From expert burrowers to high-flying leapers, small mammals pack a lot of personality into their petite frames! They come in many different shapes and sizes and have a variety of specialized care needs. Despite their small size, these diminutive creatures can have a big impact on the people who care for them. Many owners form deep and meaningful bonds with their small pets, so it’s important to keep them in mind when planning your pet housing program. In the following article, we’ll outline some of the basic care requirements for different types of small mammals, so you’ll know what to expect when housing them at your domestic violence or homeless shelter!
Rabbits
Rabbits are intelligent, affectionate, and quiet animals that can make wonderful house pets. Depending on their breed and size, most domestic rabbits live between 8 and 12 years with proper care. While some rabbits are more confident than others, they are generally considered to be rather shy and sensitive to stress. When transitioning into a new environment, rabbits will benefit from gentle, patient care and a quiet living space.
+ Enclosure Size
The appropriate enclosure size for a rabbit will vary based on breed. Giant breeds (>11 pounds) require a minimum of 30 × 36 inches of floor space. Medium breeds (7-10 pounds) require at least 24 × 30 inches, and smaller breeds can be accommodated in 18 × 24 inches, though more space is always preferred. The enclosure should be tall enough to allow the rabbit to comfortably stand on its hindlegs (typically 15-18 inches).¹
+ Enclosure Layout
Rabbit cages should always be made with solid bottoms, as wire or mesh floors can result in painful sores on their feet. All rabbits should be provided with a litter box and rabbit-safe litter. Litter made from aspen shavings or recycled paper is preferred. Pine and cedar shavings, clay cat litter, and scented litters can all be harmful to rabbits and should be avoided. Litter and soiled bedding should be changed out daily and the entire enclosure should be cleaned with soap and water each week.² All rabbits should be provided with a place to hide within their enclosure. This can be a small cardboard box or a rabbit hut purchased from your local pet supply store.
+ Temperature
Because rabbits are susceptible to heatstroke, their preferred temperature is 60°F to 70°F. ² Optimal humidity is 55% to 60%.³
+ Enrichment
All rabbits should be provided with rabbit-safe toys for chewing and rolling and will need daily time out of their kennel to exercise and explore.
+ Group Housing
Rabbits are naturally social animals and often enjoy living in pairs or small groups. However, rabbit introductions must be closely supervised as fighting can occur. For this reason, we recommend that only rabbits from the same household be housed together in a shelter setting. Intact male and female rabbits 3 months of age and older should never be housed together or allowed to interact to avoid reproduction.
+ Species Separation
Rabbits are a prey species and should not be housed in an area where they can see, hear, or smell unfamiliar dogs, cats, or ferrets. Rabbits may be housed in a shared space near other small animals like birds, rodents, chinchillas, and some reptiles.
+ Legal Restrictions
Rabbits are legal to own as pets throughout the United States, though many states do have restrictions regarding their sale.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs are often described as curious, comical, and talkative. They make a variety of sounds to indicate their feelings, including squeals, chirps, squeaks, and whistles. They typically live between 5 and 7 years and can be excellent companions for people of all ages. When handled regularly, guinea pigs are social with people and enjoy being cuddled and brushed.
+ Enclosure Size
The minimum recommended floor space for a single guinea pig is 24 x 24 inches, though more space is always preferred. For two or more guinea pigs, a minimum of 24 x 36 inches is recommended. Ideal enclosure height is 15 inches or more.⁴
+ Enclosure Layout
Like rabbits, guinea pigs can develop painful and serious foot conditions when housed in cages with wire bottoms. Make sure your enclosure has a solid bottom and is lined with a guinea pig-safe bedding like Carefresh, timothy hay, recycled paper, or aspen shavings. Soiled bedding should be changed daily and the entire enclosure should be thoroughly washed with soap and water each week. Glass aquariums and plastic tubs are not recommended as guinea pig enclosures as they do not offer enough ventilation. All guinea pigs should be provided with a place to hide within their enclosure, such as a box or hut.
+ Temperature
Guinea pigs do best in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 79°F ⁴ and prefer a relatively low humidity, between 40% and 70%.⁵
+ Enrichment
Guinea pigs should be provided with daily time out of their kennel to play, explore, and exercise. Exercise wheels and balls are not recommended for guinea pigs.
+ Group Housing
Guinea pigs are very social and greatly benefit from living in pairs or small groups. While bonded guinea pigs from the same household should be housed together while in shelter, unfamiliar guinea pigs can be prone to fighting and should not be introduced in a shelter setting.
