SHOPPING CHECKLIST getting to know your
What will I need for my hamster? SYRIAN & DWARF
dwarf hamster: habitat sized 12 x 12 x
12" or larger (multilevel home preferred) HAMSTER
syrian hamster: habitat sized 20 x 10 x
12" or larger (multilevel home preferred)
pelleted hamster food
food dish
water bottle
bedding
exercise wheel
hide
nesting material
treats
wood chew
Vet Assured™: Pets purchased at PetSmart are part
of our exclusive Vet Assured™ program, designed
by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health
and well-being of our pets. Our vendors meet a
The standard for pet care high standard in caring for pets and screening them
for common illnesses, including Zoonotic diseases.
This program also includes specific standards for
in-store pet care.
The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day
period, or if you’re not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace
the pet or refund the purchase price.
Safety tips for
The standard forpet
you and your pet
care
1. ALL ANIMALS can potentially carry viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic
diseases contagious to humans. 2. Thoroughly wash your hands with
warm, soapy water before and after contact with any pet or its habitat.
3. Adults should assist children with hand washing after contact with a pet
or its enclosure. 4. Use caution when handling pets, and remember they
may bite or scratch, especially when stressed.
This care guide contains general information for the proper
SPSA_CRGD_106
care of your pet, but is not comprehensive and is not a
substitute for veterinary advice or care.
For more information, visit petsmart.com, cdc.gov/healthypets, or contact your veterinarian.
care guides
PETSMART and VET ASSURED are trademarks of PetSmart Home Office, Inc. © 2020 PetSmart. All rights reserved.
Developed and approved by PetSmart veterinarians
energetic & athletic How do I set up a hamster habitat?
HAMSTERS
Their fur-lined pouches that extend from their head to
• Place the habitat in a low humidity area that’s cool
– temperature should be between 65-75° F (18-24°
C) – and out of direct sunlight.
their shoulders help them transport food. • Line the habitat with an appropriate amount of
clean bedding. The bedding should be spot-
Experience level: Beginner. cleaned as needed and changed as directed by
product packaging.
Size: Dwarf hamsters grow up to 3 to 4" (8-10 cm). Syrian
hamsters grow up to 5 to 7" (13-18 cm). • Add in transport tubes and an exercise wheel for
play and exercise.
Lifespan: On average, they live for 2 years.
• Hide houses will provide your hamster with a
Behavior: Hamsters are nocturnal and love running on private spot. Edible nests will encourage your pet
their hamster wheels at night. to chew and should be cleaned regularly.
Diet: Hamsters are omnivores.
Social: While Syrian hamsters are sociable with humans,
they are solitary animals and should live alone. Most Dwarf What should I feed my hamster?
hamsters, however, are social animals and can be housed
with another of the same sex.
80% PELLETED FOOD
This is your hamster’s
everyday main course. 5% FRUIT &
Refresh daily and always TREATS
keep the bowl 3/4 full Offer treats and
A hamster habitat fruits like oranges
and blueberries
twice a week.
15% VEGETABLES Note: Be sure to
Fresh vegetables served remove fruit after
daily. Note: make sure a few hours
to remove uneaten
vegetables after a WATER
few hours A water bottle or
bowl of fresh, clean
water every day
When should I contact a veterinarian?
In addition to regularly scheduled appointments,
contact your small animal veterinarian if you notice
the following signs:
• cloudy, sunken or swollen eyes
• wheezing
• sneezing; discharge from the eyes, nose or mouth
• overgrown front teeth
• bare patches in the fur
• sores on the feet
habitat water bottle hide small pet bedding • weight loss; not eating or drinking normally
food dish transport tube exercise wheel • diarrhea or discolored droppings
