Things You'll Need
- Computer with Internet access
- E-mail account
- Cage/aquarium, other supplies
Instructions
Begin Looking for Your Hamster
Perhaps the best place to locate hamsters online is the pet adoption site Petfinder.com. This site allows you to search for a hamster based on a number of criteria, including age, gender and distance from your home. It contains links to numerous shelters and rescue groups across the country.
Sometimes individuals need to part ways with their hammies for a variety of reasons, including allergies or new landlord restrictions. Craigslist.com is another Web site that lists hamsters available for adoption. The site is tailored to specific geographic regions, ensuring that you won't have to travel far for your new critter.
If you are interested in locating hamsters for sale through a breeder, try Petwebsite.com. There you will be able to search for breeders specializing in specific hamster species and also view advertisements for hamsters currently for sale.
Become Informed and Prepared
Once you locate a hamster you are interested in, start an e-mail dialogue with the person in charge of the critter. The more you know about the hamster's background, the better prepared you will be when it becomes part of your family. Are there any health concerns? Was the pet in an abusive environment before it landed at the shelter? These are some of the questions you should be asking.
Make sure you have all of the neccesary housing supplies before you make the trip to pick up your new pet. A proper cage, water bottle, food dish, nesting house and some chew toys are all essential. When you do collect your new hamster, bring along a suitable cage or tank so that it will be comfortable on the ride home.
Single out a quiet room in your home to place the hamster's house. Hamsters are nocturnal, so select a room other than a bedroom. Don't make too much of a fuss for the first 24 hours so that the hamster can get acclimated to the new environment.