Got a new hamster friend? That’s awesome. Hamsters make great pets. They’re cute, fuzzy, and fun to watch run around in their cages. But just like any pet, hamsters need to see the vet every now and then to make sure they stay happy and healthy. Choosing the right vet Camden like RossMoreVetHospital is super important. You want to find someone who knows all about hamster care and will be gentle with your little furball.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the purrfect vet for your hamster.

Ask Around for Recommendations

The best way to find a good hamster vet is to ask other hamster owners who they go to. Your folks could ask their friends who have hamsters if they like their vet. Or you could ask your classmates who have hamsters too.

Getting a personal recommendation from someone you know and trust is always a smart move. That way you can be sure the vet is good with hamsters before you even make an appointment.

Look for a Vet Who Specializes in “Exotics”

Lots of vets mainly see dogs and cats. But for a hamster, you want to find a vet who has extra training and experience with “exotic” pets. Exotic pets are small animals like hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, lizards, and birds.

A vet who specializes in exotic pets will know way more about hamster health and care than one who only sees cats and dogs. They’ll be up-to-date on everything from proper hamster diets to treating common hamster illnesses. Definitely worth finding for your little buddy.

When you call around to different vets’ offices, make sure to ask if they have an exotic pets specialist on staff. Some clinics even have “exotics only” vets who don’t see dogs and cats at all.

Look for Experience with Small Mammals Specifically

Some exotic pet vets focus on reptiles, birds, or pocket pets. But you want one who has lots of hands-on expertise with small mammals like hamsters.

Be sure to ask how much experience the vet has treating dwarf hamsters like yours. Do they see them often or just every once in a while? You want to find someone who’s totally comfortable handling hamsters and has seen all their common health issues before.

A vet who truly specializes in small mammals will be the best fit for your hammy. They’ll know how to keep them calm during checkups and be able to spot any problems quickly.

Check Their Hamster Setup

While you’re there, check out the exam room setup too. Are there small animal scales and carriers available? What about playpens they can use during exams to keep hamsters from escaping?

Peek in at their cages and supplies too. Are they clean with nice, fresh bedding? Do they have proper sized exercise wheels and hides? Proper hamster gear is a good sign they know about hamster care.

If the exam rooms aren’t hamster-friendly, keep looking. You want your little guy to have the best possible experience during vet visits.

Ask About Emergency Care

It’s also smart to ask what their emergency procedures are like. Do they have someone on call after hours or on weekends if an emergency comes up?

How far is the nearest emergency vet clinic if they can’t provide after-hours care? It’s good to know your options in case your hamster ever has a health crisis at a weird time.

Hopefully you’ll never need emergency care for your hammy. But you’ll feel better being prepared, just in case.

Go with Your Gut

When it comes down to it, go with the vet you felt most comfortable with during your meet and greet. The one who seemed most caring, patient, and excited to see a hamster.

Trust your gut here. You can just tell when someone is a real hamster lover. And that’s the kind of vet you want for your little guy.

Set Up His First Appointment

Once you’ve picked your favorite vet, go ahead and book your hamster’s first checkup appointment. Most vets recommend bringing new hamsters in within the first week after adopting them.

This first visit is just to give your hamster a quick health check and get to know his basic care needs. The vet will listen to his heart and lungs, check his eyes and ears, and look for any signs of illness.

Get Ready for a Long, Happy Life Together.

Finding the right exotic pet vet helps set you and your hamster up for a lifetime of health and happiness together. With the perfect vet on your team, you can relax knowing your little guy is getting the absolute best care.

We hope this guide gave you everything you need to find the purrfect vet match for your hammy. Let us know if you have any other questions.