First Small Pet Checklist: what to do before bringing your small pet home

Quick answer

Set up the full habitat before you bring your small pet home: a correctly sized enclosure, safe bedding, hides, water, species-appropriate food, and enrichment. For the first 48 hours, keep handling minimal and focus on calm, predictable routines.

The essentials you should have

• Proper enclosure size: bigger is almost always better
• Safe bedding: dust-free and suitable for the species
• Hideouts: at least 1 to 2 hides so they can feel secure
• Food and water: a stable diet plus fresh water (bottle or bowl depending on species)
• Enrichment: tunnels, chew items, and for hamsters a large wheel
• Cleaning supplies: scoop, spare bedding, pet-safe wipes
• Transport carrier: for the ride home and vet visits

Day 1 and the first week plan

• Day 1: place them in the habitat, offer food and water, keep it quiet
• Days 2 to 3: observe eating, drinking, and bathroom habits, avoid handling
• Days 4 to 7: start trust-building with treats near your hand, short calm sessions only

Common mistakes that cause stress

• Too small enclosure (leads to boredom and stress behaviors)
• No hideouts (they need a safe zone)
• Deep cleaning too early (removes their scent and increases anxiety)
• Waking them up to play (especially for hamsters)

Species notes (quick guidance)

• Hamsters: usually solitary, active in evenings, need a large wheel
• Guinea pigs: social, prefer living in pairs, need constant hay
• Rabbits: need space, litter training, and chew-safe setup

FAQ

What should I do in the first 24 hours?

Keep it calm. Food, water, and quiet. Let them explore without handling.

How soon can I hold my new small pet?

Usually after a few days. Start with treat-based trust-building and short sessions.

How often should I clean the habitat?

Spot-clean daily and do deeper cleaning on a schedule that does not remove all scent at once.

Do small pets need a vet?

Yes. Find a vet who sees exotic pets before you need urgent help.

Next step

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