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. Hamsters may pick and choose what they want to eat from seed mixtures and therefore will not receive a balanced diet. States such as California and Hawaii have laws against raising hamsters at home in the first place so putting them down must be illegal too. If you do they may fight each other to death. Does Petco accept sick hamsters for return? With thousands of articles covering everything from do-it-yourself repairs to tips on parenting, Arew has something for everyone. The hamster could succumb to dehydration, starvation, or exposure to the elements. Try taking it to them if its been 30 days since you received it. Also, personal circumstances can change, meaning you can no longer care for the hamster. Im Chuck and I love pets. If you remain convinced that you want to sell your hamster, you have the following options: Ask if anybody you know would be interested in buying 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. 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. Most pet stores will stop selling hamsters older than 12 weeks due to the short lifespan of these pets. 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. Selling hamsters is a last resort, but its sometimes unavoidable. You may also want to buy treats for your hamster to eat, while vitamin supplements will be . Hamster diet. The significant role played by bitcoin for businesses! 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. While thoroughly researched and meticulously checked, the content on Pet Educate does not constitute, nor should replace any pet medical advice. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. Letting your furball go through additional excruciating pain because of indecision can be a disservice to him. We all adopt or purchase hamsters with the intention of caring and building a lifelong bond. I'm here to share my knowledge and experience with you. 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. Once the fizzing stops, squeeze the bag to let out leftover carbon dioxide into the chamber which should kill the poor little guy within a couple of seconds thanks to the extremely concentrated nature of the CO2. We understand that sometimes life changes and you are no longer able to care for your pet. Some petcos will only do the refund/exchange for dead fish if you also bring in a seperate water sample and the sample tests come back normal. 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. You may need to call around the local area to find a rescue center that accepts hamsters. However, the vast majority of their diet should be made up of plants. 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. Most hamsters sold by pet stores are 6-8 weeks old and retail at about $10-20. If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, you can return it to one of our retail store locations. Check all plastic parts for wear and tear, position toys in a way that makes it difficult for the hamster to reach the cage lid, and consider securing your lid with extra weight or clamps. It is up to them if they re-sell him to you, but unless they really do think you injured him you will very likely get him back. 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. Four different kinds of cryptocurrencies you should know. After a brief quarantine period, PetSmart will put the hamster back up for sale. You buy a hamster on a whim, thinking it will be a fun and low-maintenance pet. If you paid with a credit card, the refund will be credited back to your account. 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. To wrap things up, it really is best for your hamster to receive daily care and interaction. Please bring your hamster to the store and speak with a team member about finding a new home. How much room Petco has at any one moment determines whether or not it will accept an unwanted hamster back. The store must do the refund and replacement of the pet. What to do if Petco won't take your hamster 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?. 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. You can finally check the chamber to confirm death and make plans for disposal of the dead body. Required Items: 1 gallon jar or juice pitcher 1 gallon size plastic zip lock bag or shoe box 16-ounce cup Rubber band or tape Cage litter Rodent toy Cloth or shredded paper The expiration date on food is there for a reason. Leaving your hamster alone for a period of time can be done with a little bit of planning and preparation ahead of time. 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. Trying to hold and play with an ill or injured hamster can create stress that slows down healing. Because of the recent media attention on the problems caused by pet releases, many pet stores may be willing to take back unwanted pets, rather than risk having it set free. Return your hamster to PETCO. Pet hamsters are prone to illnesses like amyloidosis (kidney disease) and congestive heart failure. Once hes in your hands, hold him close to your body so that he doesnt feel like hes going to fall. Petco and Petsmart are usually very good about this. Many of these organizations have programs in place specifically for small pets like hamsters, and they may be able to take your pet in and find it a new home. 