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PangoVet advocates for adopting before shopping. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder or purchasing from a store, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. Learn more.
While some pet parents prefer cats or dogs, several other animals make good pets. For instance, gerbils are adorable and much easier to care for than a cat or dog (cheaper, too!). Gerbils can make good pets for older kids just learning to properly care for an animal (though they aren’t the best for small children due to their size).
If you’re interested in getting a gerbil, your first thought may be to visit your local pet store. However, there are other places you can look at for gerbils, too. Below, we’ll discuss what you should know about the best places to buy a gerbil!
Gerbils as Pets: What to Know Before Welcoming One Into Your Home
Gerbils are one of the more affordable pets and are relatively easy to care for. You’ll need a cage filled with everything they require, like food bowls, water bottles, nests, and toys. You’ll also need plenty of gerbil food. After you adopt a gerbil, one of the more vital activities to do is hand-tame them. Gerbils will bite if frightened or injured, so getting yours used to being handled and held is vital.
Gerbils are social and endlessly curious, making them fun to watch as they explore. While gerbils aren’t nocturnal, they are active during the night, so be prepared for the squeak of an exercise wheel at all hours if you’ve placed one in their cage!
Where to Adopt Gerbils
Adopting a gerbil is an excellent option since several end up in shelters and rescues due to people impulsively purchasing them and then becoming bored. Adopting a gerbil doesn’t only get you a new friend; it also means you’re saving an animal’s life. Getting your gerbil from a shelter or rescue will be, in most cases, a bit cheaper than getting one from a pet store or breeder.
Shelters, in particular, have gerbils that are familiar and comfortable with being in contact with people, which is helpful. Just be prepared for the possibility of filling out an application or going through an interview to get your pet!
1. Adopt a Pet
Adopt a Pet is an online adoption database that connects pet seekers with rescues, shelters, and private owners. However, the site has a downside: There may not be any gerbils up for adoption near your home.
2. Animal Rescue League
The Animal Rescue League is an example of an organization dedicated to helping rehome animals, adopt them out, and keep them safe. There may not be one in your state, but you can likely find an organization that does similar work.
3. ASPCA
You’re likely familiar with the ASPCA or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This national organization does a lot, including rescuing gerbils and other small animals, cats, and dogs. You can search their database to find shelters near you with gerbils up for adoption.
4. Petfinder
Petfinder is another online adoption database that is similar to Adopt a Pet. You can use it to search for gerbils waiting to be adopted from private owners or shelters.
Where to Buy Gerbils Online
Purchasing a gerbil online can be risky (and more expensive than adopting). You can’t check the living conditions of the gerbil or its health. You also won’t get to interact with the animal until you get it, so you will have no idea what their personality is like. However, there are a couple of places you can go online to buy a gerbil.
1. Craigslist
Believe it or not, Craigslist still exists, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to find gerbils for sale on the site. Of course, we recommend being very careful using this site to maintain your safety and avoid scams!
2. Small Pet
There are a few online stores like Small Pet that sell, well, small pets. You’ll have to do your research for sites like these to verify how reputable they are.
How Much Do Gerbils Cost Online?
How much a gerbil costs online depends on where you get it. You’ll likely find lower prices (and possibly even free) on Craigslist, but if you’re purchasing from an online store, it can cost anywhere from $22–$150, depending on the type of gerbil you want and where it’s coming from.
Pet Stores That Sell Gerbils
Most pet stores sell gerbils and other small animals, particularly big box pet stores (though your local pet store might also sell them). However, pet stores don’t always have the best living conditions, which could lead to future health issues for your pet. Ensure that gerbils are kept in a large, clean space with plenty of food, water, and toys. And look closely at the gerbils to see whether they appear healthy.
Unlike with a breeder, where you can verify whether a gerbil’s parents were healthy, you can’t do that with a pet store. Also, purchasing a gerbil from a pet store is more expensive than adopting one from a shelter or rescue.
1. Pet Supplies Plus
Not every Pet Supplies Plus sells animals, but some locations do, so if there’s one near you, check it out. You’ll have to visit your local store or call to find out if they sell animals, as they don’t list animals online. Just remember to carefully check the gerbils’ living conditions to ensure they’ve been cared for.
2. Petco
Petco’s a national pet chain with several stores, so there’s hopefully one near you. Besides pet supplies, they also sell small animals, like gerbils. However, be forewarned that Petco has had mixed reviews on their ethics and care of animals. This can vary by store, so try to find reviews of your local Petco before making any purchases.
3. PetSmart
PetSmart is also a well-known national chain, but you might not have known that they sell a few small animals. Like Petco, PetSmart’s care of animals and ethics has received very mixed reviews, so check your local store carefully for the conditions of their gerbils before buying one!
How Much Do Gerbils Cost In-Store?
This depends on which store you’re purchasing from, but you can expect to pay $20–$40 for a gerbil from a pet store.
Gerbil Breeder Information
If you’re purchasing from a reputable gerbil breeder, you can expect a healthy, happy gerbil. The breeders know a lot about the animals they’re breeding and will be willing to answer any questions you have, including questions about the health of the parents. But do your research before contacting a breeder; gerbils are prone to pet mills, just like dogs and cats, which equals unhealthy living conditions and sick animals.
When looking for breeders, see if they’re associated with organizations that have required them to agree to a code of ethics. The American Gerbil Society is one such organization; the group monitors gerbil breeders in the U.S. and requires them to agree to an ethics code while providing them with an expert community that helps them maintain excellent standards of care.
Tips for Adopting or Buying a Gerbil
When you’re adopting or buying a gerbil, keep these tips in mind.
First, it’s ideal to get at least two gerbils, not a single one. Gerbils are social creatures, and they don’t like being on their own. Getting them a companion will make your pet happier than living alone. However, get gerbils of the same sex; otherwise, you’ll have several baby gerbils running around!
While the cost of a gerbil usually isn’t a lot (unless you’re getting a fancy gerbil of some kind), you must purchase supplies for your pet, which can add up (though it will still be cheaper than supplies for a cat or dog). Just a few things you’ll need include a cage, bedding, food and water bowls, toys, food, treats, an exercise wheel, and chew sticks. Be sure you can get all your pet will need before buying one.
Finally, if you’re going to buy a gerbil from a pet store or breeder, you must do research beforehand. This can help you determine how reputable the store or breeder is and whether they provide healthy gerbils. A lack of research can result in getting a gerbil that only lives for a very short time.
Conclusion
Gerbils are relatively inexpensive pets that are incredibly social and lots of fun to be around. We recommend adopting a gerbil from a shelter or rescue organization first, but you can also find them at pet stores and breeders. Though they’re affordable, you’ll pay more from a breeder or pet store. Wherever you decide to buy your gerbil from, do research to ensure that you’re getting a healthy, happy gerbil!
Featured Image Credit: Jearu, Shutterstock