+ Legal Restrictions
Guinea pigs are legal to own as pets throughout the United States.
Hamsters
While there are more than 20 species of hamsters throughout the world, only 5 are commonly kept as pets. These include the Syrian hamster, Chinese hamster, and 3 species of dwarf hamster. Hamsters are relatively independent creatures and are most active at night, however they do enjoy exploration and regular interaction with people. Hamsters typically live between 2 and 3 years when kept as pets. Because of their small size, hamsters must be handled with care.
+ Enclosure Size
For a single hamster, a minimum tank size of 15 gallons is recommended, though larger is always preferred. For two hamsters, a 30-gallon tank or larger is necessary.⁶
+ Enclosure Layout
Hamsters can be housed in glass tanks with wire tops for ventilation. Wire or plastic-sided cages are also appropriate. The inside of the enclosure should be lined with several inches of absorbent bedding such as Carefresh or aspen shavings. Avoid pine or cedar shavings as the fumes and oils from these woods are harmful to hamsters. Soiled bedding, droppings, and stale food should be removed daily and the entire cage should be cleaned with warm, soapy water once a week. All hamsters should be provided with a small enclosed space to hide and sleep, such as a small box, cardboard tube, or igloo.
+ Temperature
The ideal temperature range for a hamster is 75°F to 85°F with 40% to 60% humidity. ⁷
+ Enrichment
Hamsters are very active so exercise wheels are a recommended enrichment item. Cardboard tubes, PVC pipes, and plastic igloos can also be added to provide opportunities to climb, hide, and tunnel. Like other rodents, hamsters must be provided with opportunities to chew to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Untreated, hamster-safe wood toys are a popular option.
+ Group Housing
Syrian hamsters are solitary animals and should always be housed in their own enclosure. Occasionally, dwarf hamsters can live in pairs, but they must be monitored closely for fighting. Intact male and female hamsters should never be housed together to avoid breeding.⁶ In a shelter environment, only hamsters from the same household, with a positive history of co-housing should share an enclosure.
+ Legal Restrictions
Hamsters of all species are illegal to own in the state of Hawaii, and Chinese hamsters are illegal to own in California.
Rats
Despite persistent misconceptions, rats are intelligent, playful, and social animals that can make wonderful house pets. They bond closely with their human caretakers and other rats and enjoy regular social interaction. Rats are also highly trainable and can be taught to come when called, sit up on their hind legs, and even play fetch! Rats typically live between 2 and 3 years when kept as pets. They are curious creatures that love to explore and benefit from daily handling.
+ Enclosure Size
The minimum recommended enclosure size for a single rat is 24 x 24 x 24 inches, though more space is always preferred.⁸ Additional rats will require additional space.
+ Enclosure Layout
Wire cages with solid bottoms are the preferred enclosure for rats. Glass tanks with mesh tops may be appropriate in some circumstances, but typically do not provide enough ventilation.⁹ The inside of a rat’s enclosure should be lined with absorbent bedding such as Carefresh, timothy hay, or aspen shavings. Avoid pine or cedar shavings as they can be harmful. Heavily soiled litter should be scooped out daily and the entire cage should be cleaned with soap and water each week. All rats should be provided with small, enclosed spaces to hide and sleep, such as a small box or igloo.
+ Temperature
The ideal temperature range for rats is 64°F to 79°F with 30% to 70% humidity.¹⁰
+ Enrichment
Rats are very active and should be provided with toys and activities in their enclosure. PVC tubes, ladders, tree branches, swings, and ropes are all appropriate enrichment items. Exercise wheels can also be provided, but make sure they have a solid surface without rungs, to prevent their tails from becoming caught and injured when running.
+ Group Housing
Rats are very social and typically enjoy living in same-sex pairs or small groups. While bonded rats from the same household should be housed together while in shelter, rats from different households should not be introduced in a shelter setting. As with all small animals, intact male and female rats should never be housed together to avoid reproducing.
+ Legal Restrictions
Rats are legal to own as pets throughout the United States.
Gerbils
While there are many species of gerbils, the Mongolian gerbil is the one most often kept as a pet. They are playful, active, and social animals who love to dig and burrow. Gerbils typically live between 3 and 4 years with proper care, and thrive in pairs or groups. They are very fast moving and their small size and delicate bones require that they be handled gently. While they are relatively easy to care for, gerbils do have several specialized care needs that set them apart from other rodents.
