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What Kind of Small Pet Should I Get?

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Guinea Pig
  • Adults grow to up to 12 inches
  • Lives 5 to 8 years
  • Primary diet consists of hay, pellets, fruit, vegetables and Vitamin C supplements
  • Fruit can be given occasionally as a treat
  • Great for beginner pet parents
Gerbil
  • Adults grow to up to 4 inches plus a 4-inch tail
  • Lives up to three years
  • Diet consists of pellets, along with fruits and vegetables
  • Great for beginner pet parents
Rat
  • Adults grow to 7-10 inches, plus a 6-8-inch tail
  • Lives up to two years
  • Diet consists of pellets, along with fruits and vegetables
  • Great for beginner pet parents
Mouse
  • Adults grow to 2-3 inches
  • Lives up to two years
  • Diet consists of pellets, along with fruits and vegetables
  • Great for beginner pet parents
Chinchilla
  • Adults grow nine to 10 inches, plus a six-inch tail
  • Lives up to 10-15 years
  • Primary diet consists of hay and pellets
  • Fruit can be given occasionally as a treat
  • Great for intermediate pet parents
Hamster
  • Adults grow to 3-7 inches
  • Lives up to two years
  • Diet consists of pellets, along with fruits and vegetables
  • Great for beginner pet parents
Rabbit
  • Adults grow to 2-15 or more pounds
  • Lives six to 13 years
  • Diet consists of hay, pellets, along with vegetables
  • Fruit can be given occasionally as a treat
  • Great for intermediate pet parents

Petite-pet pointers

  • The tinier the pet, the more easily they can slip through small spaces. Make sure your pet’s habitat is escape-proof.
  • Handle with care: small pets can be wigglers and may be injured if they’re dropped.
  • Children younger than 5 should be supervised while handling small pets, which can bite or attempt to escape from their arms when frightened.
  • Little pets and big pets don’t always mix: a hungry or curious dog or cat might regard your small pet as more toy than comrade, quickly resulting in potential significant injury.
  • See our small pet selection online and stop in-store to pick out your new pet
PETSMART CARES: Pets purchased at PetSmart are part of our exclusive Vet Assured™ program, designed by PetSmart veterinarians to help improve the health and well-being of our pets. Our vendors meet a high standard in caring for pets and screening them for common illnesses. This program also includes specific standards for in-store pet care.
The PetSmart Promise: If your pet becomes ill during the initial 14-day period, or if you’re not satisfied for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price.

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