What is a pocket pet?

 

A pocket pet is any small mammal (except sugar gliders, which are marsupials) that is commonly kept as a pet. MN Pocket Pet Rescue takes in the following species: chinchillas, degus, ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, hedgehogs, mice, rabbits, rats, and sugar gliders.

 

 

I want to get a pocket pet for my child. What species do you recommend?

 

For kids aged 5 - 9, we recommend rats or guinea pigs; for kids aged 10 - 13, we recommend guinea pigs, rats, mice, gerbils, hamsters, rabbits, ferrets, and degus. We do not recommend hedgehogs for children under the age of 13. We do not recommend chinchillas or sugar gliders for children. Sugar gliders and chinchillas are a very big commitment, even for adults, because they require highly specific care, have very long lifespans, and require a lot of time and money to care for.

 

 

Do you ship animals?

 

No, we do not ship animals. No exceptions.

​

 

Can I surrender my pocket pet to MN Pocket Pet Rescue?

 

Due to high demand and current volunteer shortages, our general surrender waiting list is temporarily closed until key volunteer positions are filled. We deeply appreciate your patience and support during this time!

 

If you need to rehome a pocket pet, we encourage you to post on our Community Rehoming page, reach out to other rescues, and check out these quick tips regarding allergies and behavioral issues before surrendering: 

 

​•  Are you surrendering due to behavioral issues?  Email us! We may be able to help you work through challenges so your pet can stay home.

​

•  Are you surrendering due to allergies to hay or litter?  Try low-dust alternatives like orchard grass or oat hay, and compressed hay. For bedding or litter, try different types of substrates such as fleece, soft recycled paper, hard pelleted paper, etc., as well as different brands.

 

 

I found a lost pocket pet. What should I do?

 

Visit our Report Found Animal page for guidance.

​

 

I found a nest of wild baby bunnies. Can you take them?

 

If you find a nest of baby rabbits, leave them alone. Mother rabbits are not always in the nest, and just because you cannot see her does not mean she has abandoned her kits.

 

"If you find a baby wild rabbit that is not injured, leave it alone. It is most likely not abandoned unless you know for a fact that you killed their mother. Rabbits return to feed their young only once or twice a day for a few minutes, usually at night. Just because the babies have been by themselves for 5 minutes does not mean that they have been abandoned. The mother is typically gone from the nest to eat and draw attention away from the nest. Additionally, baby wild rabbits can survive on their own at a surprisingly young age. In most countries, it is also illegal to possess and take care of wildlife without proper permits."  (Source)

 

If you know for sure the mother rabbit has been killed and the babies are particularly young, please contact the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota. MN Pocket Pet Rescue does not have the ability to take in any wild animals.

 

 

I need to rehome my dog, cat, reptile, or bird. Can you take them?

 

Unfortunately, we only take in pocket pets, not cats, dogs, reptiles, or birds. While we would love to help you out with your pets, we do not have the capability. Please contact one of the following rescues: