PetSmart Hamster Buying Guide & Prices 2026
Hamsters make popular first pets due to their compact size and lively nature. PetSmart offers several varieties suited for beginners.
PetSmart carries several hamster varieties, each with slightly different personalities, sizes, and care needs, so even within the hamster category, there’s some choice involved.
Prices start around $18 and go up to $25, depending on the type.
This guide covers the breeds PetSmart sells, what they cost, and how to set up properly so your hamster actually thrives.
Key Points
- PetSmart’s hamster buying guide covers popular breeds like Syrian and dwarf varieties, with prices ranging $18-$25 per animal.
- Key factors include solitary or social housing needs, nocturnal behavior, and basic setup costs for habitats and food.
- Initial setup (cage, bedding, wheel, food) typically adds $55 to $125 on top of the hamster’s price.
Types of Hamsters Available at PetSmart
PetSmart stocks both Syrian and dwarf hamsters, each with distinct traits.
Syrian hamsters
Syrian hamsters come in short-haired and long-haired forms. Short-haired ones have smooth coats in colors like golden or black. Long-haired versions need occasional brushing to prevent mats.
➔ Syrian hamsters, often called golden or teddy bear hamsters, grow to 5-7 inches long. They must live alone or they will fight.
Dwarf hamsters
Dwarf hamsters stay smaller, at 2-4 inches, and some types can share space if same sex. Common options include Winter White, Roborovski, and Russian dwarfs. These active rodents suit families with older kids.
➔ Dwarf breeds show more social behavior. Winter Whites change coat color in winter, while Roborovskis move quickly and entertain watchers.
All hamsters live 1.5 to 2 years on average.
If you’re also considering guinea pigs or gerbils, our full guide to small animals at PetSmart compares all the options side by side.
Current Hamster Prices at PetSmart
Hamsters are one of the more affordable pets you can buy at PetSmart, which is part of what makes them so appealing for first-time pet owners.
➔ Prices generally range from $18 to $25, but the exact amount you’ll pay depends on a couple of factors, mainly the breed and your location.
| Type Of Hamster | Price |
|---|---|
Short-haired Syrian |
|
Long-haired Syrians |
|
Winter White dwarfs |
|
Fancy bear hamsters |
|
Roborovski/ Russian dwarfs |
|
One thing I always remind new hamster owners is that the purchase price is just the beginning. You’ll also need to budget for a cage, bedding, food, a water bottle, a wheel, and other accessories. Check for active coupons or bundle deals before buying your supplies to cut that setup cost down.
For the most accurate and current pricing at your nearest store, check the PetSmart website or call your local location directly.
Choosing the Right Hamster for Your Home
Not all hamsters are the same, and picking the right one for your lifestyle makes a big difference in how enjoyable the experience will be.
Before you walk into PetSmart and pick the cutest one you see, it’s worth taking a few minutes to think about what kind of hamster actually fits your home and daily routine.
Notice Title
- Hamsters are nocturnal and most active at night, so they suit quieter households
- Syrian hamsters prefer living alone and need regular handling to stay tame
- Dwarf hamsters can live in groups but may show aggression if not monitored
- Healthy hamsters should have bright eyes, clean fur, and active movement
- PetSmart offers a 14-day guarantee for refunds or replacements if health issues arise
If your bedroom is right next to where the cage will sit, keep in mind that hamsters run on their wheel for hours at night. A silent spinner wheel helps, but they’re never completely quiet.
Age matters too. PetSmart sells young hamsters, ready for homes after weaning.
Setting Up a Hamster Habitat
Getting your hamster’s habitat right from the start is one of the most important things you can do as a new owner.
A well-set-up enclosure doesn’t just keep your hamster safe, it directly affects their health, happiness, and behavior.
➔ PetSmart recommends wire cages or glass tanks with secure lids.
➔ Minimum size: 24×12 inches for dwarfs, larger for Syrians.
➔ Add bedding like aspen shavings for burrowing. Include a solid wheel to prevent foot injuries, plus hideouts and chew toys.
➔ Water bottles and food dishes complete the setup.
Costs for starters: Cages from $30-$100, bedding $10, wheel $15. Buy these at PetSmart for matched supplies.
Daily Hamster Care and Feeding
Daily care is straightforward once you get into a routine. The diet is the part that matters most for long-term health.
Brands like Oxbow Essentials provide complete nutrition. Feed 1-2 tablespoons daily, with treats like carrots or apples sparingly.
Clean the habitat weekly to avoid odors and health risks. Spot clean daily for waste. Handle gently to build trust, but wash hands first.
Common Issues
Common issues include wet tail, a bacterial infection treatable by vets. Watch for diarrhea or lethargy. Regular vet checkups extend life.
Feeding at the same time each evening works best since hamsters are most active at night. It also gives you a chance to observe them up close, which is how you’ll spot early signs of illness.
Are Hamsters the Right Pet for You?
Hamsters make great pets for the right person, but like any animal, they come with both upsides and downsides.
Pros
- Low-maintenance and easy to care for
- Small size makes them ideal
- Suitable starter pets for families
- Require relatively simple housing setup
Cons
- Short lifespan
- Nocturnal habits can disturb sleepers
- May bite if handled improperly
- Need supervision during child interactions
Allergies are possible. Some people are allergic to hamster dander or the bedding materials used in their enclosure, which is worth considering before buying.
Families with kids over 8 tend to have the best experience. Younger children can struggle with gentle handling, and a startled hamster will nip. If you’re buying one for a child, plan on being the primary caretaker for the first few weeks while they learn.
Mistakes I See New Hamster Owners Make
The biggest one is cage size. Many starter kits sold at pet stores look cute and convenient but are genuinely too small for a hamster to live comfortably long-term. Go bigger than you think you need.
Overfeeding leads to obesity. Stick to measured portions. Ignore myths about group housing Syrians, they fight.
Dwarf hamsters can squeeze through surprisingly small bar gaps, so if you go with a wire cage, make sure the spacing is narrow enough. A glass tank with a mesh lid is often the safer bet for dwarfs.
What I Tell People Before They Buy Their First Hamster
Go to PetSmart in the evening. Hamsters are nocturnal, so if you visit during the morning, every hamster in the store will be asleep and you won’t get a sense of their personality. An evening visit lets you see which ones are active, curious, and comfortable being approached.
Also, have the cage fully set up at home before you bring the hamster back. The less time they spend in a travel container, the less stressed they’ll be. Give them 24 to 48 hours of quiet settling-in time before you start handling them, and you’ll have a much friendlier pet from the start.
