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Home > General > Where to Buy a Chinchilla? (Plus Overview of the Best Places)

Where to Buy a Chinchilla in 2024? Adoption, Online, & Retail Options

chinchilla

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.

Chinchillas are adorable, rotund little pets whose endearing looks often draw a prospective pet owner’s eye. Preparing to bring a chinchilla home requires more than just enjoying their appearance; it is essential that prospective chinchilla owners understand the chinchilla’s needs so they can prepare to provide for their necessary care.

Once you have reviewed the time, energy, and recourse requirements of owning a chinchilla, you can start looking to bring one home. But where can you buy a chinchilla?

The main options are to adopt your pet, purchase them online, or find them at a retail location. Below, we will discuss these avenues and provide examples of places to find your new pet.

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Chinchillas as Pets: What to Know Before Welcoming One Into Your Home

Chinchillas are small, furry pets that can be wonderful companions. Whether as a pet for a family, a child, or a single adult, the chinchilla is a gentle and affectionate friend. However, there are some things to know before bringing one home.

First, it is recommended that you either house your chinchilla alone or in a pair, but chinchillas of the opposite sex should not be placed together. If they are, the chances of an accidental litter increase. When chinchillas of the same sex are housed together, they can socialize and entertain each other.

This is especially helpful when you cannot dedicate attention to your pet, such as when you are at work. Chinchillas are social animals and may become lonely if left alone for too long.

Secondly, while chinchillas don’t often bite, it is still a possibility. There are many reasons that a chinchilla may bite, such as poor handling. If you mishandle your chinchilla, they may become startled or injured and lash out as a result. Therefore, children under the age of 8 (or children that do not understand boundaries with pets) are not recommended for the chinchilla.

chinchilla in wooden cage
Image Credit: Creatopic, Shutterstock

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Where to Adopt a Chinchilla

One of the best ways to bring a chinchilla home is to adopt them. It is generally less expensive than finding your pet from a breeder or retailer and allows you to provide a home and family for a pet in need. Across the nation, there is an abundance of animals in shelters that need love and attention. By bringing a chinchilla home, you can save an animal and lessen the strain on a shelter at the same time.

Pets at shelters and rescue groups are often vaccinated, microchipped, and provided with other essential veterinary care. These costs are usually factored into your adoption fee, which is not often the case with retailers.

You can reach out to the local rescue centers and shelters to see if any chinchillas are in their care. If they don’t have any, there are a few rescues that you can reach out to below.

1. Forever Feisty Chinchilla

Forever Feisty Chinchilla is a non-profit organization that supports chinchillas in need. They are a sanctuary designed specifically for chinchillas and strive to provide care to surrendered or neglected chinchillas. Forever Feisty Chinchilla is in Connecticut, but they are willing to travel to nearby states.


2. Adopt a Pet

For an adoption center with a wider range, you can look into Adopt a Pet. Adopt a Pet has locations across the United States, but whether or not all of those locations have chinchillas depends on which animals are brought into their care and at what time. Check to see if there are any Adopt a Pet locations near you, and if there are, reach out to them to inquire about the animals that are currently in their care.

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Where to Buy Chinchillas Online

Purchasing a chinchilla online is also an option. However, you must proceed with caution when shopping online. Be wary of online scams and retailers that treat their animals poorly.

You need to be prepared to spend more money on a chinchilla than you would on an adoption or rescue. The average price of a chinchilla bought online is higher than that of one adopted; they may not yet have their required vaccinations or microchipping.

Therefore, those are extra costs that you will need to factor in. Likewise, consider where the online retailer is based since you must estimate how much time and money you will spend transporting the chinchilla to your home.

1. Royal Chinchillas

Royal Chinchillas has a website where you can browse and purchase chinchillas. They are located in northern California but can make deliveries to other parts of the country during the show season. Otherwise, it will fall on you to pick up your chinchilla.


How Much Does a Chinchilla Cost Online?

Chinchillas can get quite expensive online. In general, expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $500 to purchase your pet; however, the price can vary depending on the breed.

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Pet Stores That Sell Chinchillas

In addition to online retailers, there are physical locations that sell chinchillas. Typically, purchasing a chinchilla from a pet store will be more expensive than adopting them but less expensive than buying them from an online retailer. While you are less likely to be scammed at a pet store than by an online seller, there is still a chance that the stores will treat their animals poorly, so keep that in mind.

Finding a chinchilla at a pet store may be one of the easiest ways to acquire one. Most pet stores have access to chinchillas even if they don’t have them on-site, and you don’t have to wait long for one.

1. PetSmart

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PetSmart is one of the most prominent pet stores in the nation. In addition to supplying small animals such as chinchillas, you can also find pet food, supplies, accessories, and more.


2. Petco

Petco

Another major pet store is Petco. Like PetSmart, they provide pet owners with all the necessary supplies to care for their furry companions.


How Much Does a Chinchilla Cost in Stores?

Different pet stores have varying prices. On average, you can expect a range of $150–$300 per chinchilla.

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Chinchilla Breeder Information

Finding your chinchilla from a breeder is another way that you can purchase your pet. Many breeders have an ethical, upstanding practice, but some focus on the monetary value of their chinchillas rather than on the pet’s care and needs. Irresponsible breeding can lead to genetic issues that could seriously threaten your pet’s health, so be sure to research breeders in your area carefully before selecting one to work with.

Another factor to consider is that purchasing a chinchilla from a breeder can be expensive; arguably, it is the most expensive option on this list. To give you an idea of how pricey they can get, some breeders list their chinchillas at as much as $1,500 per animal.

Tips for Adopting or Buying a Chinchilla

Adopting or buying a pet can be a stressful process at times, but it is well worth the hassle you may encounter. Before searching for a chinchilla, make sure that you do adequate research on the retailer or organization. This is especially important in the case of breeders, as you need to be wary of irresponsible breeding and ethical practices. Likewise, consider your budget. If you have limited funds, you can take a less expensive route, such as adoption.

Once you’ve decided on a method of acquiring your pet, you’ll need to ensure you can provide proper care for your pet. Bringing a chinchilla home is not a one-time cost; recurring expenses include food, toys, and veterinary visits. Include all of your chinchilla’s needs in your budget to ensure that you can care for them.

a chinchilla in a well lit cage
Image Credit: Geshas, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

While rescuing or adopting a chinchilla is our preferred method of bringing them home, every pet parent’s journey is different, and whatever works best for you and your pet is the right move. When looking for a chinchilla, do thorough research to ensure you make the most well-informed decision possible. Whether you find your pet through a shelter, an online retailer, a pet store, or even a breeder, you will make them the happiest chinchilla in the world by providing them the love and care they need.


Featured Image Credit: tahanadakila, Pixabay

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