostat to save energy costs when you are gone. Selling or giving a hamster away could be a good idea, provided you find it a good home. Even then, it is essential to provide them with enough food and water while you are away. Hamster ownership is a greater commitment than many people realize. -Toys: $5-$10 To get a refund, youll need to show evidence of purchase in the form of a valid ID and the original receipt. 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. Just like your hamster needs plenty of food, they also will need water while you are away. By How Much Does it Cost To Euthanize a Hamster? You can also purchase hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables separately and mix them yourself. Petco will accept a dead hamster for return within 30 days of purchase at any of its U.S. stores. You can take an unwanted hamster to an animal rescue shelter, which will find it a new home. After a brief quarantine period, PetSmart will put the hamster back up for sale. You may have an allergy to small animal dander, or another pet could end the hamsters life. Shouldnt we leave our hamster cage fresh and clean for them to enjoy? A more experienced vet will likely charge higher for putting down hamsters compared to novices because of the potential difference in skill level. [Old Enough + Too Old], 4 Different Types of Small Pet Hamster Species (with Pictures), What To Look Out for When Buying A Hamster, Why Is My Hamster's Fur Changing Color? If your hamster dies within 30 days of purchase, you can return it to Petco for a refund or exchange. An, The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) lives for around 2-3 years, assuming they can avoid sickness while very young. But if you offer a pelleted diet instead of a seed mixture and supplement it with a variety of other safe foods, you will be providing your hamster with everything it needs to thrive. 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. Such establishments may feel a greater responsibility to a hamster and take on its care, regardless of age. Special balls can also be purchased to allow a hamster to run around safely outside its cage; cute houses and other climbable options are available to provide your hamster with ample exercise. If you gain interest in your hamster from a stranger, ask some questions to the potential buyer. 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. Selecting a Hamster. An independent pet store may agree to buy a hamster, although this applies only to pups (babies). Four good reasons to indulge in cryptocurrency! Also, personal circumstances can change, meaning you can no longer care for the hamster. But this doesnt mean that they can be bought, set up, left, and forgotten. [Old Enough + Too Old], 10 Most Common Syrian Hamster Old Age Symptoms, 4 Different Types of Small Pet Hamster Species (with Pictures), Is It Normal for A Hamster To Dig? Alternatively, dispose of the hamster in the garbage. One of the easiest ways of getting hold of a hamster is through a pet store. You should quarantine your fish from any store you buy from. Dont use bedding that could wrap around their body or limbs to prevent accidents. Additional methods include cervical dislocation and even Tylenol overdose. Most hamsters sold by pet stores are 6-8 weeks old and retail at about $10-20. This will prevent their teeth from overgrowing. If you cant care for a hamster, giving it up is the right thing to do. 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. Pet hamsters are prone to illnesses like amyloidosis (kidney disease) and congestive heart failure. To get the hamster examined by a veterinarian after 30 days, Petco has the option of doing so. Petco reserves the right to limit returns regardless of receipt. 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. We try to figure it out, give them proper rest and treatment, but still, you find no chance of . To safely leave your hamster alone, you can do a few things: When you are home with your hamster, they may often enjoy fresh green treats, small bits of fruits and veggies, and even live mealworms. In these instances, youll need to look into rehoming the hamster. 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. The expiration date on food is there for a reason. Is it better to buy fish at Petco or PetSmart? 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. 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. There are several methods available for DIY hamster euthanasia but the gas chamber option seems to be the most pain-free from personal experience. As hamsters have short lifespans, few traders will pay for an adult. Hi, I'm Julie. [Hamster Always Burrowing]. Most items can be returned through any one of these options: 1. When your hamster seems to be in excruciating pain every single minute. Hamsters are trainable. If a hamster stays at the store more than 6 months it would either be transferred to a new location or adopted out (free). A bored hamster can quickly become a destructive hamster. Even if you sneak a listing past the admins, your account may be banned if discovered. 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.. Can I Return Live Animals? This may mean calling in a friend or family member to offer or lend a hand of support to your hamster here. Now youre stuck with a fuzzy little creature that youre not sure what to do with. Live Fish & Invertebrates refunds may only be given by contacting Customer Service and cannot be given at any Petco store location. Before giving up a hamster, ensure there are no other options available. You can try selling your hamster by listing it online or placing an advert in a local paper. You may struggle to find a pet store willing to take on a hamster, let alone buy it from you. Of course, you can factor these into your asking price. Few things are more admirable than the sight of a pet responding to its name when called. Because of that children under eight years old should handle hamsters only with adult supervision. Not all hope is lost if you lose your receipt. If you can no longer care for your hamster, sell it to someone online or donate it to an animal charity. Never feed your hamster uncooked beans, onions, candy, chocolate, or junk food. 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. For instance, some pet cemeteries charge up to $1,000 to get the little guy buried in style. 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. Within 30 days of the original purchase, the hamster can be returned for any reason, including illness, death, or unhappiness. Some pet stores will take back recently sold hamsters if the owner has changed their mind and can no longer care for them. A self-taught DIYer, Tammy loves nothing more than tackling a new project in her own home. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. While hamsters only have short lifespans, they require a high level of care. Because hamsters like to store their extra food in special areas of their cage, we want to avoid having the hamster store fresh food that is likely to spoil while you are gone. While doing so you can notice when they start acting differently. 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 you have decided that you can no longer care for your hamster, there are a few options available: 1. Leave your hamster's current bedding in the cage until you return. Please review the following options and decide what is best for you and your hamster. Pet stores get hamsters through certain breeders, which means they have enough animals to sell. Many folks throw the bodies of dead rodents into the dumpster even if it sounds unconventional. 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. They are safe and healthy for them to enjoy too. Yes. Before dropping a hamster off, reach out to the animal shelter to check they have the space and capacity to care for it. Keeping a hamster around may harm your respiratory system if youre allergic to animal dander. 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. Matt A New Nursing Assistant, Tells A Resident, How Does Declan Die In Revenge, Quest Diagnostics Varicella Titer Cost, Articles C