+ Enclosure Size
For a single gerbil, a minimum tank size of 20 gallons is recommended, with a minimum tank height of 18-20 inches. Larger enclosures are always preferred and size will need to increase when multiple gerbils are housed together.¹¹
+ Enclosure Layout
Glass-sided tanks with wire mesh tops are typically the preferred choice for gerbil enclosures. Gerbils are naturally burrowing animals and should be provided with absorbent, paper-based bedding (unscented only) that is at least 6-8 inches in depth. They should also be provided with nesting material that they can shred. Paper or cardboard, egg cartons, tissues, and empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls all work well. Gerbil enclosures require less frequent cleaning than other pets and over-cleaning can be stressful to them. Heavily soiled bedding and old food should be removed daily, but cages should only be deep-cleaned every 2 weeks. When deep-cleaning a gerbil’s enclosure, try to reserve some old, non-soiled bedding to place back inside so they have a familiar scent.¹¹
+ Temperature
Gerbils are accustomed to dry climates and are sensitive to high humidity. An area with low humidity (35-50%) is ideal for gerbils. In terms of temperature, a range of 60°F to 70°F is preferred.¹¹
+ Enrichment
Gerbils are very active and exercise wheels are a popular enrichment choice. Gerbils usually require an 8-9 inch wheel with solid flooring (no rungs) to prevent their tails from becoming caught and injured. Like many rodents, gerbils need to be provided with items to chew to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Untreated, gerbil-safe wood toys work well. Gerbils should be provided with a sand bath at least once per week to keep themselves clean. Make sure to use a gerbil-safe product and avoid dust, powder, or anything with added fragrances.
+ Group Housing
Gerbils are very social and typically enjoy living in same-sex pairs or small groups. Intact males and females should never be housed together to prevent breeding.
+ Legal Restrictions
Gerbils are illegal to own in both California and Hawaii.
Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs are small, spiny mammals from the family Erinaceidae. They are not rodents, nor are they closely related to porcupines. Instead, hedgehogs share ancestry with shrews, voles, and moonrats. They are inquisitive and sensitive creatures that typically live 4 to 6 years when kept as pets. Hedgehogs are solitary in the wild and are also nocturnal, meaning they may not be eager to socialize during the day.
+ Enclosure Size
The minimum recommended enclosure size for a hedgehog is 2 x 4 feet.¹²
+ Enclosure Layout
Hedgehog enclosures should be solid-bottomed (not mesh or wire) and should be lined with plenty of bedding such as CareFresh or recycled paper. Wood shavings should be avoided, especially cedar and pine.¹² A small, low-sided litter box can be provided but is not required. Make sure to use a hedgehog-safe litter. Waste should be removed daily, and the bedding should be changed every week. A covered area for hiding and sleeping should also be provided.
+ Temperature
Hedgehog enclosures should be kept between 70ºF to 80ºF.¹³
+ Enrichment
Hedgehogs are curious and active and should be provided with opportunities to play and explore in their enclosure. Toys, tubing, and an exercise wheel are great additions to hedgehog enclosures.
+ Group Housing
Hedgehogs are solitary animals in the wild and typically prefer to be housed alone.
+ Legal Restrictions
Hedgehogs are illegal to own as pets in California, Hawaii, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and New York City. Several other states require hedgehog owners to secure a special permit.
Chinchillas
Chinchillas are nocturnal rodents, native to the Andes mountains in South America. They are shy, quiet, playful, and incredibly agile. Their average lifespan in captivity is around 10 years, though they can live up to 20 years with proper care. Their large ears provide them with excellent hearing, so loud noises can be alarming. Chinchillas are known for their beautifully soft fur, and require some specialized care to keep them in good health.
+ Enclosure Size
The minimum recommended enclosure size for a single chinchilla is 4 x 4 x 3 feet. Like other rodents, chinchillas love to chew, so wire mesh cages are preferred to wooden cages for their durability. However, make sure that you do not use galvanized wire, as it contains zinc, which can be toxic to chinchillas if ingested.¹⁴
+ Enclosure Layout
Chinchillas love to climb, so multi-level cages are recommended. Chinchillas should also be provided with fleece bedding and/or cage lining material such as Carefresh, aspen shavings, or recycled paper. Bedding should be spot-cleaned daily and completely replaced each week.
