Click to Skip Ahead
Petkeen advocates for adopting before shopping. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder or purchasing from a store, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. Learn more.
Hedgehogs are exotic pets, which makes them a bit harder to find than other pet species. For instance, you can probably walk to your local animal shelter and purchase a cat. A hedgehog? Not so much.
If you’re looking to adopt a hedgehog, you’ll probably have to do plenty of research before you find somewhere to adopt one from. There are very few breeders, and even your average pet store doesn’t usually carry hedgehogs. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common places you can find a hedgehog.
Hedgehogs as Pets: What to Know Before Welcoming One into Your Home
Hedgehogs are generally considered low-maintenance pets. They do require some special care and a cage that’s big enough for them to run around in. They often require a heat lamp to stay warm, too. Overall, they are pretty easy to care for, though.
These pets aren’t the most affectionate out there. They can be trained to be handled, but this is something that requires a lot of practice. Therefore, socialization and handling are an important part of choosing a hedgehog to adopt. Preferably, you already want one that is somewhat tame.
In the beginning, hedgehogs can be expensive to care for. They require a large cage, a heat lamp, and food. All of this can add up. However, after the initial setup, they are cheaper than most pets.
Where to Adopt a Hedgehog
Hedgehogs are a challenge to adopt. Many rescue agencies do not keep hedgehogs, as they are not capable of caring for them properly. Practically all hedgehog adoptions must be local, as these small pets don’t travel well.
1. Hedgehog Welfare Society (HWS)
The HWS is a national organization that helps hedgehogs in need. They have a network of approved rescue facilities that care for hedgehogs that have been surrendered, neglected, or abused. You can find a list of HWS-approved rescue facilities on their website.
According to the website, there is an average of one rescue facility per state, though many states don’t have any at all.
2. Hedgehog Rescue
Hedgehog Rescue is a specific rescue facility in the UK. As their name suggests, they are focused solely on hedgehogs. They care and rehabilitate about 300 hedgehogs per year, making them one of the most prolific rescuers on this list.
Where to Buy Hedgehogs Online
You can sometimes also purchase hedgehogs online. Often, this costs around $200, but it does depend on the age, sex, and color of the hedgehog. Shipping rates also vary, but they are often as much as $100. Plus, most companies will not ship in all weather conditions.
It’s important to purchase a hedgehog from reliable online sources only. It’s much more difficult to check out a breeder online, which means there are more scams and unethical breeders. It’s vital that you check for reviews and ask plenty of questions before purchasing a hedgehog online.
1. S & S Exotic Animals, Inc.
This breeder provides a range of different pets, including hedgehogs. They have in-store pickup and also ship on some occasions. However, they are very picky about when they ship their animals, and they are located in Texas. Therefore, summer shipping is extremely rare.
While this breeder does regularly have hedgehogs, only a few are often available at a time.
2. Dragonstone Ranch
Dragonstone Ranch is another breeder that provides nationwide transport for their hedgehogs. They are USDA-certified, which means that their facilities must reach certain criteria. They do have a waiting list in most cases. If you join, you get the first pick of the litter before the hedgehogs are put out to the public for adoption.
They do offer nationwide transport. However, they do not guarantee the health or condition of any animal after it leaves their care.
How Much Do Hedgehogs Cost Online?
When purchasing a hedgehog online, you can expect to pay about $200 for the animal itself. That doesn’t include potential shipping costs, though, which can be as high as $100.
Pet Stores That Sell Hedgehogs
Most pet stores do not sell hedgehogs. This animal is becoming less and less common at chain stores, and many states even have laws prohibiting their sale. Therefore, many larger pet stores stay away from them.
Instead, your best bet is to find a local breeder or a breeder that ships nationwide, as we discussed above. You may also be able to find hedgehogs at a local pet store that isn’t affiliated with a larger chain.
Hedgehog Breeder Information
In many cases, your best bet is to choose a reputable breeder that is local to your area. It’s much easier to pick up a hedgehog in person, and if you pick it up directly from the breeder, you’ll know exactly where your new pet is coming from.
A reputable breeder will put the health of their hedgehogs first and provide you with a health guarantee. This ensures that you’re adopting a hedgehog that is well taken care of, not one that was bred just so the breeder could make some money. A breeder with experience raising hedgehogs will be able to give you advice on how to care for your hedgehog and what to expect. It’s important that you ask any questions you may have and lay out any potential concerns you have about adopting.
Hedgehogs can be harder to find than other pets, so you may have to sit on a waiting list for a bit before one becomes available. However, it’s best to wait for a healthy hedgehog than quickly purchase an unhealthy one.
Tips for Adopting or Buying a Hedgehog
Because these pets are rare, it isn’t uncommon to have some confusion about how to care for one. It’s important to learn about these animals’ needs before you adopt or buy one. Have a cage setup and ready to go for your new friend.
Choose a reputable breeder or rescue organization, even if that means paying more or waiting longer. Ask for health guarantees, as this helps ensure the animal was cared for properly before you adopted it. If you can meet the breeder or rescuer in person, do so. This meeting will help you gauge how much they know about hedgehogs, as well as ask any questions you might have.
Be sure to check your local laws, as some states have restrictions surrounding owning a hedgehog.
Conclusion
Hedgehogs are rare exotic pets. Therefore, they take quite a bit of time to track down. It’s important to be patient when looking for a hedgehog to own. Don’t jump at the first opportunity to purchase one that you see. Instead, do your research and only purchase from a reputable breeder or rescue organization.
Always do your research and educate yourself on hedgehog care before adopting one. It is best to already have a cage ready for your hedgehog before you adopt one, as this ensures that they have everything they need to thrive ready to go.
Featured Image Credit: Thanisnan Sukprasert, Shutterstock
