How to Find Hamsters Online

By Stephanie Fagnani

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Computer with Internet access
E-mail account
Cage/aquarium, other supplies

Begin Looking for Your Hamster

Step 1:
Perhaps the best place to locate hamsters online is the pet adoption site Petfinder.com. This site allows you to search for a hamster based on a number of criteria, including age, gender and distance from your home. It contains links to numerous shelters and rescue groups across the country.
Step 2:
Sometimes individuals need to part ways with their hammies for a variety of reasons, including allergies or new landlord restrictions. Craigslist.com is another Web site that lists hamsters available for adoption. The site is tailored to specific geographic regions, ensuring that you won't have to travel far for your new critter.
Step 3:
If you are interested in locating hamsters for sale through a breeder, try Petwebsite.com. There you will be able to search for breeders specializing in specific hamster species and also view advertisements for hamsters currently for sale.

Become Informed and Prepared

Step 1:
Once you locate a hamster you are interested in, start an e-mail dialogue with the person in charge of the critter. The more you know about the hamster's background, the better prepared you will be when it becomes part of your family. Are there any health concerns? Was the pet in an abusive environment before it landed at the shelter? These are some of the questions you should be asking.
Step 2:
Make sure you have all of the neccesary housing supplies before you make the trip to pick up your new pet. A proper cage, water bottle, food dish, nesting house and some chew toys are all essential. When you do collect your new hamster, bring along a suitable cage or tank so that it will be comfortable on the ride home.
Step 3:
Single out a quiet room in your home to place the hamster's house. Hamsters are nocturnal, so select a room other than a bedroom. Don't make too much of a fuss for the first 24 hours so that the hamster can get acclimated to the new environment.

Tips & Warnings

Not all hamsters are created equal. Make sure you understand the difference between Syrian and Campbell's dwarf hamsters before you bring your new little friend home.
Teddy bear hamsters may require a little more grooming due to their long hair, so make sure you purchase a brush designed for hamsters if that is the breed you decide upon.
If approached too quickly from above, a hamster will become frightened and assume an attack stance, baring the teeth. Just move in a little slower next time, and you will eventually be able to create a great bond with your little one.
Most shelters will allow you to return an animal to them if things don't work out for some reason. The same rules ususally apply to hamsters, so check with the facility before trying to find a new home on your own.

Resources

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