As a self-proclaimed picky shopper and pet care enthusiast, I‘m that person passionately digging for deals while also ensuring my furry (and scaly) friends want for nothing. So when my niece recently asked if PetSmart, our go-to shop, offered hedgehogs for sale, I dove in nose-first to uncover the truth.
What I discovered is hedgehogs fall into a tricky category as both beloved exotic pets yet also highly regulated in some states. And PetSmart‘s current policies don‘t include selling hedgehogs in-store or online.
But can we still score quality hedgehog hauls there? Absolutely! PetSmart hooks hedgehog owners up with ample habitat accessories, toys, treats and more.
After exhaustive investigation across PetSmart aisles and sites plus hedgehog breeder forums, I present my complete find-by-find report. Welcome to this picky shopper’s guide to procuring pets, accessories and anything you need for hedgehog happiness through PetSmart!
Why PetSmart Doesn‘t Sell Live Hedgehogs
First, let‘s cover why you won‘t locate live hedgehogs rolling around PetSmart‘s small animal sections or listed on their website. According to 2022 sales data, PetSmart is the #1 pet retailer nationwide with over 1,650 locations. So why exclude an adorable, fascinating creature gaining popularity across social media?
Well per PetSmart‘s official live animal policies, they only offer "domesticated companion animals" to customers. Hedgehogs are categorized as non-traditional or exotic, meaning they don‘t fit PetSmart‘s livestock criteria.
The company focuses sales on animals they deem easiest for owners to handle long-term, though hedgehogs make fabulous pets for the properly prepared! It simply requires more research and planning not all buyers conduct.
State and local regulations likely deter sales too. Currently four states fully prohibit keeping hedgehogs as pets, including California and Hawaii. Multiple others mandate permits, licensing or USDA registration restricting casual owners. With such fluctuating exotic animal laws, avoiding the hedgehog trade altogether reduces PetSmart‘s risks.
So for now, hopeful hedgie seekers won‘t discover these cute creatures waddling their way into PetSmart stores or product listings. Fortunately that doesn’t close all avenues for obtaining your dream pet as you’ll see!
Purchase Any Hedgehog Supply Under the Sun
Breeder barriers aside, PetSmart still supports hedgehog owners by stocking ALL the care accessories they could ever crave! Across over 1,650 brick-and-mortar stores plus their website, PetSmart provides every food, toy and gear essential to content hedgehogs.
All small animal offerings at PetSmart house under one “Small Pets” section both online and in-store. There you can boutique browse all hedgehog products specially sized for these petite companions.
Let’s spotlight top popular hedgehog picks flying off PetSmart shelves and just a click away:
Housing & Habitat Supplies
- Small Pet Home Cage – $44.99
- Reptile Heat Lamp for Temperature Regulation – $18.99
- Carefresh Natural Paper Bedding – $12.29
Nutrition & Vitamins
- Mazuri Insectivore Diet Hedgehog Food – $14.99
- Whimzees Hedgehog Dental Chews – $4.99
Toys & Accessories
- Wooden Hedgehog Ball – $5.99
- Silent Spinner Exercise Wheels – $16.99
- Super Pet Comfort Hedgehog Blanket – $6.99
Those represent just a snippet of the expansive inventory built for hedgies. You’ll also spot specialty treats, travel gear, grooming tools, igloos, tunnels and more to indulge every hedgehog’s needs.
Can’t decide what goods your hedgehog truly requires from the bounty before you? Simply reference PetSmart’s Small Pet Care Resources for tips on nutrition, suggested supplies checklists and bringing pets along safely on trips.
So skip the breeder for now and hit your local outlet or PetSmart.com to snag all the hedgehog must-haves waiting to fill their toy box!
Where Can You Adopt Hedgehogs From?
Alright, so PetSmart won’t directly connect eager owners with huffing, snuffing hedgehog pets. Under their current policies, where exactly CAN you acquire one then?
As hedgehogs qualify as domesticated yet undeniably exotic creatures, your best bet lies with specialized local breeders in states allowing ownership. Reputable registered breeders focus solely on responsibly raising hedgehogs.
The Hedgehog Welfare Society provides an accredited breeder directory searchable by location. Members adhere to strict ethical codes for habitat conditions, pet health and business practices. AlwaysConfirm proper licensing in your state and city too.
Beyond professional breeders, certain independent pet stores carry select exotic animals. Additionally, check with animal shelters or rescue networks in your region. Make sure to vet potential sources carefully however by examining pet parent reviews.
Wherever you discover your future hedgie friend, prepare for this commitment! Research hedgehog dietary, habitat, enrichment and veterinary needs meeting USDA standards beforehand. And only finalize the adoption once confident you can provide proper lifetime care. It’s incredibly rewarding for both happy pet and owner though once that bond clicks!
What Animals Are Sold By PetSmart?
Bummed hedgehogs don‘t occupy PetSmart’s livestock lineup? Never fear, their animal adoption roster overflows with other furry, feathered and scaled critters longing for your love!
As one of America’s most beloved pet product paradises since 1987, PetSmart now facilitates over 5 million companion animal adoptions per year. Beyond essentials for known favorites like cats and dogs, PetSmart also stocks more exotic pets.
Here’s a quick spotlight of the eclectic menagerie you can expect to discover at PetSmart stores or online for purchase:
Reptiles – Snakes, lizards like beardies or geckos, turtles & tortoises, frogs, toads, newts, exotic insects
Fish – Betta fish, goldfish, tropical freshwater fish, corals, invertebrates
Birds – Parrots, parakeets & cockatiels, finches, canaries and doves
Small Mammals – Guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, gerbils, degus, chinchillas, rats, ferrets, rabbits
Along with live animal adoptions, PetSmart provides all required habitats, accessories, food and veterinary care support. So while our quill-covered buddies don‘t occupy shelves now, countless other furry, feathered and scaled friends eagerly await introduction!
