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. Youre entitled to know what their intentions may be. 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. All About Your Hamster | Petco What to do if Petco won't take your hamster If a hamster stays at the store more than 6 months it would either be transferred to a new location or adopted out (free). However, finding a friend or family member willing to take on the responsibility isnt always possible. Theyre small, cute, and relatively low-maintenance. If you paid with a credit card, the refund will be credited back to your account. Now youre stuck with a fuzzy little creature that youre not sure what to do with. You buy a hamster on a whim, thinking it will be a fun and low-maintenance pet. If you gain interest in your hamster from a stranger, ask some questions to the potential buyer. If you get a cat or dog from Petco you did not purchase it, you adopted it from a local rescue. Hamsters can be legally euthanized in most states but it is always a great idea to check local animal cruelty laws before going ahead. 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. The best course of action is to take the hamster to a veterinarian to determine the cause of the illness and to get proper treatment. 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. You can feed your pet hamster combinations of rat blocks (rodent chow) and seed mix or hamster pellets. Some only take cats and dogs, while others have the facilities to take in hamsters and other small animals. If youre not happy with your purchase and want to know if you can return your hamster, this article is for you. But this doesnt mean that they can be bought, set up, left, and forgotten. If youve ever walked around a PetSmart store you know they sell critters like snakes, iguanas, mice, rats, hamsters, and other cool creatures. 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. 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. Sign up for our newsletter. 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 are several ways to kill hamsters but the majority may cause significant degrees of pain before the rodent passes out. Hamster housing. But they are also delicate. 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. For young children, this can be problematic, especially if the hamster bites their sensitive fingers.
