Hamsters are wonderful low-maintenance pets that anyone can enjoy as a companion. One of the most popular places to purchase hamsters is PetSmart. When buying hamsters from PetSmart, what are some tips I should know beforehand?
Before buying a hamster at PetSmart, you should determine what type of shelter, food, and sleeping area your hamster will have. Look out for younger hamsters with a good coat and no injuries. The most popular hamsters to buy are Syrian long-haired hamsters, which are docile and low-maintenance.
While hamsters are easy to care for, they do have considerations to address before purchasing one. This article will cover what to know before buying a hamster at PetSmart, cost considerations, and recommendations for the best PetSmart hamster.
What To Know When Buying a Hamster at PetSmart
When purchasing a hamster at PetSmart, selecting one that is young, healthy, and free of injury is crucial. The breed of hamster you choose will also determine its other requirements, such as playmates, food, and shelter type.
PetSmart sells two species of hamster, Syrian and Dwarf. To help you determine which is right, I’ve created this table that compares their differences.
| Hamster Quality | Dwarf Hamster | Syrian Hamsters |
| Expected Size (in/cm) | 2-4 in (5-10 cm) | 5-7 in (13-18 cm) |
| Lifespan | 2 years | 2-3 years |
| Tank Mates | Yes; same-sex | No: keep them solitary |
| Price | $20-30 | $20-30 |
Now that we understand the critical differences between these two species let’s look at considerations when buying a hamster from PetSmart.
What Is the Hamster’s Breed?
A hamster’s breed will have the most significant influence on its living conditions.
Currently, PetSmart sells seven hamster breeds, which are either Syrian or Dwarf species:
Dwarf Hamsters:
- Chinese Dwarf hamster
- Winter White Dwarf hamster
- Roborovski Dwarf hamster
- Russian Dwarf hamster
Syrian Hamsters:
- Short-Haired Syrian hamster
- Long-Haired Syrian hamster
- Fancy Bear Syrian hamster
Generally, dwarf hamsters will be less nocturnal, smaller, mouse-shaped, and highly social. These are the best hamster if you want multiple pets in the same cage.
Syrian hamsters are larger, live slightly longer, and are very territorial. You generally don’t want multiple Syrian hamsters in one cage because they will fight for resources. These hamsters are more friendly around humans than dwarf ones.
What Is the Hamster’s Sex?
Overall, there are not huge differences in temperament between male and female hamsters.
The exception is Syrian hamsters. Females of this species are larger and more aggressive than males and have a musky scent that some individuals may not enjoy.
Another consideration with gender is that female hamsters with tank mates may get pregnant, resulting in additional hamsters if you’re not prepared for it.
How Big Will My Hamster Get?
The maximum size that any hamster will reach is 8 in (15 cm). However, only Syrian hamsters reach this size, and dwarf hamsters only get to be about 2-4 in (5-10 cm) long.
Size and body shapes are more of a consideration for the owner. Syrian hamsters are bear-shaped, and dwarf hamsters are mouse-shaped.
However, dwarf hamsters will need suitable housing to accommodate their size.
What Kind of Habitat Will My Hamster Need?
Hamsters are low-maintenance pets that require little once set up in their homes. However, they do need adequate housing to prosper.
Hamsters require a pen at least 12 x 12 x 12 inches (30.5 x 30.5 x 30.5 cm) and larger if you’re housing multiple hamsters. I recommend getting a more extensive case as well for female Syrian hamsters. These hamsters prefer wide open spaces and are very territorial.
It would be best to look for a hard plastic or glass habitat for dwarf hamsters, as this species can fit between the bars on slotted cages and escape.
Additionally, PetSmart recommends the following cage accessories, which are necessary for your hamster’s well-being:
- Small pet bedding
- Transport tube
- Exercise wheel
- Food dish
- Water bottle
What Will My Hamster Eat?
Hamsters are non-picky omnivores who will eat a wide variety of foods. However, the best diet is about 80% pelleted food and 20% vegetables and/or fruit.
While this ratio can differ depending on the hamster, PetSmart recommends the following regimen for their hamsters specifically:
- Feed your hamster once daily with pelleted food. Fill about 75-80% of their food bowl.
- Vegetables should make up about 15% of their diet. Feed your hamsters once daily (preferably with leafy greens), and remove the food after four hours.
- Fruits and treats should make up about 5% of their diet. Alternate every other day with a few berries or hamster treats.
Hamsters also require constant hydration. I recommend checking and refilling their water bottles each time you give them food.