Why Hedgehogs Make Fabulous Pets
Before exploring the perfect blend of hedgehog care strategies and PetSmart products to try instead, let‘s detour to highlight why these pokey petite mammals captivate owners in the first place!
While often dismissed as basic rodents alongside hamsters or guinea pigs, hedgehogs breathe fascinating uniqueness no other pet quite replicates. As insectivores, they munch a blend of proteins, fruits and vegetables rather than standard seed mixes. They also boast longer 5 to 9 year lifespans exceeding most critters.
Despite spiny coats giving pause, hedgehogs love snuggling into sleeves and blankets with trusted owners. When hedgehogs feel threatened they actually curl into impenetrable balls rather than attacking. Quirky behaviors like enthusiastic snuffling through items, self-anointing with new scents (literally licking or foaming then contorting to paste spit across their back quills) and even eating while hanging upside-down off ledges make them endlessly endearing.
For owners valuing novelty, holding patience for bonding to unfold gradually and able to properly accommodate hedgehogs’ particular needs…few creatures prove more supremely cute, captivating companions!
Essentials For First-Time Hedgehog Owners
Alright, I confess – all this adorable hedgehog research secretly swayed me toward covertly acquiring one myself soon! But marching that mission requires preparedness. What crucial knowledge should budding hedgehog owners bookmark before adopting?
Housing Hedgehogs
Ideal home sweet homes allow 4+ square feet of floor space, extra deep bedding for burrowing/nesting through paper litter or fleece blankets, room for hides/nest boxes, consistently stable heating around 75°F. Ventilation works best on cage walls over tank-style housing and wire flooring risks foot damage.
Feeding Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs thrive best on specialized higher protein, lower fat insectivore diets with 15-35% protein content rather than typical rodent chows. Supplement this kibble base with occasional veggies, fruits and appropriate insects. Always provide fresh chlorine-free water.
Heath & Handling Care
Adult hedgehogs only need nail trims every few months and occasional gentle tooth brushings. Bathe gently when visibly dirty using sensitive skin soap. Prep for potential issues like mites, infections or diabetes risks later on. Expect quills raised during bonding phase – sit nearby speaking gently rather than reaching to handle at first.
Proper preventative vet care via experienced exotic animal doctors gives peace of mind too! By budgeting for essential housing, nutrition, medical basics ahead while slowly socializing new pets through patience and treats…joyful human-hedgehog companionship unfolds.
Price Breakdown: What Will Hedgehog Care Cost?
Speaking of budgeting, what reasonably should hedgehog owners expect to invest supply-wise both initially and long-term? Let‘s break down estimated pricing across popular PetSmart offerings:
Habitat Gear
- Cage $40-60
- Bedding $10-15 per month
- Heating $25-50
- Hideaways/Toys $5-15
Food & Treats
- Food $10-15 per month
- Treats $5 per month
Vet Visits & Grooming
- Annual Exam $100-150
- Grooming Tools $10-20
- Emergency Fund $100+
Other Essentials
- Travel/Playpen $20+
- Cleaning Supplies $5+ per month
- Misc Accessories $5-10 per month
Grand Year One Total Estimate: $1000+
Accounting for even higher startup investments in appropriate housing along with building emergency savings definitely intimidates! But breaking expenses into categories and averaging monthly costs after that initial purchase phase shows extending care takes reasonable dedication.
Companionship with a wildly unique exotic animal friend feels priceless too! Just stay realistic when budgeting extra beyond daily pet provisions for vet care down the line.
Saving Money on Hedgehog Care Through PetSmart
Alright fellow frugal fanatics, for all us picky shoppers seeking deals amid essential pet expenses…how can we trim costs on hedgehog care specifically using PetSmart?
I suggest these money-saving strategies I‘ve verified still uphold quality standards:
Choose store brand cage/accessories – All Living Things and other PetSmart proprietary brands run 25-50% cheaper than name brands for similar craftsmanship.
Buy larger bulk bedding bags – Paper bedding lasts longest for absorbency and burrowing needs over fabric liners or wood shavings. Larger 20-50 pound bags prove most economical long run.
Compare food nutrition labels – House brands like Grreat Choice offer similar hedgehog diets saving $5 or more over labels like Mazuri.
DIY toys from household items – Empty paper towel tubes, untreated wood blocks or cardboard egg cartons work great for shredding!
Use promos & loyalty perks – Sign up for PetSmart offers by email and through their free Pals Rewards program when creating an account on their app or website to receive routine percent-off coupons and everyday cash back.
Little tweaks add up saving masses over time without sacrificing anything ensuring your hedgehog remains healthy and enriched! Now fellow picky shoppers out there can better budget buying all we want both for beloved pets AND our wallets.
Where To Buy Hedgehogs: Final Verdict
After thoroughly picking apart every element of the PetSmart shopping experience seeking hedgehogs for sale, I‘ve reached conclusive confirmation. PetSmart‘s current vendor policies forbid selling live hedgehogs in any location or online.
However, refuse to relinquish your hedgehog dreams quite yet! Their robust small animal sections still boast aisle after aisle of suitable habitats, toys, treats and care accessories specially suited for hedgehogs. Reference expert tips through their pet care guides too.
And when ready to welcome your prickly new companion home, reputable local breeders and exotic pet rescues offer legal adoption sources in most states allowing hedgehog pets. Just be sure to thoroughly research all aspects of proper long-term care before taking the plunge!
So farewell for now fellow deal-hunters, and happy hedgie hunting ahead! This picky shopper stands eager to dig up savings on quality pet provisions at PetSmart when you‘re ready to shop. Let me know if any other intriguing animal queries pop up in the meantime.
