Pet Keen advocates for adopting before shopping. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here.
If you’re looking for an unusual, high-energy pet, you can’t go wrong with a chinchilla. They can make a delightful addition to your home as long as you provide the correct setup and make sure it gets plenty of exercise outside of its cage.
You have several options for getting a chinchilla. Pet stores often carry them at affordable prices. You can also buy animals from breeders. Bear in mind that people show this animal. Therefore, you may see a wide range of prices, particularly from pets from championship lines.
The 7 Chinchilla Breeders in US, UK, & Canada
Our guide covers the gamut for finding a chinchilla in these three countries. While you’ll find many sellers in the United States, there are considerably fewer in the other two countries.
Chinchilla Breeders in the United States
1. Chinchilla Chateau
The Chinchilla Chateau is a hobby breeder owned by Sumiko De La Vega, who also shows her animals. She is active in the community and the Empress Chinchilla Breeders Cooperative (ECBC).
2. Cuddle Bug Chinchillas
Cuddle Bug Chinchillas is a full-service operation that offers pedigree chinchillas for sales. They also take in and sell rescue animals as well as boarding services.
3. Carolina Chinchilla Ranch
Carolina Chinchilla Ranch is another one-stop shop for all things chinchilla. Tiffany has both shown and judged in the professional circuit. The site offers supplies, boarding, and rescues.
4. Weeping Willow Farm
Weeping Willow Farm raises both pet and show-quality chinchillas in a variety of colors. The site also offers pet supplies for sale. It even sells gift cards to treat someone special.
Chinchilla Breeders in the United Kingdom
5. Greenwood Chinchillas
Greenwood Chinchillas has 60 animals on site. The breeders have over ten years of experience. They specialize in recessive charcoals and sapphires.
NOTE: As of this writing in late 2023, Greenwood Chinchillas may have re-homed their breeding stock, and ostensibly, gone out of business.
6. Cameron’s Chinchillas
Cameron’s Chinchillas specializes in Sullivan violet, standard, and violet blend chinchillas. All her animals are pet and show-quality. She also rehomes rescues.
NOTE: Cameron’s Chinchillas appears to be doing business on Facebook only. Their web address is no longer valid.
Chinchilla Breeders in Canada
7. Choco-Vanille Chinchillas
Choco-Vanille Chinchillas was the first chinchilla breeder in this area, getting its start in 1997. The seller is passionate about raising high-quality animals to jumpstart the chinchilla’s popularity in the country.
NOTE: The Choco-Vanille website is in French, and it’s nearly impossible to tell if they’re still in business.
Chinchilla Breeders Near Me
The Chinchilla Breeder Directory maintains a list of breeders by country and state, with basic contact information to start your search for a pet.
Chinchilla Breeders That Ship
Many chinchilla breeders will not ship their animals. You may find it challenging to locate one who does. The reason is the animal’s sensitivity to heat. You can check the latest listings on Pets4Home in the UK to find a seller that will ship.
Chinchilla Rescue
Many chinchilla breeders will also take in rescue animals. Other organizations include the California Chins and Forever Fiesty Chinchilla Rescue.
Chinchilla Breeders Registered with ECBC, MCBA, and NCS
The Empress Chinchilla Breeders Cooperative (ECBC) and Mutation Chinchilla Breeders Association (MCBA) are the primary organizations in the United States listing sellers throughout the country.
The National Chinchilla Society (NCS) is the official UK site. While it offers opportunities to show your pet, it doesn’t maintain a list of breeders. All three organizations will accept international members.
How Much Does a Chinchilla Cost?
There is a stark difference between pet and show-quality animals. Most breeders offer both for sale. You’ll likely find that the sales contract will specify no breeding for pet-quality or rescue animals. You can expect to pay $100 or more for a chinchilla. We recommend asking about any health guarantees that the seller may offer with your purchase.
Higher quality chinchillas will likely run over $200. Many sellers require a deposit. Of course, that’s just one part of owning these pets. A cage will be your largest investment. We suggest getting the largest one you can find because of the active nature of these pets. You’ll also need dust-free bedding, a water bottle, a food bowl, and toys to keep your chinchilla occupied.
A hiding place is essential for these animals. Chinchillas are typically active during dusk and dawn. They are also sensitive to excessive heat. That comes from their dense fur, which can have up to 80 hairs per follicle.
Things to Ask a Chinchilla Breeder
It’s essential to ask a lot of questions about the care and personality of your chinchilla. Many breeders keep their animals as pets. The kits will likely get handling when young to make them better pets.
Things to Know Before Buying a Chinchilla
The essential thing to understand about owning a chinchilla is that it needs daily interaction with you. It requires time outside of its cage to get the exercise it needs. However, you should always supervise playtime since these pets will chew whatever they can find. You may find it helpful to offer your chinchilla a pumice stone for that energy outlet.
Other things you should know are:
Conclusion
With proper care, you’ll have many happy years with your chinchilla. Its needs aren’t extravagant. A clean cage with plenty of food and wood toys to chew will keep your pet content. The most important thing is the attention that you provide. That will ensure your chinchilla gets the mental stimulation it needs for optimal health.
Featured Image Credit: Luniaka Maria, Shutterstock
