Where to buy your first pet

You should always buy your pet from an established breeder or a reputable pet shop and make sure that the animal you are paying for comes from good stock and is in a healthy condition. If you are in doubt about where to go, your local veterinary surgeon (vet) will be able to advise you.

An established breeder or petshop owner will also be able to advise you on how to look after the animal you have chosen.

Make sure that you choose a healthy animal, one that is bright, alert and inquisitive. You should always handle a pet before buying him so that you can examine him properly. If he is a hamster, give him time to wake up properly before assessing him. Pay special attention to the nose, eyes and ears; there should be no discharge or runniness which may be sign of sickness. Check that the animal’s coat is in good condition and that there are no bald patches.

If you see an individual that looks sick, don’t buy him as it will only lead to disappointment. Instead, point it out to the shop owner and suggest that you think he is ill and should be taken to see a vet.

You should always obtain your pet when he is still young – that way you have the best chance of giving him the right start in life. But, you have to wait until the animal is weaned (no longer suckling milk from his mother). Rabbits, gerbils and hamsters should be bought at the age of about eight to ten weeks; guinea pigs can be bought a couple of weeks younger.