Does PetSmart Sell Hedgehogs? An In-Depth Look

Hedgehogs have surged in popularity as exotic pets in recent years, with their adorable faces and quirky personalities winning over many animal lovers. According to a 2019 survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association, roughly 80,000 households in the U.S. keep hedgehogs as pets. But where are all these new hedgehog owners getting their spiny friends?

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As one of the biggest pet retailers in North America, many people wonder if PetSmart sells hedgehogs in their stores. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll investigate PetSmart‘s policy on hedgehogs, where you can realistically find a pet hedgehog, and what supplies and care these unique creatures need to thrive.

Hedgehog Basics: What to Know Before You Buy

Before we dive into the specifics of hedgehog sales, let‘s cover some key facts about these prickly pets. Hedgehogs are small insectivorous mammals native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The species most commonly kept as pets is the African pygmy hedgehog, which typically weighs between 1/2 to 1 1/2 pounds as an adult.

In the wild, hedgehogs are solitary, nocturnal animals that forage for food at night and sleep in hidden nests during the day. They have poor eyesight but a strong sense of hearing and smell to help them navigate and locate prey.

Pet hedgehogs have some unique traits that set them apart from more traditional companion animals:

  • Hedgehogs are covered in short, spiny quills that they can erect when frightened to protect themselves. These quills are not barbed or dangerous like a porcupine‘s, but they can still poke you if you‘re not careful!

  • As primarily solitary animals, hedgehogs are content being kept alone and do not crave companionship from other hedgehogs or humans. Some hedgehogs can learn to tolerate handling, but many will always be huffy when disturbed.

  • Hedgehogs have very specific temperature needs and must be kept between 72 to 80°F to avoid potentially deadly hibernation attempts. They require supplemental heat sources like ceramic heat lamps to keep their enclosure warm enough.

  • As insectivores, pet hedgehogs need a special diet consisting of high-quality hedgehog kibble, live or freeze-dried insects like mealworms and crickets, and limited fresh produce. They cannot eat typical cat or dog food.

With these traits in mind, it‘s clear that pet hedgehogs are quite different from the typical hamster or gerbil. These exotic animals require very specific habitat setup and care to stay healthy as pets.

Does PetSmart Sell Hedgehogs?

So can you head to your local PetSmart and take home a hedgehog? The short answer is no. As of 2023, PetSmart does not sell hedgehogs in any of their stores or online.

This policy may come as a surprise, considering PetSmart is such a large pet retailer. After all, they sell a wide variety of small pets like guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, mice, and rats. They even offer some more exotic pets like bearded dragons and parakeets. So why not hedgehogs?

As a professional in the retail and pet industry, I‘ve identified a few key reasons why PetSmart has chosen not to stock pet hedgehogs:

1. Legality and Regulations

One of the biggest barriers to hedgehog sales at PetSmart is the complicated legal status of these animals across North America. Several U.S. states and cities have outright bans on owning hedgehogs as pets due to worries about them escaping and establishing invasive wild populations:

State/City Legality
California Illegal statewide
Georgia Illegal statewide
Hawaii Illegal statewide
New York City Illegal within city limits
Pennsylvania Illegal in some cities
Washington D.C. Illegal districtwide

Sources: Hedgehog Welfare Society, California Department of Fish and Wildlife

Other states like Arizona, Maine, New Jersey, and Wyoming allow pet hedgehogs but require a special permit or health certificate to own one legally. These patchwork regulations likely make it tricky for a national retailer like PetSmart to keep up with different hedgehog laws across their markets.

2. Animal Care Standards and Liability

Another factor in PetSmart‘s hedgehog policy is the company‘s internal animal care guidelines. According to their corporate responsibility statement, PetSmart aims to sell pets that are "safe for our customers and whose environmental and social needs can be met in a home."

