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Home > Rodents > Where to Buy a Pet Mouse? (2023 Overview of the Best Places)

Where to Buy Pet Mice in 2024? Adoption, Online & Retail Options

pet mouse on owners hand

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. 

Mice are easy to take care of, and their adorable antics are fun to observe. With patience and training, they can become relatively tame and tolerant of gentle handling. If you’ve decided you want a pet mouse in your life, the first step is to decide where to get your new friend.

Mice are available to buy or adopt from many sources and this article can help you get started finding your new pet. Keep reading to learn where to buy pet mice, including online and retail options. We’ll also tell you where you may be able to adopt a pet mouse.

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Mice as Pets: What to Know Before Welcoming One into Your Home

Mice are popular pets because they are generally inexpensive, widely available, and don’t require complicated habitats or care. You have to be careful to mouse-proof their enclosure and your house to prevent any escapes. Mice can live in groups, but males should be kept separate, or they may fight.

You must spend time training and taming your pet mouse if you want to handle it safely. Mice can make good pets for kids and families, but children should be old enough to gently and carefully handle the tiny rodents.

mice inside cage
Image Credit: Silvia, Pixabay

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Where to Adopt Pet Mice

Most people know they can adopt dogs and cats, but other pets, including mice, can also be found in shelters and at rescues. Whether you choose to adopt or buy a pet mouse, you should look for a breeder or rescue group that prioritizes the health of the animals and places them in good homes.

If possible, visit your potential new pet in person to ensure they are healthy and housed in sanitary conditions. Adoptable mice may be available from your local animal shelter. Occasionally, pet stores feature adoptable animals, including mice. You may be able to find an exotic animal or rodent-specific rescue group in your area as well.

Most rescue groups and shelters charge an adoption fee, typically $10-$15. Here are a few rescue groups that we found:

1. Petfinder

Petfinder is the go-to website for anyone looking to adopt a pet, including mice. You can search for adoptable animals within a range of your zip code and find shelters or rescues.


2. Ratical Rodent Rescue

Ratical Rodent Rescue is a private rescue group located in California. They educate new pet owners and care for all types of rodents, including mice. You’ll need to fill out an application and sign an adoption contract if you adopt a mouse from this group.


3. Adopt-A-Pet

Similar to Petfinder, Adopt-A-Pet features adoptable animals housed in shelters or rescue groups. It is not as wide-ranging as Petfinder, but you may see the same adoptable mice listed on both websites, depending on where they’re located.

 

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Where to Buy Pet Mice Online

One option for buying pet mice is to find an online retailer that will ship to your home. The problem with buying online is you can’t see the mouse or its living conditions before you purchase your pet to confirm its health. You also may pay more to buy a mouse online once you factor in shipping costs.

An important point to remember is that most of the mice for sale online aren’t pets, but feeder animals intended to serve as meals for reptiles. Feeder mice are not bred as pets, so they aren’t socialized or raised by hand. It’s not impossible to tame a feeder mouse, but it’s much harder, and they are generally less healthy than pet mice.

1. Mammal Pets

Mammal Pets is an online retailer located in Texas. They offer a variety of small mammal pets for sale, including mice. Shipping is available but only through the airlines. You’ll need to travel to the closest airport to pick up your pet.


2. Fancy Mouse Breeder’s Association

The Fancy Mouse Breeder’s Association lists breeders by state. Some breeders have online sales and shipping, but you’ll need to contact them directly to make sure.


How Much Do Pet Mice Cost Online?

As we mentioned, the cost of pet mice online will likely be more than buying from a retail store. Costs will vary by the type of mice you’re buying. You’ll also have shipping costs to consider. The mouse itself may only cost $25, but you could pay up to $250 in shipping costs.

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Pet Stores That Sell Pet Mice

Pet stores are one of the most common and accessible locations where people buy pet mice. From large chain stores to local pet shops, you can usually find mice and the gear they need in the same spot.

Mice sold in pet stores are not always as well-socialized as those hand-raised by a breeder, which is something to keep in mind, especially if you’re buying a pet for a child.

However, you usually have the option to see the mouse in person when buying from a pet store to assess whether it’s healthy or not. Ask about a health guarantee before buying as well.

1. PetSmart

petsmart logo small

As one of the two major pet store chains in the United States, PetSmart stores are located throughout the country. Many locations sell pet mice, but the availability can vary. They do not ship or sell mice online.


2. Petco

Petco

Petco stores are also prevalent in the United States. Rural areas are unlikely to have a Petco or PetSmart but they are found in many larger towns and cities. Petco sells pet mice at many locations, but availability may vary. Visit your local store to see which mice are available.


3. Local Pet Stores

Many local pet stores only sell supplies and food, not live animals. However, you can contact stores in your area to find out if they sell pet mice.


How Much Do Pet Mice Cost In-store?

You won’t have to worry about paying shipping costs for local stores. PetSmart and Petco sell fancy mice for an average of less than $10 per mouse. Local stores will likely sell mice for around this price or possibly slightly higher depending on where they buy their pets.

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Pet Mice Breeder Information

One advantage of buying a pet mouse from a breeder is having more options. Responsible breeders will also spend time socializing the baby mice from an early age to make them better pets. However, it can be harder to find a mouse breeder than it is to find a pet store that sells mice.

The Fancy Mouse Breeder’s Association offers lists of breeders by state. You can also check with the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association. If possible, try to visit the breeder in person to see your new pet before purchasing.

Pet mouse on vet's hand
Image Credit: albertczyzewski, Shutterstock

Tips for Adopting or Buying Pet Mice

If you’re adopting or buying a mouse to add to an existing group, ensure you know the gender of all the animals first. Some rescue groups may ask that you bring your existing pet to meet the new one before they approve the adoption. Before you buy from a pet store or online, double-check that you’re purchasing a pet mouse and not a feeder.

Establish a relationship with an exotic animal veterinarian before you bring your new pet home. Take your mouse in for a check-up as soon as possible. If the pet store or breeder has a time-limited health guarantee, it’s especially vital to see the vet quickly to ensure all is well.

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Conclusion

No matter where you buy or adopt your pet mouse, make sure you have the right enclosure and the proper diet prepared for when you bring them home. Educate yourself on the health concerns that may impact your new pet and learn the signs to watch for. Like any pet, mice deserve a safe home and the right care.

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Featured Image Credit: Sergey Bezgodov, Shutterstock

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