If you need to return your hamster to Petco, you will need to bring them back to the store where you purchased them. 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. However, finding a friend or family member willing to take on the responsibility isnt always possible. Overdosing on Tylenol can kill hamsters but the process may be quite slow and painful. After a brief quarantine period, PetSmart will put the hamster back up for sale. I've looked after adorable hamsters for more than 10 years. Place the hamsters cage away from direct sunlight or a heat source. If you've ever walked around a PetSmart store you know they sell critters like snakes, iguanas, mice, rats, hamsters, and other cool creatures. Carbon dioxide gas will start filling the atmosphere, passing through the hose and into the euthanasia chamber. Unconsciousness typically sets in when exposed to over 33 percent of CO2 and a peaceful death becomes inevitable when the concentration levels hit over 80 percent. You can also purchase hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables separately and mix them yourself. Answer (1 of 4): Petco does not sell cats or dogs. If their cages arent properly secured, they can scale the walls of their enclosure and find a way out. Socialization in hamsters. Your sweetheart will be surprised by your gift! 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. Trying to hold and play with an ill or injured hamster can create stress that slows down healing. PETCO does not currently accept returned hamsters, however, we are happy to help you find a new home for your pet. How Much Does it Cost To Euthanize a Hamster? It's also a good idea to provide hay in your hamster's environment to help with nesting and foraging. Your hamster's diet should be made of 75 % fortified pellets, 20% veggies, greens, and fruits, and 5 % treats. By cleaning the cage right before leaving, you may accidentally throw out your hamsters favorite food stash for when you are gone. Another reason not to leave your hamster alone for more than 48 hours is to help your hamster remain tame and friendly. Hamster cremation can be done on the same day or the next depending on the crematoriums schedule and how much youre willing to fork out. Thank you. How Do You Humanely Euthanize A Pet Hamster At 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. The hamster is now store property, but it has to be that way in order to treat him. When picking up a hamster, its important to cup your hands around him so that he feels secure. Ask them for photos of their setup to ensure they can properly care for your hamster. 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. 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. 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. 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. How to return an item purchased at PetSmart? 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. If money is no object, at-home euthanasia services for hamsters can be an option too. 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. Hamsters are not aggressive pets but if they are scared or startled they may bite. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. 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. There are reports that hamsters returned within 30 days after purchase are kept in a rear room for surveillance purposes. 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. You may have more luck with a local, independent pet store. While thoroughly researched and meticulously checked, the content on Pet Educate does not constitute, nor should replace any pet medical advice. If your hamster dies within 30 days of purchase, you can return it to Petco for a refund or exchange. You may have an allergy to small animal dander, or another pet could end the hamsters life. 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. Saying Goodbye to Your Hamster During His Last Days. If your hamster is older than 8 weeks, youll need to reduce your asking price from what a pet store would expect. Yes, you can make a return if you originally paid with a check. 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. If you live near an independent pet store that prides itself on animal care, it may take the hamster from you to find a new, loving home. Once the final decision is made to euthanize your hamster, it is time to say a proper goodbye. 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. Dwarf hamsters, on the other hand, can live with others if theyre introduced at a young age. Offering 5-10 tablets of Tylenol PM should do the trick but expect your hamster to look disoriented after overdosing on the painkillers. Hamsters are typically nocturnal animals that like to burrow and hoard food. Do you want a standard procedure at the vets clinic or prefer home-based euthanasia by a vet on a comfy deathbed? Returning Products Purchased at a PetSmart Store If youre not satisfied with a product purchased in the store, simply bring the product in its original packaging and in new or salable condition to any PetSmart store to be returned. Hamsters are also susceptible to other types of bacteria causing diarrhea and dehydration. There are laws about releasing animals into the wild. Should you return a sick hamster to Petco? A refund or exchange can then be obtained from Petco. If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return it to one of our retail store locations. Signs of, Hamsters have short lifespans because smaller animals endure more metabolic stress than larger animals. Although hamsters cannot live as long as other pets such as cats and dogs, they can still make excellent pets. A store would never euthanize an animal not only because it doesn't make sense but is also blatantly not allowed by store policy. Males and females come together to mate, only to separate quickly afterwards. If you cant care for your hamster, find a friend or family member prepared to look after it first. However, you must check with your local store to determine whether it has space for the sick hamster. Can I Return Live Animals? Stores wont take on hamsters if they dont know their age and health condition. 