Based on these standards, PetSmart has made the decision that exotic pets like hedgehogs are not appropriate animals for them to sell. Hedgehogs have very precise temperature and dietary needs that go beyond a typical small pet sold in pet stores. An inexperienced owner could easily end up with a sick or stressed hedgehog if these needs are not met.

There are also some rare but potential disease risks associated with hedgehogs, such as salmonella. The CDC has traced several salmonella outbreaks to pet hedgehogs over the years. For a large retailer like PetSmart, this could open them up to liability issues if a customer or employee becomes ill from a hedgehog purchased at their store.

Dr. Evan Antin, an exotic pet veterinarian in California, explains that he often sees hedgehogs with severe mites, metabolic bone disease, and other health issues from well-meaning but unprepared owners. "Hedgehogs are definitely not beginner pets, or even intermediate level pets," he says. "They have really specific husbandry needs, all the way from their enclosure setup to their diet, temperature and humidity levels, and veterinary care. A lot can go wrong quickly if you‘re winging it as an owner."

3. Humane Sourcing Challenges

Finally, the limited availability of hedgehogs from humane commercial breeders likely plays a role in PetSmart‘s choice not to sell these animals. Most reputable hedgehog breeders are small-scale hobbyists who would not be able to meet the volume of animals needed to regularly stock a large chain of pet stores.

The animal welfare group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) advises that large pet store chains often source small animals from unethical "animal mills" that prioritize profit over the health and socialization of the animals. Since PetSmart has made a public commitment to not sell dogs and cats from mills, they likely aim to avoid such sources for exotic pets as well.

Dr. Christine Higgins, a veterinarian who owns several hedgehogs herself, supports PetSmart‘s choice not to carry these exotic pets. "I actually think it‘s the responsible decision for large pet store chains not to sell hedgehogs, as much as I adore these animals," she says. "Hedgehogs just aren‘t well-suited to a commercial pet trade environment, and it would be very difficult to sell them in a way that sets new owners up for success."

Where Can You Buy a Pet Hedgehog?

So if PetSmart is a no-go for hedgehogs, where can you ethically purchase one of these prickly pets? Here are a few avenues to consider, along with their pros and cons:

1. Reputable Breeders

The most ideal way to get a pet hedgehog is through a responsible breeder who specializes in well-socialized, healthy animals. Many breeders are also active in hedgehog shows and clubs, which allows them to carefully select breeding animals for desirable traits and temperament.

Pros:

  • Breeder has carefully selected parents for health and temperament
  • Baby hedgehogs are usually well-socialized from a young age
  • Breeder can provide extensive guidance on proper care and diet
  • Often includes initial vet visit, pedigree, and health guarantee

Cons:

  • Limited availability and waitlists for baby hedgehogs are common
  • Can be more expensive upfront than other options ($150-$350)
  • Responsible breeders can be difficult to identify and vet

Dr. Higgins advises doing extensive research to find a responsible breeder, looking for one that has been active in the hedgehog community for several years, participates in shows or clubs, and is transparent about their breeding practices. "Don‘t be shy about asking for references or to speak to the breeder‘s vet," she suggests. "An ethical breeder will be an open book and want you to feel confident about the lifelong commitment you‘re making."

2. Exotic Pet Stores

Some exotic pet stores carry hedgehogs either regularly or seasonally. This can be a more accessible option than seeking out a private breeder. However, pet store hedgehogs often come with more health and behavior risks.

Pros:

  • More accessible and easier to find than breeders
  • Can often see/pick your hedgehog in person before buying
  • Usually cheaper than breeder hedgehogs ($100-$250)

Cons:

  • Unclear sourcing and socialization of pet store hedgehogs
  • Higher risk of health issues like mites, internal parasites, etc.
  • Less likely to have been socialized from a young age
  • Staff may not have robust hedgehog care knowledge

While there are ethical exotic pet stores out there, it‘s still vital to investigate their animal sourcing and care standards before purchasing a hedgehog from one. "The conditions at these stores can vary widely, so buyer beware," Dr. Antin warns. "You‘ll want to see things like spacious, clean enclosures, knowledgeable staff, and mandatory vet visits before selling the animal."

