However, pet stores must sell hamsters old enough to go to a new home., Hamster ownership is a greater commitment than many people realize. You may struggle to find a pet store willing to take on a hamster, let alone buy it 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. 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. animal humane society: Hamster care., BLUE CROSS: Looking after a hamster., THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF THE UNITED STATES: Is a hamster the right pet for you?. Here are a couple of scenarios where euthanasia may be the most sensible option for hamsters. As mentioned earlier, hamsters get frightened easily. Hamsters can be unfriendly if theyre not tamed properly. 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. 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. Even in motherhood, females spend only a few weeks with her young. A sick hamster can be returned to Petco for a 30-day guarantee on companion animals, which includes hamsters, and your local shop may accept the return. We don't as a general policy investigate the solvency of companies mentioned (how likely they are to go bust), but there is a risk any company can struggle and it's rarely made public until it's too late (see the. Yes, your pet hamster can be euthanized, if your hamster is ill, injured, has organ failure or cancer, severe illness, or old. Instead of getting rid of it, composting can help boost your backyard gardening efforts by serving as an organic fertilizer. Whether your hamster is euthanized at home or by a vet, the body needs to disposed off once the little guy crosses over to the other side. 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 need to return your hamster to Petco, you will need to bring them back to the store where you purchased them. There are a number of reasons why you might need to return your hamster to Petco. Hamsters are common pets. Hamsters can be humanely euthanized at home via exposure to high concentrations of carbon dioxide. Bedding also differs from outdoor terrain, preventing hamsters from burrowing for warmth and security. After 30 days, call your local store and ask if they have room to take the pet. When picking up a hamster, its important to cup your hands around him so that he feels secure. Hi, I'm Julie. David Krug is the CEO & President of Bankovia. You buy a hamster on a whim, thinking it will be a fun and low-maintenance pet. How Do You Humanely Euthanize A Pet Hamster At Home?? However, it is always a good idea to check local regulations to be sure youre not on the wrong side of the law. Petco will offer the hamster for adoption if it is returned after 30 days. Unfortunately, there are times when it is the right thing to do. If you return it dead within 30 days well give you a refund or exchange and dispose of it for you. Encounters between hamsters that don't know each other can result in violent fights. The previous section covered ways to keep your hamster safe when you need to leave it alone. If they overgrow, take your hamster to the vet. 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. Also, no DIY euthanasia method can be as pain-free as getting the procedure done by a vet. Also, personal circumstances can change, meaning you can no longer care for the hamster. However, you must check with your local store to determine whether it has space for the sick hamster. However, youll still likely struggle to attract a buyer at more than $40. Technically speaking, you can leave your hamster alone at your home for up to a week, provided that you leave enough food and water for him to go around comfortably. Yes. Most hamsters will also eat the immature seeds in the hay. Facebook decides whether a profile belongs to a business or an individual. Remember to clean the cage regularly. Although this can extend up to 72-hours, it all depends on your hamster, its nature, and you. It is best to keep the temperature between 68 and 79 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity between 30 and 70%. Shredded paper or dry peat is good for hamster nesting. There is no financial compensation if the hamster was acquired outside of Petco. In this case, the only alternative is to make the item available for adoption rather than resale. 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. If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return it to one of our retail store locations. Most hamster fur color changes. 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. If your hamster is sick or injured, it is best to provide fresh food and water, then monitor with quiet visual checks. Choosing a hamster that is easy to tame is another factor to consider. It is no secret that bearded dragons love the feeling of water on their bodies but it is normal for owners to wonder whether they can swim. Maybe theyre moving, maybe theyre allergic, maybe they just werent prepared for how much work a tiny furry friend can be. Hamsters come in a variety of colors and breeds, and different breeds are known for distinctive traits. The law also allows you to return the dog, like a piece of merchandise, and get a refund or a different dog of equivalent value. If your hamster has a history of cage breakouts, it is important to give your cage a thorough inspection before leaving your hamster alone. 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. A child may drop the hamster, squeeze it, or scare it. Editor, Marcus Herbert. Provide them with dust-extracted bedding. We recommend always calling on a vet to euthanize sick pets including hamsters. Of course, you can factor these into your asking price. If youre unsure of how to go about it or would rather not get your hands dirty, a vet can get it done quickly and painlessly for a fee. Charitable donations to shelters may be made in exchange for surrendering your pet. If keeping your pet is no longer viable, you should consider rehoming the hamster. 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. A hamsters neck may get broken from an accidental drop or fall from a considerable height. Leave your hamster's current bedding in the cage until you return. We try to figure it out, give them proper rest and treatment, but still, you find no chance of . 1 gallon size plastic zip lock bag or shoe box. Always remember anyone can post on the MSE forums, so it can be very different from our opinion. Also, you may find it challenging to track down somebody willing to buy your hamster. Will pet stores take back previously purchased animals such as snakes or hamsters? However, you can return an unwanted hamster within 14 days of purchase with a valid receipt. Learn how to create a happy, healthy home for your pet. Both eyes should be open and, ideally, the hamster will be eating or running around the cage. It's also a good idea to provide hay in your hamster's environment to help with nesting and foraging. They are safe and healthy for them to enjoy too. If your hamster is older than 8 weeks, youll need to reduce your asking price from what a pet store would expect. If past that 30 says your animal can be surrendered and depending on space will take in. Hi, I'm Julie. Hamsters are typically low-maintenance pets but proper care is essential to keeping them happy and healthy. 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. Consider leaving your thermostat on its regular settings so that your hamster doesnt spend your time away battling with extreme and irregular temperatures. Consider allowing your kids and other family members to spend some time with the hamster too to ensure a proper goodbye from everyone. Socialization in hamsters. There are reports that hamsters returned within 30 days after purchase are kept in a rear room for surveillance purposes. Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair (known as the teddy bear variety). Generally, the buyer can return the dog and get a refund, return the dog and select a new dog, or keep the dog and get some compensation for veterinary expenses. The expiration date also labeled Arew is the go-to source for all your home improvement, gardening, cooking, and family needs. Even if the animal shelter is full, it may be able to connect you with other rescuers in the area that can assist. It is recommended to consult your Vet for the final decision. 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. Your hamster's diet should be made of 75 % fortified pellets, 20% veggies, greens, and fruits, and 5 % treats. We will then look at how to safely leave your hamster for longer durations and provide tips that may be able to help you extend your time away. A hamster with dental issues may stop eating. They need regular attention and care to truly thrive. It is important that you make sure your home is safe and conducive for a pet hamster. Unless you are buying obviously sick fish, Petco fish have just as much a chance of survival as any other store. The (good) employees do care about them, after all. Trying to hold and play with an ill or injured hamster can create stress that slows down healing. one for the hose and the other to whip out air as the carbon dioxide enters the jar serving as the euthanasia chamber. 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. Take your hamster to a local animal shelter or rescue organization. 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. Even if you sneak a listing past the admins, your account may be banned if discovered. 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. The hamster could succumb to dehydration, starvation, or exposure to the elements. Petco re-sells the hamster once it has recovered its health and is ready to go home with a new owner. Be sure your local zoning laws allow this type of burial. Some stores will consider the return an adoption and an act of mercy. Selling or giving a hamster away could be a good idea, provided you find it a good home. 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. Why Does My Hair Get Greasy After A Day? 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. Your hamster's diet should be made of 75 % fortified pellets, 20% veggies, greens, and fruits, and 5 % treats. Make sure to bring your receipt and proof of purchase to the nearest Petco shop in order for your refund to be processed. But how long can you generally leave them alone before issues can typically arise? 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. 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. A short weekend away or a family event can mean that we need to leave our hamster alone. Im not sure if you will need to bring in your hamsters body, probably not, but maybe call to ask. Most items can be returned through any one of these options: 1. Petsmart also doesnt have shrimp or snails or many things needed to care for them and most fish such as driftwood.