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. The shelter will likely already have more hamsters and small animals than theyll ever rehome. If you are returning a sick hamster, you may also need to provide a vets note. A high metabolism releases free radicals,, In total, there are at least 20 species of hamsters. This price is low because hamsters have short lives, usually around two years. When he's not reading about cryptocurrencies, he's researching the latest personal finance software. Questions? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Petco sells off-brand products with name brand labels slapped on them as a scam for your money. You should provide your hamster with enough material to gnaw on. Weve all been there. It may mean looking at our personal lifestyles and schedules; it may even mean adapting them a little too. eBay doesnt allow the sale of live animals. I've looked after adorable hamsters for more than 10 years. This way, if one bottle malfunctions or leaks, your hamster will still have access to another freshwater source. How do you humanely euthanize a pet hamster at home? 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. Try taking it to them if its been 30 days since you received it. See also How To Introduce Formula To Breastfed Baby The most common hamster species is the Syrian, also known as the golden hamster. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Not every hamster in the pet store is in optimal health. 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. But how long can you generally leave them alone before issues can typically arise? Also, personal circumstances can change, meaning you can no longer care for the hamster. Maybe theyre moving, maybe theyre allergic, maybe they just werent prepared for how much work a tiny furry friend can be. What Happens to Returned Hamsters at Petco. Free-roaming allows your hamster to have sufficient exercise and explore spaces other than its own cage. I am also the main writer and chief editor here at Pet Educate; a site I created to share everything Ive learned about pet ownership over the years and my extensive research along the way. one for the hose and the other to whip out air as the carbon dioxide enters the jar serving as the euthanasia chamber. There are times when your Hamster does not feel much well. Do hamsters get sick? 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. 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. But then you realize that taking care of a hamster is actually a lot of work. We are seasoned pet owners and enthusiasts who love to share everything that we learn about them! Additional methods include cervical dislocation and even Tylenol overdose. Many unsuspecting new hamster owners find themselves with a pregnant hamster after purchasing it from a pet store. 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. As hamsters have short lifespans, few traders will pay for an adult. A hamster needs a cage that is at least 18 inches by 12 inches, with a height of at least 12 inches. If you get a cat or dog from Petco you did not purchase it, you adopted it from a local rescue. The proper daily care of your hamster can improve its lifespan. Also, you may want to wrap up the corpse in several layers of plastic before dumping the body. Create a tiny nest and cover the jar with a cloth or shredded paper to limit the hamsters movements during the final minutes. Hamsters are one of the most popular pets in the world, and its no wonder why. 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. Merck Veterinary Manual. Use a seed mix that contains a mixture of seeds, pellets, grain, and dried vegetables. If you want to sell a hamster because it makes too much noise while trying to sleep, a silent exercise wheel can be beneficial. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Search for anything. Please consult a licensed veterinarian for any medical condition or query regarding the health of your pet. 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. Depending on your perspective, that could be considered a good or bad thing. Hamsters need to be active and have enrichment so they don't get bored and overweight. This can be an indication of illness and you might have to call a vet. Why Does My Hair Get Greasy After A Day? Hamsters in pet shops should have clean, good-sized accommodation and access to food and fresh water. The fish at Petsmart seem to be stocked better, but I have also seen much, much more deaths in the tanks at Petsmart than Petco. Hamsters can be humanely euthanized at home via exposure to high concentrations of carbon dioxide. Maintaining normal light patterns also helps protect your hamsters health and sleep cycle. For this reason, checking on your hamster daily helps you to know that they are still safely in their cage and not caught up on any play equipment. Adrienne Kruzer is a veterinary technician with more than 15 years of experience providing healthcare to domestic and exotic animals. Dont forget to provide clean fresh drinking water for your pet 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. Most hamsters sold by pet stores are 6-8 weeks old and retail at about $10-20. Even if your hamsters bottle is relatively full, it is best to dump and prepare a completely fresh bottle before leaving your hamster alone. Pet hamsters should be kept in a clean cage with adequate space. Pet boarding services for hamsters range from $15 - $19 per night, depending on your pet's location and requirements. Within 2 minutes, the pet rodent should be deeply asleep and making heavy breaths due to the deep anesthesia exposure. A self-taught DIYer, Tammy loves nothing more than tackling a new project in her own home. This piece of advice might seem a bit strange. If you can no longer care for your hamster, sell it to someone online or donate it to an animal charity. Make sure your hamsters water bottle is full of fresh water. If you no longer want the hamster, ask friends and family if they're interested in a new pet. It also helps in keeping them sharp. Even though a hamster lives in a cage, it is not an entirely hands-free pet. However, these methods may delay the little guys death and cause further pain. 