Research
The first step is to make sure the main caregiver has done proper research on Syrian hamster care. Everyone in the family should be aware and on board. We do not allow “surprise gift” giving as we want to be certain everyone in the family is prepared and understands the responsibilities involved.
Look over our enclosure, wheel space, and type requirements, as they have improved over the years as we better understand the Syrian hamster’s needs. Consider that while hamsters may not need regular veterinarian check ups, they may require vet care if ill or injured.
Here is a list of learning resources:
– Ginger’s Care Guide for Syrian Hamsters
– California Hamster Association
– Victoria Raechel
– Ontario Hamster Club
– Hamsters Facebook Group
Application
After doing your research, we ask that you fill out our application. It may take us up to 7 days to respond, so please be patient.
NOTE: We CANNOT ship your hamster to you, and we do not work with transportation companies. You must pick up your hamster in person and we require identification upon arrival.
Prices will vary depending on whether you are adopting a pedigreed or rescue hamster.
Before you pick out your hamster, you must have an appropriately sized enclosure, wheel, and carrier. In order to verify that you are ready, we will ask for photographs and measurements of your enclosure, wheel, and carrier. If the hamster pups are ready for adoption and we have not received proof of a proper enclosure, wheel, and carrier, we will skip you and go to the next person on the waitlist.
Once your name is at the top of our waitlist, we will reach out and send photos of hamster pups to choose from. If you are not smitten with available hamsters, you can hold your spot on our waitlist and wait for a different litter. Please note that we may not know the arrival time of our next litter, so choosing to wait may involve waiting several months.
Pickup
Prior to pickup, fill out our purchase agreement and either sign electronically or bring a hard copy to the adoption. Make sure you have reviewed the resources listed in the ‘Research’ section above, as they detail much of what you’ll need to know once you bring your hamster home.
We cannot hold on to hamster pups indefinitely, as there is a short window of time to send them to a new home. Community living becomes dangerous after 6-8 weeks. Once your pickup appointment has been set, we ask that you give us 48 hours notice if you need to reschedule. Pickup schedules are quite busy, and so our flexibility is limited. If you are unable to pick up the hamster by the time it is 6-8 weeks of age, then we may need find a new home, and you will be moved to the bottom of the waitlist.
NOTE: You will need to bring a small animal travel carrier, made of plastic, not cloth or cardboard. We recommend the Living World Carrier, or the Kritter Keeper XL.
On your scheduled pickup day, we ask that you send us a text upon arrival and we will meet you outside with your hamster and going home bag.