PetSmart offers various small mammal pets, and hamsters are among the most popular. There are a handful of different species of hamsters available at PetSmart, and their prices will depend on their variety and availability. The varieties can include popular breeds like dwarf hamsters and short-haired and long-haired hamsters.
In this article, we look at how much hamsters cost at PetSmart and any extra costs that you’ll need to consider. Let’s get started!
How Much Do Hamsters Cost at PetSmart?
Depending on the variety that you choose, prices for hamsters at PetSmart range from $15 to $35. Here are the hamster types available from PetSmart, along with the average price for each.
Many would-be pet owners don’t take into account the extra costs involved in buying a hamster, and there are several. Besides the initial purchase price of your pet, you’ll need to purchase a suitable cage, which can range from $30 to $200, depending on the size that you go for. You’ll also need water bottles and food bowls ($5–$10), bedding ($5–$10), and accessories like an exercise wheel for entertainment and exercise ($10–$20).
Other Important Considerations
Hamsters are inexpensive creatures both to purchase and to care for, but they are social animals that need to live in pairs or small groups to stay happy and healthy. For this reason, it’s a good idea to budget for another hamster and thus, extra accessories, a larger cage, and additional food.
The availability of the breed of hamster that you prefer will vary depending on the season and the store in your location, so it’s a good idea to check your local PetSmart, even if the breed is available online. In general, PetSmart offers great customer service, so if your hamster falls ill within 14 days of purchase, PetSmart will replace it for free. PetSmart takes care to ensure that all its animals are healthy, so this is unlikely to happen, but it’s great to know.
PetSmart also provides a fairly in-depth care guide for hamsters, so you’ll know what to do and what to expect after bringing your new hamster home.
Choosing Your Hamster
It’s important to note that these hamsters are available in-store only, which is a far better way to purchase a hamster, anyway. Even though PetSmart makes sure its hamsters are healthy and happy, it’s a good idea to check your hamster properly before bringing one home. Check that their ears, eyes, and nose are clean and look healthy, and look for any signs of injury or illness. Also, check that their fur is healthy-looking, and finally, try to hold them to check their temperament.
Hamsters are mostly nocturnal animals, so don’t be overly concerned if the hamster that you are looking at is not highly interactive or energetic. It will take a while for them to warm up to you, even after you bring them home.
See also: 8 Best Hamster Foods in the UK
Conclusion: Hamster Cost at PetSmart
In general, you can expect to pay between $15 and $35 for a hamster from PetSmart, depending on the breed and availability. Hamsters from PetSmart are available in-store only, which is great because you can take a good look and choose the hamster that you like best!
Featured Image Credit: Alex Milan, Shutterstock
