ADOPTION FAQS
What is the cost?
Our base adoption fee is $100. This includes the hamster (of course!), 1 gallon (6 month supply) of high quality food, a bag of treats, their personal pedigree, a container of sand to get you started, and a snuggle sack (we sew them ourselves!)
Why should I choose a Cheeks Hamster?
This is a totally fair question, and we welcome being questioned. We think our hamsters are worth the price and the wait, and our adopters support this as well. Please visit our "Why choose Cheeks?" page to see more info and testimonials.
How long does it take?
We do maintain a wait list, and often times the waiting period varies. Please know that because we treat our animals kindly by waiting until they're ready to have babies, our average wait time is 1 year. We do our very best to make sure everyone is happy and keep this time as short as possible. Thanks for understanding and supporting Cheeks!
If you are interested in a rescue hamster, your wait may be considerably shorter. Just note this when you apply! Instagram Hamster Rescue and Tiny Tracks Rescue always have available animals.
Adoption Process
Step 1: Read Our Requirements
Step 1: Read Our Requirements
Step 1: Read Our Requirements
- Cages must meet or exceed 600 square inches with a bar spacing of no more than 1/2 inch. No wire bottoms. No Crittertrails or Habitrail Ovo. See our Cage Page or ask us for ideas!
- Please note that 20 gallon longs are no longer considered suitable housing. They only provide 360 square inches!
- Wheels must be 10" or larger and must offer a
- Cages must meet or exceed 600 square inches with a bar spacing of no more than 1/2 inch. No wire bottoms. No Crittertrails or Habitrail Ovo. See our Cage Page or ask us for ideas!
- Please note that 20 gallon longs are no longer considered suitable housing. They only provide 360 square inches!
- Wheels must be 10" or larger and must offer a solid running surface. No wire or mesh wheels. See our Wheels page for ideas!
- We highly recommend feeding Harlan Teklad--it's what we believe to be the best. See our Feeding and Nutrition page for more details.
- Soft, paper-based bedding is recommended. Hamsters must NOT be kept on cedar or pine bedding! These products can severely damage their respiratory systems and lead to irreversible damage and/or death.
- Syrian hamsters must be kept solitary—no exceptions!
- We STRONGLY discourage breeding our hamsters. However, if you are planning on breeding your hamster, please let us know up front. We would rather point you toward our best stock than have you breed a hamster that would have been better as a pet.
Step 2: The Application
Step 1: Read Our Requirements
Step 1: Read Our Requirements
You got that? Great! Time to apply!
We want you to know that this application is not a "test." Instead, it helps us see what type of hamster might be best for your family, in addition to what you are looking for. No need to be nervous, okay? Just like our hamsters--we don't bite.
***UPDATE***
Due to the overwhelming number of applications, t
You got that? Great! Time to apply!
We want you to know that this application is not a "test." Instead, it helps us see what type of hamster might be best for your family, in addition to what you are looking for. No need to be nervous, okay? Just like our hamsters--we don't bite.
***UPDATE***
Due to the overwhelming number of applications, the application form is closed.
The intention is to minimize the wait time between the application and the adoption time and less of a struggle to contact people a year later. This is my first time doing this and please be patient.
Step 3: Confirmation
Step 1: Read Our Requirements
Step 4: The Waiting Game
We look at each application individually ,and this can be quite time consuming. You should expect to receive and email from us within 30 days of your application.
When we email you, we will probably approve your application, explain our wait times, and offer to "officially" add you to the waitlist. If you accept, we will add you to our li
We look at each application individually ,and this can be quite time consuming. You should expect to receive and email from us within 30 days of your application.
When we email you, we will probably approve your application, explain our wait times, and offer to "officially" add you to the waitlist. If you accept, we will add you to our list based on the time we received your application. WE WILL TEXT YOU AND EMAIL (MOST GO TO SPAM) SO PLEASE PROVIDE A VALID MOBILE PHONE NUMBER.
If there is a discrepancy on your application, we will address it at this point so that you can be aware and fix it early on. The main issues we will chat you up about are having a small cage or using unsuitable food. If you indicate that you are open to making the necessary changes, we will add you to the waitlist based on your date of application as well.