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. link to How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? This should reduce the whole familys grief and speed up closure when the pet rodent is finally gone. When your hamster struggles significantly to breathe. To get a refund, youll need to show evidence of purchase in the form of a valid ID and the original receipt. However, you must check with your local store to determine whether it has space for the sick hamster. eBay doesnt allow the sale of live animals. Dont ask for a financial donation for your hamster in these instances. Although this can extend up to 72-hours, it all depends on your hamster, its nature, and you. Of course, youll not be restricted to selling your hamster to somebody within a five-block radius. What Should You Do If Your Hamster Has Babies. You'll need to have your purchase receipt, and you may be asked to fill out a return form. Editor, Marcus Herbert. Even though these pet rodents have shorter lifespans, the decision to let them cross over to the other side can be extremely difficult. If youve ever walked around a PetSmart store you know they sell critters like snakes, iguanas, mice, rats, hamsters, and other cool creatures. David Krug is the CEO & President of Bankovia. You should handle a sick hamster with care since some of the bacteria strains can spread to people. Exposure to concentrated C02 (over 80 percent) is an instant way to kill hamsters without unnecessary pain. 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. 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. If you know you will be away much longer than usual, consider leaving two water bottles for your hamster. 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. Hamsters are social animals within themselves and with people. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. You may have more luck with a local, independent pet store. Hi, I'm Julie. Carbon dioxide gas will start filling the atmosphere, passing through the hose and into the euthanasia chamber. Youll need to have your purchase receipt, and you may be asked to fill out a return form. Petco does not take dogsat least not from the public. They have a habit of hoarding food in their bedding. You can take an unwanted hamster, In total, there are at least 20 species of hamsters. Items purchased in-store can be returned with a receipt within 60 days for a full refund in the original form of tender. You can feed your pet hamster combinations of rat blocks (rodent chow) and seed mix or hamster pellets. Sick or injured we will still refund you (within the 30 days) but it will go in the Wellness Room. I'm here to share my knowledge and experience with you. Generally a hamster is fully grown around 3 months of age. Make sure your hamsters water bottle is full of fresh water. Hamsters are small, curious, cage-living pets that can thrive in a variety of home environments. Although they are small, these agile creatures can easily bite if frightened or mishandled. After safely putting down 3 sick hamsters in the last 5 years, our personal experiences show that theres no easy way to get the deed done even if you know how to go about it. This way, if one bottle malfunctions or leaks, your hamster will still have access to another freshwater source. You can try selling your hamster by listing it online or placing an advert in a local paper. If you cannot care for the hamster or find it a new home, your last resort should be euthanasia by a veterinarian. What Happens to Returned Hamsters at Petco. If youre considering returning your hamster to Petco, here are a few things you should know first. The hamster is now store property, but it has to be that way in order to treat him. It is important that you make sure your home is safe and conducive for a pet hamster. Hamsters can be unfriendly if theyre not tamed properly. Why didn't you raise the bleeding paw during the sale since you noticed it? 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. If they overgrow, take your hamster to the vet. Hamsters are typically low-maintenance pets but proper care is essential to keeping them happy and healthy. Unless you are buying obviously sick fish, Petco fish have just as much a chance of survival as any other store. How Long Should You Leave Your Hamster Alone? 5 Certain Reasons You Should Know! While doing so you can notice when they start acting differently. In theory, nothing can stop you from selling your pet hamster to a third party, as you dont need a license to sell an adult or baby hamster online or in person. 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. Your sweetheart will be surprised by your gift! If the hamster is dead after 30 days, you can return it to Petco, but you will not receive a refund or exchange. If you no longer want the hamster, ask friends and family if theyre interested in a new pet. If you have to spend money taking your pet to the vet soon after you bought it, you should ask the trader you bought it from to cover the cost of the vets fees. Search for anything. Beitrags-Autor: Beitrag verffentlicht: 22. You should always observe your hamsters closely. In this case, the only alternative is to make the item available for adoption rather than resale. Hamsters can be tamed to be very sweet little pets but for anyone who has ever been bitten by one, they know hamster bites definitely aren't fun. A hamster is one of the pets available for purchase at Petco. Hamsters are quite small in size and other home animals may see them as prey. Whether you get a refund is a matter of discussion between you and the store. While hamsters only have short lifespans, they require a high level of care. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Hamsters are also susceptible to other types of bacteria causing diarrhea and dehydration. 