Provide them with dust-extracted bedding. Petco and Petsmart are usually very good about this. Of course, you can factor these into your asking price. 1 gallon size plastic zip lock bag or shoe box. Socialization in hamsters. Charges may range from $200 to $800 depending on your location as well as the the kind of extras chosen. If his appetite is not completely lost, this can be a great time to offer some of his favorite treats. 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. Greens are a good option to offer daily; parsley, kale, romaine, peas, and squash are all good options. Hamsters may pick and choose what they want to eat from seed mixtures and therefore will not receive a balanced diet. Hamsters eat vegetables like lettuce, carrots, and spinach. While thoroughly researched and meticulously checked, the content on Pet Educate does not constitute, nor should replace any pet medical advice. Exposure to concentrated C02 (over 80 percent) is an instant way to kill hamsters without unnecessary pain. Companion Animals explains that hamsters are prey animals. You can take an unwanted hamster to an animal rescue shelter, which will find it a new home. But how long can you generally leave them alone before issues can typically arise? Handling a hamster correctly is crucial to both your safety and the safety of your pet. The veterinarian often allows the pet rodent to inhale anesthesied gas mixed with oxygen. Hamsters are small animals that can be very cute and cuddly. IF you cant take care of the animal and cannot find someone who will go to a pet store and explain your, and the hamsters problem. Leaving your hamster alone for a period of time can be done with a little bit of planning and preparation ahead of time. A refund or exchange can then be obtained from Petco. Live or dead fish can be returned to PetSmart within 14 days of purchase, customer service representatives for PetSmart said. Perhaps you brought home a sick hamster, or maybe your new pet isnt a good fit for your family. Greens are a good option to offer daily; parsley, kale, romaine, peas, and squash are all good options. How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? It also helps in keeping them sharp. Ready to get the latest from Bankovia? Its an upsetting thought, but some snake owners look to purchase hamsters as a food source. The hamster must be in good health, and you may be charged a restocking fee. An original receipt or purchase confirmation email will be required to verify your identity and transaction. Before you start down a potentially arduous process of looking to sell your hamster, consider donating it to a local animal shelter. What Is The Difference Between Bonding And HardWall. I am a practiced pet owner with decades of experience owning a number of different pets. link to Can you cook mince 1 day out of date? Stores wont take on hamsters if they dont know their age and health condition. Most hamster fur color changes. If the hamster is dead after 30 days, you can return it to Petco, but you will not receive a refund or exchange. Pet hamsters are prone to illnesses like amyloidosis (kidney disease) and congestive heart failure. Males tend to outlive females, but their lifespan remains short. When you hamster has stopped eating and drinking completely due to illness and continues to suffer substantial dehydration and weight loss. For instance, some pet cemeteries charge up to $1,000 to get the little guy buried in style. Giving the hamster to a friend or family member. How to return an item purchased at PetSmart? This way, if one bottle malfunctions or leaks, your hamster will still have access to another freshwater source. Unwanted hamsters remain in the centers until they find a home. While all pet stores have different policies, most national chain stores wont buy a hamster from you or take the hamster back for free. -Bedding: $10-$15 Unfortunately, there are times when it is the right thing to do. 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. Self-easing may become labored with strange scents. Letting your furball go through additional excruciating pain because of indecision can be a disservice to him. After a brief quarantine period, PetSmart will put the hamster back up for sale. 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. If a hamster stays at the store more than 6 months it would either be transferred to a new location or adopted out (free). Just like your hamster needs plenty of food, they also will need water while you are away. The hamster could succumb to dehydration, starvation, or exposure to the elements. 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. This should reduce the whole familys grief and speed up closure when the pet rodent is finally gone. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. one for the hose and the other to whip out air as the carbon dioxide enters the jar serving as the euthanasia chamber. For young children, this can be problematic, especially if the hamster bites their sensitive fingers. A short weekend away or a family event can mean that we need to leave our hamster alone. 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. Youll need to have your purchase receipt, and you may be asked to fill out a return form. When your hamster seems to be in excruciating pain every single minute. Facebook bans the sale of animals between individuals but allows it for businesses. 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. You may also add to your hamsters stress by making him feel less at home in his environment. Sign up for our newsletter. Merck Veterinary Manual. Free-roaming allows your hamster to have sufficient exercise and explore spaces other than its own cage. 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. Offering 5-10 tablets of Tylenol PM should do the trick but expect your hamster to look disoriented after overdosing on the painkillers. Or before they are going to need your help and support. Peteducate.com uses affiliate links; where we may earn from qualifying purchases (at no additional cost to you). Hamsters can be returned to Petco without being euthanized. 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. Choosing a hamster that is easy to tame is another factor to consider. 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. At this point, you may be wondering, will pet stores take hamsters? 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. However, youll still likely struggle to attract a buyer at more than $40. Please do not mail any specimens back to Petco. When a hamster gets scared or awakened suddenly they may bite. But how do you humanely euthanize a pet hamster at home when you have no access to a vet or cant afford one? The return policy and restocking schedules for Petco products may also be found here. This price is low because hamsters have short lives, usually around two years. Typically, the longer the level of experience, the higher the price charged but there may be exceptions. Boarding houses that host small or 'pocket' animals also have specialized areas to be in a calm and safe environment. 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. Alternatively, dispose of the hamster in the garbage. 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. Your hamster should not be left alone for more than 48 hours. 5 Certain Reasons You Should Know! Dont ask for a financial donation for your hamster in these instances. Hamsters generally eat grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruits like apples. Hamsters can be legally euthanized in most states but it is always a great idea to check local animal cruelty laws before going ahead. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Even though these pet rodents have shorter lifespans, the decision to let them cross over to the other side can be extremely difficult. An, The Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) lives for around 2-3 years, assuming they can avoid sickness while very young. If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return it to one of our retail store locations. A high metabolism releases free radicals,, In total, there are at least 20 species of hamsters. Take all the necessary precautions to protect your hamster from other companion animals at home. Pet stores get hamsters through certain breeders, which means they have enough animals to sell. 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. It is important that you make sure your home is safe and conducive for a pet hamster. The store must do the refund and replacement of the pet. We have a 30-day guarantee on companion animals, please contact your local Petco about a return. Extra food and a quiet nesting area inside the cage need to be provided to a pregnant hamster. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Be patient and let your hamster walk onto your hand, maybe offering a treat to keep the experience as positive as possible. Most pet stores will stop selling hamsters older than 12 weeks due to the short lifespan of these pets. A more experienced vet will likely charge higher for putting down hamsters compared to novices because of the potential difference in skill level. Should you return a sick hamster to Petco? I'm here to share my knowledge and experience with you. However, these methods may delay the little guys death and cause further pain. You can feed your pet hamster combinations of rat blocks (rodent chow) and seed mix or hamster pellets. They have certain needs that simply must be met. They can be quite fun and they do not need much room due to their size. Manage Settings Things like sudden movements and loud noises can cause them distress. By cleaning the cage right before leaving, you may accidentally throw out your hamsters favorite food stash for when you are gone. They're small, adorable, and relatively easy to care for. When your hamster does not have the strength to pee or poop like normal. Why didn't you raise the bleeding paw during the sale since you noticed it? Selling or giving a hamster away could be a good idea, provided you find it a good home. 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. Depending on the height of the fall, the broken neck can be so severe that it ends up killing the hamster. C/O Pet Educate4736 Royal Ave PMB 109160Eugene, OR 97402United States. So, its worth getting in touch with any centers in the area. Hamsters are one of the most popular pets in the world, and its no wonder why. 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. Pet boarding services for hamsters range from $15 - $19 per night, depending on your pet's location and requirements. David Krug is the CEO & President of Bankovia. And with new content being added every day, there's always something new to discover. If their cages arent properly secured, they can scale the walls of their enclosure and find a way out. Hamsters come in small and large, Most captive hamsters are native to desert conditions, so digging is a natural behavior. A deceased hamster that you didnt buy from Petco can be returned to the store and disposed of by a Petco employee. 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. Dwarf hamsters, on the other hand, can live with others if theyre introduced at a young age. 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. link to How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? This method is not recommended for anyone looking to put down pet rodents in a humane way. If they come back as a non-properly established tank they can technically deny you the refund, saying its your fault the fish died. Selecting a Hamster. 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. Within 30 days of the original purchase, the hamster can be returned for any reason, including illness, death, or unhappiness. Over time, showerheads can become clogged with deposits of calcium, magnesium, lime, silica, and other minerals. -Toys: $5-$10 Nothing beats knowing your fuzzy pal is doing alright and waiting for your return. To get the hamster examined by a veterinarian after 30 days, Petco has the option of doing so. Few things are more admirable than the sight of a pet responding to its name when called. If you no longer want a hamster, youll need to find it a safe and loving home. If you leave your hamster without any water or food, it can survive up to 48 hours. Hamsters are also susceptible to other types of bacteria causing diarrhea and dehydration. While doing so you can notice when they start acting differently. Litter train your pet hamster to keep everything neat. Overdosing on Tylenol can kill hamsters but the process may be quite slow and painful. You may have an allergy to small animal dander, or another pet could end the hamsters life. Trying to hold and play with an ill or injured hamster can create stress that slows down healing. Nonetheless, let us now delve deeper into why these hamsters need regular, almost daily checkups. You shouldnt put them together after they reach 10 weeks old. Ask them for photos of their setup to ensure they can properly care for your hamster. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Additional methods include cervical dislocation and even Tylenol overdose. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and fur types. Although they are small, these agile creatures can easily bite if frightened or mishandled. They are small rodents that typically live about two years, and are usually best housed alone. When he's not reading about cryptocurrencies, he's researching the latest personal finance software. Even in motherhood, females spend only a few weeks with her young. However, you can return an unwanted hamster within 14 days of purchase with a valid receipt. To return your hamster to Petco, youll need to take it to the store and speak with a manager. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. When your hamster has lost interest and does not have the strength to move, self-groom, or engage in healthy daily activities. Maintaining normal light patterns also helps protect your hamsters health and sleep cycle. 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. As popular as hamsters are, theyre not adopted as often as cats, dogs, or rabbits. Hamsters can be returned to Petco without being euthanized. If you cant care for a hamster, giving it up is the right thing to do. Heres a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for each month: -Vet visits: $20-$30 Arrange a Pet Sitter 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. Cervical dislocation, a technique involving the dislocation of the spinal column from the brain or skull via the application of small pressure on the neck is another popular method. To get a refund, you'll need to show evidence of purchase in the form of a valid ID and the original receipt. Times It Is Smart To Leave Your Hamster Alone, Your Hamster Has Been Showing Signs Of Feeling Unwell, How You Can Safely Leave Your Hamster Alone, Leave Your Hamster With A Full Bottle of Fresh Water, Leave Your Hamsters Current Bedding In The Cage, Double Check Your Hamsters Cage For Escape Routes, Maintain The Normal Temperature And Light Patterns Your Hamster Is Used To, Make Sure Your Hamster Has A Wheel And Plenty Of Toys For Entertainment, Consider Having A Friend Do A Visual-Check On Your Hamster, Why Is My Hamster Not Using Its Wheel [And How To Get Them To], How Much Exercise Does A Chihuahua Need?