HSS has strict guidelines 鈥 such as a cage that is at least 90 cm by 90 cm by 50 cm and with a lid, a wheel that is at least 27 cm in diameter, and unscented bedding 鈥 to create the right environment for the hamsters before allowing anyone to adopt them. Adopters must also be committed to responsible pet care, which includes bringing the hamsters for medical treatments when necessary.
Each month, about four to six hamsters find a loving forever home.
The society cautions people from rushing to adopt a hamster if they鈥檙e not ready. Instead, they can help by donating to HSS to fund veterinary care, rescue operations, and daily supplies.
A big part of preventing neglect starts with awareness. Many hamsters suffer in silence due to a lack of understanding, such as how hamsters prefer to be housed individually rather than as a pair, and that not every hamster enjoys being handled.
鈥淏y learning and sharing correct hamster care information, you help dismantle harmful myths and promote responsible pet ownership,鈥 said Sim.
HSS recommends calling out poor husbandry when you see it, direct interested buyers to proper resources, such as its website, which includes a list of recommended vets that have knowledge caring for exotic pets, and share its articles and rescue stories.
鈥淎dvocacy doesn鈥檛 always mean doing big things. It can start with one conversation that changes a pet鈥檚 life,鈥 said Sim. 鈥淭ogether, these actions 鈥 no matter how small 鈥 create real, lasting impact for hamster welfare in Singapore.鈥