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. Here is what my veterinarian recommended. Even if the animal shelter is full, it may be able to connect you with other rescuers in the area that can assist. Syrian hamsters can have short or long hair (known as the teddy bear variety). An original receipt or purchase confirmation email will be required to verify your identity and transaction. Hamsters are small animals that can be very cute and cuddly. The truth is that your hamster probably likes a somewhat dirtier cage than you do. 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. Choosing such additional services can lead to even higher charges. If your hamster is sick or injured, it is best to provide fresh food and water, then monitor with quiet visual checks. -Bedding: $10-$15 Please consult a licensed veterinarian for any medical condition or query regarding the health of your pet. To return your hamster to Petco, you'll need to take it to the store and speak with a manager. Either way, it is essential that whoever looks after your hamster fully understands what they need to do while you are away. No money, refund, or other compensation will be given if you bring the animal to one of the companys locations to find a new home. The bar spacing on the cage should be no more than 1/2 inch, to prevent the hamster from escaping. Young hamsters will be easier to train and hand-tame than older hamsters, who may have had bad experiences or have never interacted with humans. There is no financial compensation if the hamster was acquired outside of Petco. can you return a hamster to pets at home. If you leave your hamster without any water or food, it can survive up to 48 hours. 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. They should provide a large enough cage, a wheel, deep bedding, and accessories. If you no longer want a hamster, youll need to find it a safe and loving home. Here we answer the most important questions with complete, objective, thorough and extensive research, while also pulling from our combined 250 years of pet ownership experience. However, if the breeder or other source does not want the hamster back, then taking it to a Humane Society or animal shelter should be your next step. If you get a cat or dog from Petco you did not purchase it, you adopted it from a local rescue. I've looked after adorable hamsters for more than 10 years. 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. Most hamster fur color changes. If your hamster dies within 30 days of purchase, you can return it to Petco for a refund or exchange. PETCO does not currently accept returned hamsters, however, we are happy to help you find a new home for your pet. If you paid with cash, you will receive a cash refund. It's also a good idea to provide hay in your hamster's environment to help with nesting and foraging. one for the hose and the other to whip out air as the carbon dioxide enters the jar serving as the euthanasia chamber. When he's not reading about cryptocurrencies, he's researching the latest personal finance software. Doing these things will ensure you rehome your hamster to someone who will love it as a pet instead of someone looking for snake food or a lab test subject. You can feed your pet hamster combinations of rat blocks (rodent chow) and seed mix or hamster pellets. If keeping your pet is no longer viable, you should consider rehoming the hamster. We wanted to give you a few more general tips for keeping your hamster comfortable when you need to leave it alone. PetSmart doesnt accept surrendered hamsters because they have hamsters to sell and lack the capacity to care for unwanted animals. If the teeth are left to continue growing they will eventually start causing pain and other health issues. I've looked after adorable hamsters for more than 10 years. Hamsters come in small and large, Hamsters have a high drive to breed as soon as they reach sexual maturity. Should you return a sick hamster to Petco? Hamster crematoriums may also charge up to $800 for those who prefer cremation. If you are looking for a pet that doesnt need grazing space like a horse, or daily walks like a dog, then a hamster may be very appealing! Ive raised several lovely creatures from childhood with the aim of being the best pet parent I can be. If youre determined to sell your hamster, youll need to prepare yourself, as you wont make much money. Prescription medication items and special orders cannot be returned in our stores. This means that the hamster is both sexually mature, and also has reached, or is very close to, its full length. Weve all been there. 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. Depending on the height of the fall, the broken neck can be so severe that it ends up killing the hamster. Also, no DIY euthanasia method can be as pain-free as getting the procedure done by a vet. 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. The result is unconsciousness within a minute or two, after which a fatal injection is given to finish the job. Keeping a hamster around may harm your respiratory system if youre allergic to animal dander. Dont forget to provide clean fresh drinking water for your pet hamster. If his appetite is not completely lost, this can be a great time to offer some of his favorite treats. What If I Lost My PetSmart Receipt? If you need to return your hamster to Petco, you will need to bring them back to the store where you purchased them. In 2022, what will Petcos return policy be for Hamsters? Fish tanks aren't good options for hamsters either, since they lack proper ventilation. 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. Some pet stores include adoption centers for pets their owners can no longer care for. If your hamster squeals or becomes anxious, return them to their safe space. Hamster ownership is a greater commitment than many people realize. Once at the store, a Petco employee will help you fill out a return form.