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. What to do if Petco won't take your hamster However, you can return an unwanted hamster within 14 days of purchase with a valid receipt. This info does not constitute financial advice, always do your own research on top to ensure it's right for your specific circumstances and remember we focus on rates not service. Hamsters are solitary animals, and do not live in social groups. Most cities have pet crematoriums you can take the little pets body after conducting at-home euthanasia. Their strong sense of smell helps them identify each other. Of course, youll not be restricted to selling your hamster to somebody within a five-block radius. All pets sold through Petco are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. We wanted to give you a few more general tips for keeping your hamster comfortable when you need to leave it alone. Also, you may find it challenging to track down somebody willing to buy your hamster. A short weekend away or a family event can mean that we need to leave our hamster alone. If youve ever walked around a PetSmart store you know they sell critters like snakes, iguanas, mice, rats, hamsters, and other cool creatures. If you do they may fight each other to death. Be patient and let your hamster walk onto your hand, maybe offering a treat to keep the experience as positive as possible. They can be quite fun and they do not need much room due to their size. If you paid with a credit card, the refund will be credited back to your account. Petco re-sells the hamster once it has recovered its health and is ready to go home with a new owner. 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. Shouldnt we leave our hamster cage fresh and clean for them to enjoy? link to Can Bearded Dragons Learn Their Name? Arrange a Pet Sitter The previous section covered ways to keep your hamster safe when you need to leave it alone. Litter training may help in making the cleaning process easier. If you no longer want the hamster, ask friends and family if theyre interested in a new pet. Sign up for our newsletter. The Laboratory Rabbit, Guinea Pig, Hamster, and Other Rodents, At What Age Do Pet Stores Sell Hamsters? Under these laws, a buyer must promptly give the seller written notice of the problem, along with a certification from a licensed veterinarian that the animal has an illness or disease that existed before the purchase. 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. Hi, I'm Julie. Does Petco accept sick hamsters for return? Can I Return Live Animals? Hamsters generally eat grains, seeds, vegetables, and fruits like apples. As mentioned earlier, hamsters get frightened easily. Greens are a good option to offer daily; parsley, kale, romaine, peas, and squash are all good options. You'll need to have your purchase receipt, and you may be asked to fill out a return form. Hamsters are small animals that can be very cute and cuddly. You have four general options for your hamster if you go on vacation: take them with you, get a friend to regularly drop by your home and attend to your hamster while you are away, let a friend or family member take them and look after them at their home or hire a pet sitter to undertake the responsibilities. If your hamster has a history of cage breakouts, it is important to give your cage a thorough inspection before leaving your hamster alone. Hamsters are notorious escape artists. 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. 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. Also, if you adopt another pet, like a cat or dog, it might be unsafe for your hamster to exercise or live safely when youre not around. If not, they should be able to tell you of ones that can. Call a local animal shelter and ask if they take small pets. If your hamster squeals or becomes anxious, return them to their safe space. Generally a hamster is fully grown around 3 months of age. Also, dont anonymously leave it outside a rescue center for workers to find. 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. If a hamster stays at the store more than 6 months it would either be transferred to a new location or adopted out (free). Be sure your local zoning laws allow this type of burial. You may also want to buy treats for your hamster to eat, while vitamin supplements will be . Any fees you are charged may be donated to the animal shelter where the animal was taken in for adoption. You can feed your pet hamster combinations of rat blocks (rodent chow) and seed mix or hamster pellets. The expiration date on food is there for a reason. Hamsters especially dwarf hamsters have a tendency to burrow. By He's a lifelong expat who has lived in the Philippines, Mexico, Thailand, and Colombia. Most hamsters will also eat the immature seeds in the hay. I really hope that you find this site useful! Yes. When your hamster is diagnosed with a terminal disease such as cancer and suffering from major discomfort from the symptoms. While cases of human to hamster disease transmission are rare, it is still best to avoid holding your hamster when you may have extra bacteria on your hands and face. Once all evidence points to euthanasia as the best method for the hamsters comfort, a quick decision has to be taken. The store must do the refund and replacement of the pet.