Research

I ask that all adopters, especially the main caregiver, have done their research and looked over the care requirements on my website. Please understand that care requirements have evolved over the years as we learn more about hamsters and gain better access to supplies here in the US. My most basic requirements are having at least a 775 square inch enclosure, at least an 11 inch wheel, at least 8 inches of safe bedding, a sand bath with safe sand, a water source with fresh water, a quality seed mix and lab block, and funds for/access to an exotic veterinarian if your hamster would need medical care.

Note that everyone in the family should be aware and on board with having a hamster.  Surprise gift giving is not encouraged nor accepted as I want to be certain everyone in the family is prepared and understands the responsibilities involved. Please take your time to decide that a hamster is the right pet for you and/or your family, as well as to collect your supplies.

Care Quiz / Waitlist

Once you feel comfortable with hamster care and my going home requirements, then you can take my care quiz here - note there is a non-refundable $25 fee (part of the $100 purchase fee for new adopters, or the $75 one for repeat adopters) to take it so please only complete this quiz if you are serious about adopting a hamster from me.

This quiz will be used to assess your knowledge of Syrian hamster care so I can gauge your readiness to welcome one of my hamsters into your home. If you pass, then I will email you a link to another form to gather your personal details and any hamster preferences you may have.

I will then review and get back to you with any concerns or questions I have at that point and will request photos and details of your fully set up enclosure and supplies, including measurements of your enclosure and wheel, so we can address any final concerns together before we proceed with selection. Note that waitlist times can vary due to litter size, etc.

*** The quiz only needs to be taken once if you’ve passed it. If you’re a previous adopter who has passed the quiz already and are looking to adopt again, please just send me an email!

Selection

When hamsters are available, I’ll reach out those on the waitlist to send them photos. From there, you’ll decide if you want to take one home or pass. If you choose one, then we can discuss pickup and I will send you the Purchase Agreement to review and sign. If you pass, you’ll be moved to the bottom of the waitlist.

Please be advised you cannot pick out your hamster in person, nor do I allow visitors to my hamstery. I have other pets in my home who become overly excited or stressed with visitors, and there are biosecurity concerns with allowing visitors into my hamstery as well. However, I am always happy to provide pictures if requested or answer any questions.

Pickup

I do not and will not work with shipping or transport. Pickup is in Monongahela, PA. Please be prepared to:

• bring an approved carrier

• bring ID for verification

• pay the remaining purchase fee (can be paid in cash or I have PayPal)

  • for new adopters - $100 - $25 quiz fee = $75

  • for repeat adopters who need to take the quiz for the first time - $75 - $25 quiz fee = $50

  • for repeat adopters who have already taken the quiz - $75

Please note I can’t hold on to hamster pups indefinitely, as community living becomes dangerous after 6-8 weeks and I’m relatively limited on space.  Once your pickup appointment has been set, I ask that you give me 24-48 hours notice if you need to reschedule.  If you can’t pick up as agreed, I may need to find a new home for the hamster and you’ll be moved to the bottom of the waitlist.

On your scheduled pickup day:

• Please let me know when you arrive at the designated pick up location.

• I’ll need to check your ID for verification.

• I’ll need your approved carrier to transfer your hamster into - I will provide bedding and a chunk of cucumber for hydration.

• I’ll need the remainder of the purchase fee - this helps cover other costs here such as website fees and ongoing care, as well as your hamster and their going home kit (a quart bag of Mazuri Rat and Mouse to support their growth, 500g of my homemade seed mix, 3 XS Whimzee’s, 1 corn cob, 5 apple sticks, 2 bamboo sticks, 2 finger traps, and various nuts in shell).

I will have the pedigrees saved in a Google Drive and will email you the link to that litter’s Drive as well as a link to my Facebook adoption group. You will also be able to access the Drive on my website homepage by clicking the button for that litter (I am still working on this for the Beetlejuice and Supernatural litters).