Welcome to our 5-step fairytale!

Step 1: Adoption Requirements

• Lifetime commitment

  • Will contact us if they can no longer keep their hamster

  • Will not rehome without involving Snow White’s Rescue Cottage

• Appropriate enclosure size

  • Recommended minimum = 600 square inches or more strongly encouraged for optimal comfort. Need help?

    • Required for Syrian hamsters, with larger preferred

    • We will accept 360 square inches for individual Dwarf hamsters on a case-by-case basis

  • Length × width = total square inches

  • Safe enclosure design

    • No wire bottom cages

    • No CritterTrail or Habitrail style cages

    • Bar cages must have spacing of 1/2 inch or less for dwarf hamsters

• Proper bedding

  • Soft, paper based bedding only

  • 6 to 8 inches of bedding strongly encouraged

  • No cedar or pine bedding

• Safe wheel access

  • Solid running surface only; no wire or mesh wheels

  • 10 inch or larger wheels required for Syrian hamsters

  • 8 inch or larger wheels for Dwarf hamsters

• Consistent feeding

  • We give you ALL your starter food!

  • Food available at all times; blocks/pellets available 24/7 with no exceptions

  • Seed mix fed every few days

• Species appropriate housing

  • Syrian hamsters must be housed alone with no exceptions

  • Dwarf hamster co-housing determined on a case-by -ase basis

• Willingness to learn

  • Open to guidance and education

  • Willing to make adjustments to improve comfort and welfare

Step 2: Adoption Fees

Snow White’s Rescue Cottage is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 100% of adoption fees and purchases go directly to the animals and the care they receive.

Base Adoption | $50

Includes everything needed to get started:

• Hamster or mouse under 6 months of age

• Custom SWRC tote bag

• 3 to 6 month supply of food, based on species and number of animals

• Sample of our custom seed mix

• Handling scoop and hands on care guidance

• Treats and surprise goodies

Additional options under Base Adoption:

• Hamster over 6 months old | FREE

  • Includes everything listed in Base Adoption

• Foster to Adopt | FREE

  • Includes everything listed in Base Adoption

  • Cage and supplies provided by SWRC

  • Setup chosen in collaboration with the family

  • Ideal for families unsure if a hamster is the right fit

  • We check in at 1 month and 2 months to support the transition and discuss adoption

• Ventura County Heroes | $50

  • Full adoption package for local adopters

  • Includes cage and all supplies

  • Setup selected by SWRC in collaboration with the adopter

Pre Loved Cages | Price Varies

• Donated cages offered at excellent prices

• We regularly stock large, appropriate enclosures

• Available as an add on to base adoption

• Please inquire about current availability

Snow White’s Cottage Package | $175

A complete, ready to go adoption setup. Includes:

• New in box Prevue 528, or a used cage of higher value (must be discussed in advance)

• Everything included in Base Adoption

• Full size bag of our custom seed mix

• All essential supplies:

  • House

  • Water bottle or water bowl

  • Food bowl

  • Accessories and enrichment

• Choice of new supplies or higher value used items

Optional add-on to any adoption:

• Snow White’s Enchanted Forage Mix | $20
  A curated enrichment mix designed to encourage natural foraging behaviors.

Step 3: Meet the animals

Step 4: Complete your application

Step 5: Schedule your adoption!