Will My Hamster Need Tank Mates?
In general, getting multiple hamsters is unnecessary unless you desire to.
If you want to house multiple hamsters, I recommend getting a 12 x 12 x 24 inch (30.5 x 30.5 x 61 cm) cage minimum and only sticking to dwarf hamsters. These hamsters do fine on their own or in a group setting and won’t get aggressive around other hamsters.
However, keep members of the same sex together so that accidental breeds do not occur.
You should always keep Syrian hamsters alone. A larger pen is optimal for female Syrian hamsters, which are larger and more aggressive than males.
How Old Are the Hamsters at PetSmart?
Due to the short lifespan of hamsters, PetSmart only sells adolescent hamsters that are sexually mature but have not reached adulthood.
The hamsters at PetSmart are between 6-12 weeks adult. Younger hamsters are still juvenile and not ready for ownership. Older hamsters have a limited lifespan and are more susceptible to disease. Once hamsters reach 12 weeks, PetSmart donates them to shelters to be rehomed.
Hamsters typically live about 1.5-3 years, depending on the breed of hamster and its living conditions. To avoid selling hamsters with a severely short lifespan, PetSmart limits the sale of older hamsters and donates them to local shelters where they can find a new home.
How Much Do Hamsters Cost?
PetSmart hamster costs vary depending on your region’s store availability. However, all hamsters at PetSmart are affordable, as well as their housing and accessories.
Hamsters typically cost between $20-50, depending on where you get them. PetSmart hamsters are generally $20-30 and are much more affordable than hamsters from private breeders. Privately bred hamsters typically cost $30-50.
Because PetSmart works with a wide variety of breeders and can house numerous hamsters, they can provide the same quality at a lower cost than private breeders.
How Much Are Dwarf Hamsters at PetSmart?
Dwarf hamsters at PetSmart are about $20-25. All hamsters, except the Fancy Bear hamster, are price matched (within PetSmart) and will cost the same as other hamsters in your PetSmart location. The Fancy Bear hamster is about $2-5 more than the other hamsters.
Which Hamster Is Best To Buy?
When selecting a hamster a PetSmart, it can be challenging to decide which is best for you. For first-time owners, you want a low-maintenance hamster that’s friendly and easy to handle.
The best hamster to buy at PetSmart is the Syrian long-haired hamster. These hamsters have an attractive bear-like appearance and are friendly around humans. Additionally, their larger size makes them easier to pick up and handle. However, these hamsters must remain solitary.
Syrian hamsters are considered the best starter hamsters, and the long-haired or golden variation is regarded as the most popular in the United States.
Compared to other Syrian breeds, long-tailed hamsters live longer, grow larger, are more friendly around people, and are much slower. Their size and lack of speed also make them low-maintenance because they are less likely to escape and easier to handle.
However, when purchasing a Syrian hamster, consider the following:
- Syrian hamsters must remain solitary.
- Female Syrian hamsters generally require a larger cage than 12 x 12 x 12 in (30.5 x 30.5 x 30.5 cm).
- Female Syrian hamsters go into estrus often, giving off a musky scent.
- Males are smaller and more docile than females.
Due to the above considerations, I recommend getting a male long-haired Syrian hamster if this is your first time owning a hamster. If you’re looking for a new hamster or one that can live with playmates, you can consider a dwarf hamster.
When Should I Consider a Dwarf Hamster?
Dwarf hamsters make lovely pets and are the best option if you want to house multiple hamsters and are used to handling hamsters.
This hamster species is more energetic during the day and loves to play with toys, making it an excellent option for kids who want an active pet. Further, this species enjoys multiple companions of the same sex as long as they are appropriately introduced.
Additionally, I recommend this species for experienced hamster owners because of their size and ability to escape some cages. These hamsters require a delicate touch and careful handling, especially if they are less than 3 inches (7.6 cm) long.
Final Thoughts
Of the many places to get a pet hamster, PetSmart offers affordable and appropriately aged options.
Currently, PetSmart sells seven breeds of hamsters, either Syrian or Dwarf. Syrian hamsters are more solitary, friendlier around humans, and low-maintenance. Dwarf hamsters are much smaller, enjoy living with same-sex hamsters, and are less nocturnal than Syrian ones.
All breeds of hamsters at PetSmart cost $20-30 and require housing, food, water, bedding, and exercise equipment. They live about two years after you purchase them.
Overall, the best hamster breed is the Syrian long-haired, which is low-maintenance and prefers the company of humans.