How to adopt a small
pet
Could you give a small rescue pet a safe, happy home? This guide explains how our adoption process works for guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, rats and other small pets, what to expect before you apply, and how we match pets with the right environment.
Jump to:
Small pet adoption process
Find a small rescue pet near you
Start by using our Find a Pet search to browse small pets available near you. Whether you’re hoping to rescue a guinea pig or rehome a hamster, you can filter by location and species to find a good fit.
Each profile explains the animal’s personality, needs and ideal home. Taking time to read each one carefully will help you decide who would best suit your lifestyle.
Apply to rehome a small pet
Once you decide whether you’d like to adopt a guinea pig, hamster, rat or any other small pet from us, you just need to fill in our online application form.
This helps our teams understand your home environment, experience and what you’re looking for in a companion. If the small pet you applied for isn’t the right match, we’ll help you explore others who may suit you better.
Meet and get to know each other
If your application is suitable, our team will invite you to meet your chosen small pet at the animal centre.
This visit gives you the chance to learn more about their personality and care requirements. Some animals may need more than one visit before adoption’s finalised, especially if they’re being rehomed in pairs.
Spending time together helps everyone feel confident before any final decision is made.
Prepare your home
Before bringing your new pet home, it’s important to prepare a safe and suitable environment.
Our teams can advise on housing, bedding, enrichment, diet and daily care. This is especially important for small pets – for example, rehoming a hamster can look quite different to rehoming a guinea pig or rabbit, from enclosure size and companionship needs to space for exercise.
A well-prepared setup helps your pet feel safe and settled from day one.
Complete the adoption
Once everything is agreed, we’ll guide you through the final paperwork and adoption fee.
Your new pet will be health checked and prepared for rehoming according to their individual needs. Where appropriate, this may include treatment or preventative care.
You’ll receive advice on feeding, housing and settling in, along with any relevant health information and ongoing support if you need it.
Find a pet
Meet our small pets
Before you apply
What we need from you
Small pets need time, space and the right care. We’ll consider your home environment, routine and any children or pets in your household.
Different species have different needs. Guinea pigs, rats and many other small pets need companionship, while hamsters usually live alone. Lifespans vary too, from around two years for some hamsters to five years or more for guinea pigs, ferrets and chinchillas.
Before you apply to adopt a small pet, we ask that you:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Have permission from your landlord if you rent
- Can provide a safe and suitable home environment
- Can meet the pet’s needs for housing, enrichment and daily care
- Understand the time and cost involved in caring for the species you choose
- Are prepared to adopt a pair or group where needed
If the animal you apply for isn’t the right match, we’ll help you explore others who may suit your home better.
Small pet adoption fees
If you’re wondering how much it is to adopt a guinea pig, hamster, ferret or other small pet from the RSPCA, adoption fees vary by centre and by species. The fee helps cover the cost of preparing each small pet for rehoming and supporting their care while they’re with us.
Adoption fees also help support our rescue work and allow us to help more animals in need.
Your fee contributes towards:
Health checks
Veterinary treatment where needed
Neutering where appropriate
Daily care while the animal is with us
Preparation for rehoming
Frequently asked questions
-
Small animals are sometimes seen as ‘starter pets’, but they still need careful, informed care. Some may suit families better than others. Children should always be supervised, and an adult must take responsibility for the pet’s daily care.
-
You should choose a vet who’s confident treating the species you adopt. Small mammals can have very specific health needs, so it’s worth checking that your local practice has suitable experience before you bring your pet home.
-
Sometimes. Many species, including guinea pigs and rats, are social and are often happiest living with companions. Others, such as most hamsters, usually live alone. Our teams will explain what’s best for the individual animal.
-
Possibly. We’ll consider the needs and safety of all the animals in your household when reviewing your application. Some small pets may need a particularly calm environment or housing well away from other pets.
-
Yes. Housing, diet, enrichment and companionship needs vary a lot between species. We’ll explain what your chosen pet needs before adoption, so you can prepare the right setup.