+ Temperature
Chinchillas are very susceptible to heat stroke and prefer temperatures between 55ºF and 68ºF. It is recommended to keep humidity levels below 40% to 50%.¹⁴
+ Enrichment
Like with many rodents, chinchillas’ teeth continuously grow, so they must be provided with wooden toys to chew. Chinchillas also have a unique grooming habit called dust bathing. Each day, they should be provided with a dust bath — a mixture of nine parts silver sand and one part fuller’s earth. These ingredients are available at most pet stores.¹⁵ Chinchilla’s also benefit from exercise wheels within their enclosures. Wheels should have solid flooring and should be 15 inches in diameter.¹⁴
+ Group Housing
Chinchillas are naturally social animals and live in groups in the wild. In captivity, chinchillas are often kept in pairs. However, chinchillas can be aggressive when first introduced, so introductions between unfamiliar chinchillas is not recommended in a shelter setting.
+ Legal Restrictions
Chinchillas are legal to own as pets throughout the United States, though some areas may require a permit.
Sugar Gliders
Sugar gliders are small, tree-dwelling marsupials, native to Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. They are intelligent, social, vocal, and very active. They also have significant care needs, including very specific diets that can be difficult to replicate in captivity. When kept as pets, sugar gliders can live between 10 and 15 years. The specialized membrane between their fore and hind limbs allow them to glide from treetops and other high places.
+ Enclosure Size
The minimum recommended enclosure size for a sugar glider is 24 x 36 x 36 inches.¹⁶
+ Enclosure Layout
Sugar gliders love to climb, so multi-level cages are strongly recommended. When provided with different platforms, climbing branches, and hammocks, sugar gliders will spend little time on the floor of their enclosure, so enclosures with wire mesh bottoms are generally considered safe and will allow droppings and other debris to pass through and be easily cleaned.
Sugar gliders should be provided with bedding materials, such as shredded newspaper or paper towels, dry moss, cotton, or wood shavings. Bedding should be spot-cleaned each day and their enclosure should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water weekly. Tree branches can be placed in the cage to allow climbing; however, certain woods (such as almond, apricot, black walnut, cherry, and peach) are poisonous and should be avoided.¹⁶
+ Temperature
Sugar gliders can tolerate temperatures between 60°F and 90°F; however, their preferred temperature range is 80°F to 88°F.¹⁶
+ Enrichment
All sugar gliders should be provided with opportunities to climb within their enclosure and will need daily time out of their kennel to exercise and explore. Sugar gliders are nocturnal animals and are most active in the evenings and at night. They should be housed in a location that is relatively quiet during the day and should be allowed to sleep undisturbed.¹⁶
+ Group Housing
Sugar gliders are social animals and live in colonies in the wild. As a result, it is recommended that they be housed in pairs or small groups in captivity. However, sugar gliders can be territorial (particularly males) and may become aggressive when first introduced. While bonded sugar gliders from the same household should be housed together while in shelter, sugar gliders from different households should not be introduced in a shelter setting.
+ Legal Restrictions
Sugar gliders are illegal to own as pets in California, Alaska, and Hawaii. In several other states, they require a special permit or other documentation.
Ferrets
Ferrets are inquisitive, outgoing, and comical creatures that can make excellent pets for the right person. They are members of the Mustelidae family and are close relatives to weasels, otters, martens, and badgers. Ferrets are very social and playful and regularly seek human interaction. They typically live between 5 and 7 years as pets. Ferrets have a naturally musky odor that is used in the wild for territorial marking and can be unpleasant to some people. Feeding them an appropriate diet and keeping their enclosure clean can help reduce this odor.
+ Enclosure Size
The minimum recommended enclosure size for one to two ferrets is 24 x 24 x 18 inches.¹⁷
+ Enclosure Layout
Like other small animals, ferrets can develop painful foot conditions when housed in cages with wire bottoms, so ensure the bottom of your ferret enclosure has a solid surface. Glass aquariums are not suitable for ferrets as they do not provide adequate air circulation. All ferrets should be provided with a low-sided litter box and a ferret-safe litter (pellet litter is preferred). Litter and soiled bedding should be changed daily and their enclosure should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water each week.
Ferrets love to burrow, and should be provided with opportunities to do so in their enclosure. Cardboard tubes, blankets, fabric bags, or even an old tee shirt or pair of pants will do! Unlike chinchillas, ferrets are not natural climbers, so steep ramps should be avoided to prevent falls.
+ Temperature
Ferrets prefer an environmental temperature between 60°F and 75°F.¹⁸
+ Enrichment
Ferrets are very active and require daily time out of their enclosure to play, explore, and exercise. They should also be provided with enrichment activities within their enclosure, such as toys, feeding games, and tubes.
