What Kind of Small Pet Should I Get?

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.