PetSmart Small Animals Guide ( All Types ) 2026
PetSmart’s small animals section offers supplies, cages, food, and care products for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas, and other compact pets.
This guide covers the products available, what to look for, and how to make informed choices for your small pet’s well-being.
Key Highlights
- PetSmart stocks complete small animal setups, from cages and bedding to specialized food and enrichment items.
- Proper habitat size, ventilation, and flooring are critical for preventing health issues in small animals.
- Selecting the right species-specific food and fresh water systems ensures optimal nutrition and hydration.
What PetSmart Offers for Small Animals
PetSmart carries a broad range of products designed specifically for small animal care.
The inventory includes housing solutions, bedding materials, feed varieties, water dispensers, toys, and health supplies. You’ll find products for rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, and other small pets all in one location.
Habitats range from basic enclosures to multi-level units. Bedding options include aspen shavings, paper-based materials, and hay products.
Food selections feature pellets, fresh vegetable supplements, and specialty treats formulated for different species.
Types of Small Animals and PetSmart’s Selection
Rabbits
Rabbits require spacious living areas and proper nutrition. PetSmart stocks large cages, exercise pens, and hutches suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
You’ll find timothy hay, rabbit pellets, fresh vegetable options, and chew toys designed to keep rabbits mentally stimulated.
➤ Rabbit care products at PetSmart also include grooming supplies, nail clippers, and health monitoring items.
Water bottles and feeders come in various sizes to accommodate different rabbit breeds.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are social animals that benefit from larger enclosures than many people expect. PetSmart provides multi-chambered cages, absorbent bedding, and specialized guinea pig pellets.
➤ Vitamin C supplements are available, as these animals cannot produce their own vitamin C and require dietary sources.
Enrichment items like tunnels, hideaways, and foraging toys help guinea pigs stay active. Hay racks, food bowls, and water bottles round out the essential supplies.
Hamsters and Gerbils
Smaller cage setups are available for hamsters and gerbils, though larger is always better for these active animals. PetSmart stocks bedding suitable for burrowing, exercise wheels, and tunnels.
Food formulations are species specific, accounting for the different dietary needs of dwarf hamsters, Syrian hamsters, and gerbils.
Chew toys and wooden hideouts are essential for these rodents, as their teeth never stop growing. PetSmart carries a selection of both.
Essential Housing and Cage Requirements
Cage Size and Design
Proper housing is foundational to small animal health.
Many cages sold in pet stores are smaller than animals actually need. I recommend checking species-specific guidelines before purchasing.
For example, guinea pigs need significantly more space than a standard small pet cage provides.
➤ Adequate ventilation prevents respiratory issues. Multi-level designs give animals more usable space without taking up excessive room.
Ventilation and Temperature
Poor air circulation leads to ammonia buildup from urine, causing respiratory infections. Ensure the cage setup allows fresh air flow. Keep habitats away from direct sunlight, drafts, and heat sources.
Most small animals do well between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
➤ Humidity should stay moderate. If you notice respiratory sounds or sneezing, check ventilation first before assuming illness.
Food and Nutrition at PetSmart
Pellets and Base Diet
Each small animal species has specific nutritional needs.
PetSmart stocks species-appropriate pellets as the foundation diet. Rabbits need Timothy hay-based pellets. Guinea pigs require pellets fortified with vitamin C. Hamster and gerbil formulas differ, and chinchilla pellets are distinct as well.
Quality pellets should be the main food source, making up 50 to 70 percent of daily intake for most species.
Store opened pellets in airtight containers to prevent nutrient loss.
Hay and Fresh Foods
Timothy hay is essential for rabbits and guinea pigs, supporting digestive health and natural chewing behavior.
PetSmart carries compressed hay bales and bags. Fresh vegetables supplement pellets but should make up only 10 to 15 percent of the diet.
Safe vegetables for most small animals include carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, and leafy greens. Always introduce new foods slowly to prevent digestive upset. Avoid iceberg lettuce, as it lacks nutrition.
Water Systems
Water bottles with metal ball bearings work well but need daily checking to ensure the ball moves freely. Water bowls are alternatives, though they get soiled quickly.
Change water daily to prevent bacterial growth. During hot months, monitor consumption closely, as dehydration can occur rapidly in small animals.
PetSmart stocks replacement bottles, spouts, and accessories. Test any new bottle before assuming it works properly.
Setting Up Your First Small Animal Habitat
Creating a Shopping List
Start by deciding which species you’ll keep. Research that specific animal’s needs before shopping.
Create a list covering cage, bedding, food, water system, toys, and health supplies. PetSmart staff can help locate items, though they may not always recommend the most appropriate options.
Budget for quality housing upfront rather than upgrading later. A proper initial setup costs more but saves money on health issues and replacements.
Initial Setup Process
Before bringing your pet home, it’s important to fully prepare its living space so it feels safe and comfortable from the very beginning.
Process
- Set up the entire habitat in advance
- Layer bedding properly for comfort and hygiene
- Fill and check water systems to ensure proper functioning
- Place food bowls in accessible and stable positions
- Arrange toys and enrichment items for stimulation
- Inspect the setup to identify and fix any issues beforehand
Allow the animal time to adjust to the new space without excessive handling during the first week.
Seasonal Considerations for Small Animals
Summer Care
During hot weather, extra care is needed to keep small animals safe.
- Keep cages in cool areas
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Refill water regularly
- Monitor water intake
Some animals like chinchillas are particularly heat-sensitive and can suffer heatstroke.
Provide cool water and adequate ventilation. Frozen water bottles wrapped in cloth can help cool enclosures during extreme heat.
Winter Care
During winter, outdoor animals need extra protection to stay warm and safe.
- Insulate outdoor hutches
- Keep housing draft-free
- Protect from wind and cold
Outdoor rabbits and guinea pigs need draft-free, insulated housing. Water can freeze in cold climates, requiring regular checking.
Consider bringing outdoor animals inside during harsh winters when possible.
Costs and Budgeting for Small Pet Ownership
Initial Investment
Starting a small animal habitat costs between $150 and $400 depending on species and cage quality.
A quality cage might cost $100 to $150 alone. Food, bedding, toys, and accessories add another $50 to $100 for initial setup.
Rabbits and guinea pigs require larger initial investments than hamsters or gerbils.
Ongoing Expenses
Monthly costs typically run $15 to $40 depending on the animal.
Food and bedding are the main expenses. Hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables add up over time. Veterinary care, though not monthly, should be budgeted for annual checkups and emergencies
PetSmart’s prices are generally competitive, though online shopping sometimes offers better deals on bulk items like hay.