+ Group Housing
Ferrets are very social and benefit from living in pairs or small groups. However, introductions must be done slowly and thoughtfully to avoid fights and injury. Introductions between unfamiliar ferrets is not recommended in a shelter setting.
+ Species Separation
Ferrets are carnivorous and a natural predator species to guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters, and other rodents. Because of this, ferrets should not be housed near other small animals. Ferrets have a particularly strong and distinct scent that can cause stress and fearfulness in other small pets, so take special care to avoid bringing ferret bedding or other items into areas where small pets are housed.
+ Legal Restrictions
Ferrets are illegal to own in both California and Hawaii.
¹ Joerg Mayer, “Housing of Rabbits”, Merck Veterinary Manual. 2022. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rabbits/housing-of-rabbits
² Animal Humane Society, “Rabbit Care”. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/rabbit-care
³ RSPCA, “Can Rabbits Get Heat Stress?”, 2023. https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/can-rabbits-get-heat-stress/
⁴ Animal Humane Society, “Guinea Pig Care”. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/guinea-pig-care
⁵ RSPCA Victoria, “Housing for Guinea Pigs”. https://rspcavic.org/housing-for-guinea-pigs/
⁶ Animal Humane Society, “Hamster Care”. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/hamster-care#:~:text=Remove%20soiled%20bedding%2C%20droppings%2C%20and,climb%2C%20hide%2C%20and%20tunnel
⁷ John Gardiner, “Hamster Care”, UC Davis Veterinary Medicine. 2019. https://healthtopics.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/exotics/hamster-care
⁸ Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, “Tips on Caring for Your Pet Rat”. 2022. https://ontariospca.ca/blog/tips-caring-your-pet-rat/
⁹ Animal Humane Society, “Rat Care”. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/rat-care
¹⁰ Katherine E. Quesenberry and Kenneth R. Boschert, “Special Considerations for Rats”, Merck Veterinary Manual. 2022. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/rats/special-considerations-for-rats#:~:text=They%20regulate%20their%20body%20temperature,if%20the%20cage%20is%20overcrowded.
¹¹ Animal Humane Society, “Gerbil Care”. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/gerbil-care
¹² Animal Humane Society, “Hedgehog Care”. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/hedgehog-care#:~:text=Water%20should%20be%20available%20at%20all%20times%20and%20changed%20daily.&text=Hedgehogs%20may%20be%20small%2C%20but,like%20multiple%20levels%20to%20explore.
¹³ University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine Small Animal Hospital, “How to Care forYour Pet Hedgehog”. https://smallanimal.vethospital.ufl.edu/clinical-services/zoological-medicine/how-to-care-for-your-pet-hedgehog/#:~:text=Hedgehogs%20need%20environmental%20temperatures%20between,if%20he%20feels%20too%20warm.
¹⁴ Gregory Rich, Laurie Hess, and Rick Axelson, “Chinchillas: Housing”, VCA Animal Hospitals. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/chinchillas—housing#:~:text=The%20enclosure%20should%20be%20a,can%20be%20toxic%20if%20ingested.
¹⁵ Animal Humane Society, “Chinchilla Care”. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/chinchilla-care#:~:text=Each%20day%2C%20they%20should%20be,can%20roll%20around%20in%20it.
¹⁶ Rosemary J. Booth, “Providing a Home for a Sugar Glider”, Merck Manual of Veterinary Medicine. 2022. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/sugar-gliders/providing-a-home-for-a-sugar-glider#v3231208
¹⁷ Animal Humane Society, “Ferret Care”. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/ferret-care
¹⁸ Oathall Veterinary Group, “Health and Welfare Information About Your Ferret from Vetlexicon Exotis/Ferret”, Vetstream. 2021. https://oathall-vets.co.uk/wp-content/plugins/vetstream_swagger/pet-health/pet/pet_info_print.php?vetstream-type=ZXhvdGlzL0ZlcnJldHM=&nodeguid=d94e70aa-12ba-4819-9c9f-3884d8c0f866#:~:text=Ferrets%20prefer%20an%20environmental%20temperature,conditions%20uncomfortable%20for%20the%20ferret.
Danielle Works is a Community Outreach Coordinator for RedRover. With more than 10 years of experience in animal welfare, Danielle consults with shelters throughout the country to identify collaborative solutions for pets and owners in crisis. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon.
