‘Pocket Pets’ and Hobby Breeders
Friday, August 3rd, 2007
Pet owner can minimize the risk of contagious diseases that sometimes give “pocket pets” a bad rap by purchasing a pet from a hobby breeder affiliated with a national breed club or a rescue organization affiliated with such a club rather than from a pet store.
Like breeders of purebred dogs and cats, breeders of “pocket pets” — hamsters, gerbils, fancy rats, fancy mice, guinea pigs, and rabbits — may choose to belong to an organization dedicated to the responsible ownership of these charming companions. Small mammals purchased from pet stores are largely “factory” raised and receive little socialization; if the health is checked by a veterinarian, it is a cursory check for obvious illnesses.
Hobby breeders live with their pets day-to-day, regard them as members of the family, and are intimately familiar with their health over a long term. Pups and kits are handled from birth, receive excellent socialization and are constantly monitored for signs of any illness.
Adults interested in acquiring a home-raised pet for a child or themselves can locate breeders or rescues on the following Web sites: Rat and Mouse Club of America, American Fancy Rat and Mouse Club, American Gerbil Society, House Rabbit Association (Rescues) and Rabbit and Guinea Pig Breeders.
Further links and clubs may be identified by searching for “(species) + breeders + clubs” on any search engine.
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