9 Tips on Buying Small Pets

Most people would regard rabbit, guinea pig, mouse, fish, bird, chinchilla, turtle, hamster, and gerbil as small pets. In some cases, dogs (teacup) might be included. Simply put it, any pet that can be held easier with one hand would consider small animals.

Although these tips are universal to buying any domestic pet, nonetheless it is still good to take note of them anywhere.

Take Note On These Tips When Buying Small Pets

1. Get an animal only if you are ready for the responsibility of pet ownership.
2. Learn about the animal you intend to keep from friends, books, and the Internet.
3. The breeder should be able to supply useful information about the animal. Don’t buy from casual “backyard” breeders. If possible, adopt one from your local shelter—not all are catered to abandoned dogs and cats. Unless you are looking for Iguana!
4. Overcrowded conditions (e.g. 10 rabbits in a small cage) promote the spread of diseases. View the animal’s current living conditions before you buy.
5. The animal should look active and alert, not skin and bones. There should be no visible bare patches or scabs on the skin or excessive discharge from eyes or nose.
6. Look out for fluid-like or mucous stools, which signal diarrhea.
7. Guinea pigs may have parasites like fur mites, which appear as small, dark specks on the fur—if you watch closely you’ll see them move!
8. Never buy underage animals. Pet stores are not allowed to sell rabbits below four weeks old or those smaller than six inches from head to tail. These animals still need their mothers’ milk and may die without it.
9. Don’t feel the pressure of buying the pet by shrewd sale tactics such as, “It’s a popular pet,” “It’s has unique marking,” “They sell like hotcake.” If you feel you’re being “pressured,” dismiss yourself from the pet store. Come back another day and see if you still have the same desire to own that pet.