Step 4: The Waiting Game
Step 4: The Waiting Game
Step 4: The Waiting Game
Current wait time is about a year. It's insanity and we know this is a long time, especially for folks with young children! We do our best to keep you updated, but the best place to keep up with our Cheeks and Squeaks is on our social media. We ask that you follow us on Facebook or Instagram (if you're able) so that you can see they hamst
Current wait time is about a year. It's insanity and we know this is a long time, especially for folks with young children! We do our best to keep you updated, but the best place to keep up with our Cheeks and Squeaks is on our social media. We ask that you follow us on Facebook or Instagram (if you're able) so that you can see they hamster's progress and get to know us as well!
Also keep in mind that the 12 month projection includes the more fun and "active" period of watching our hamsters grow, choosing your new hamster, seeing all the cute baby pictures, and getting updates from us. We find that because of this more interactive time, the wait doesn't feel as long as it sounds!
However, we understand that life happens and you may change your mind during this time. If that happens, just shoot us an email and ask to be removed from the list. No hard feelings!
Step 5: Our Check In
Step 4: The Waiting Game
Step 6: Choose Your Baby
Once the babies are born, we need to know who will be adopting from us. This is because we start to work with the babies and determine, based on your application and our personal correspondence, which hamster will be best for you!
So, at this point, we send out an email asking you to confirm that you still want to adopt. All you have to do is reply and we will keep you on the list!
Step 6: Choose Your Baby
Step 4: The Waiting Game
Step 6: Choose Your Baby
We work on a first come, first served basis to determine waitlist position--but we realize that that isn't totally fair when it comes to choosing a pet! While we work with the babies, we take notes on their temperament and determine personalities. Using these notes, we try to determine which hamster will be best for each home so that we c
We work on a first come, first served basis to determine waitlist position--but we realize that that isn't totally fair when it comes to choosing a pet! While we work with the babies, we take notes on their temperament and determine personalities. Using these notes, we try to determine which hamster will be best for each home so that we can guide you in the right direction when your turn comes.
At 4 weeks of age, the hamsters get their adoption photo shoot--this means we get really cute, clean shots of each pup! All of these photos get sent out to the first person on the waitlist. You will make your choice and either reserve that hamster. At this point, we ask for a $25 deposit, and the hamster is considered reserved. Then we send the rest of the photos to the second person in line and start the same process over again. This continues until all the hamsters have been reserved.
Step 7: Payment, Contracts, Cage Check
Step 7: Payment, Contracts, Cage Check
Step 7: Payment, Contracts, Cage Check
At the time of reserving your pup, we ask for a $25 deposit. If you choose, you can pay in full at this time. We accept Paypal & Venmo!
We ask for photos of your cage in the week prior to pickup as well. This is to ensure it meets our requirements and make certain we have time to make any necessary corrections!
The week before pickup, we
At the time of reserving your pup, we ask for a $25 deposit. If you choose, you can pay in full at this time. We accept Paypal & Venmo!
We ask for photos of your cage in the week prior to pickup as well. This is to ensure it meets our requirements and make certain we have time to make any necessary corrections!
The week before pickup, we send over your contract to sign to be signed prior to pickup.
Step 8: Adoption Day!
Step 7: Payment, Contracts, Cage Check
Step 7: Payment, Contracts, Cage Check
Then, we get to the best part--pick up! The pick up location is in Foothill Ranch, California. We do not deliver or transport hamsters.
I will schedule adoption appointments in 20-30 minute blocks. We will be in contact throughout the preceding week to make sure your appointment time works for you!
Happily Ever After
Step 7: Payment, Contracts, Cage Check
Happily Ever After
We think of adoption day as the START of our relationship! We are always here to answer questions and provide support should anything arise. You are now part of the Hamily!
Cheeks and Squeaks Hamsters
Thanks for Considering Cheeks!
The application form is open but please note that I do not know how long the wait will be. I do not ship or personally deliver hamsters and I only provide 1 hamster at a time.
If you are interested in rescues, Snow White's Rescue Cottage in Camarillo and Hamster Rescue in Santa Ana (on instagram) are a great option.
Xoxo, Cheeks