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!