Research

I ask that all adopters, especially the main caregiver, have done their research, including looking 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, and a diet consisting of a quality seed mix and lab block!

Note that everyone in the family should be aware and on board.  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 to make sure you have what you need.  Consider that while hamsters may not need regular veterinarian check ups, they may require vet care if ill or injured so a vet fund is recommended.

Application

Once you feel comfortable with your research into basic hamster care and my going home requirements, you will need to apply here and I will review and get back to you within 10 days or so. If I don’t hear back from you, I will usually follow up again once but will assume you’re no longer interested if I don’t hear back following that. Please keep an eye out, and feel free to reach out if for some reason you haven’t heard from me. Note that my application is litter specific, as I usually only breed 1-2 litters per year. Applications will be closed once each pup from that litter has found a home, and I will open a new application once I have a new pairing and possible litter dates in mind.

Waitlist

If your application is approved, there is a $25 deposit (to be paid via PayPal) to be added to the waitlist. Keep in mind you will not be in line to be paired with any available hamsters until you’re on the waitlist and are marked as “ready” - to be marked as “ready” I will need to see photos of the completed set up including measurements. My waitlist times vary based on different factors such as litter size, whether people back out, etc.

Selection

When hamsters are available, I will reach out those on my waitlist who are marked as “ready”. Anyone who is “ready” will then receive photos of available hamsters and decide whether they want to take one home or pass. If a hamster is selected, then we can begin discussing pickup. If you pass, you will be removed from the waitlist and refunded.

Note that retirement hamsters or hamsters on breeder contract are free,  other than the waitlist deposit, but I may be more selective with homes for these hamsters.

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 will arrange to meet with you in a public setting. On your scheduled pickup day, please contact me upon arrival to the designated meeting spot. I’ll bring a physical copy of the Purchase Agreement for you to sign, and the remaining $25 is due at pickup for a total of $50. This covers the cost of your hamster and their going home kit (a gallon bag of Mazuri Rat and Mouse to support their growth, treats and chews, and their birth certificate). I will also need to check your ID to verify your identity. Your hamster will be in a carrier in my car, and I’ll need your carrier to transfer them into within the confines of my vehicle. Upon completion of all these steps, you’ll take your hamster and their going home kit and be able to enjoy your own ethically bred hamster.

Please note I don’t work with shipping or transport, so please keep in mind you will need to plan on traveling to Monongahela, PA.

I 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, I ask that you give me 24-48 hours notice if you need to reschedule.  Pickup schedules are quite busy and I work full time, so flexibility is limited.  If you are unable to pick up the hamster by the time it is 8 weeks of age, then I may need find a new home and you will be removed from the waitlist and refunded.