3. Rescue Organizations

Adopting a pet hedgehog in need of a new home is a rewarding option to consider. There are many small animal and hedgehog-focused rescues across the country that occasionally take in surrendered or abandoned hedgehogs.

Pros:

  • Provide a home to a hedgehog in need
  • Often cheaper than buying from a breeder
  • Rescue will ensure hedgehog is healthy before adoption
  • Rescue staff can provide education and ongoing support

Cons:

  • Fewer hedgehogs available than through breeders or stores
  • Most rescue hedgehogs are adults, so you miss baby stage
  • Possibility of existing health or behavior issues
  • May have to travel farther to find an adoptable hedgehog

If you decide to adopt through a rescue, have a realistic mindset about the commitment you‘re making. "Rescue hedgies are so rewarding, but you have to go in eyes wide open," says Sarah Baxter, director of the Hedgehog Haven rescue in Colorado. "You may need to put in more work building trust and managing any health needs they come with. It‘s not always a quick process, but it‘s so worth it."

Regardless of where you ultimately decide to get a hedgehog, it‘s important to thoroughly vet your source and make sure you feel confident in their breeding or care practices. Don‘t just go with the first available hedgehog you find – take your time, do your research, and wait for the right fit.

Caring for Your New Hedgehog

Whether you end up with a baby from a breeder or an adult rescue hedgie, the key to being a responsible owner is properly preparing for your new pet‘s arrival. In addition to choosing a reputable source, here are some other tips for setting your hedgehog up for success:

Create a Safe and Comfortable Habitat

Before bringing your hedgehog home, take time to set up their enclosure and ensure you have everything they‘ll need. Some habitat essentials include:

  • Large solid-bottom cage or enclosure (minimum 4 sq. ft. of floor space)
  • Safe heat source like a ceramic heat emitter with thermostat
  • Digital thermometer to monitor cage temperature
  • High-quality hedgehog food and small ceramic food bowl
  • Heavy ceramic water dish to prevent tipping
  • Several hiding places like tunnels, huts, and fleece sacks
  • Solid running wheel (12" diameter for most adults)
  • Bedding made from fleece, paper, aspen shavings, or pelleted paper

While PetSmart doesn‘t sell hedgehogs themselves, you can find some of these basic habitat items there, such as:

Prepare for Vet Care

It‘s important to find a hedgehog-savvy veterinarian before you actually need one. Exotic pet vets can be few and far between, so start researching options in your area ahead of time.

Dr. Higgins recommends looking for a vet who has experience treating hedgehogs specifically, as their anatomy and health needs are quite unique. "A good exotics vet will be comfortable performing procedures like blood draws, fecal tests, and dental exams on hedgehogs," she says. "They should also be able to guide you on preventative care like routine check-ups and figuring out an appropriate diet."

Keep in mind that vet care for exotic pets like hedgehogs tends to be more expensive than it is for cats and dogs. Owners should budget at least $200-300 per year for routine vet visits and fecal tests, not including any unexpected illnesses or injuries. Consider starting a dedicated savings fund for your hedgehog‘s health needs from the beginning.

Do Your Hedgehog Homework

Caring for an exotic pet like a hedgehog requires detailed knowledge of their biology, behavior, and unique needs. Before bringing your hedgehog home, take time to thoroughly research how to give them a high quality of life.

Some great educational resources for prospective hedgehog owners include:

"Probably the best thing you can do is connect with experienced owners and breeders," says Baxter. "There are so many little nuances to hedgehog care, and learning directly from those who have been doing it for years is invaluable."

By being proactive in your research and preparation, you set the stage for many joyful years with your new quilled companion. Hedgehogs may not be sold at PetSmart, but with some savvy shopping and an open mind to learning, you can still be an amazing hedgehog parent.