Does Petco Sell Hedgehogs in 2024? (Full Guide)

With over 1,500 locations across the United States, Petco is one of the largest pet retailers in America. Their stores and website offer a wide variety of popular pets for sale, from dogs and cats to fish, reptiles, and small mammals like guinea pigs and hamsters.

But when it comes to more exotic companion animals like hedgehogs, Petco does not sell them in their stores or online as of 2023.

Below I‘ll explain the key reasons why major chains like Petco don‘t deal in hedgehogs, what hedgehog supplies they do carry, alternative hedgehog purchase locations, legality considerations, care guidelines, and more.

Why Petco Doesn‘t Sell Live Hedgehogs

To understand why hedgehogs aren‘t part of their live animal offerings, it helps to first look at some of their unique care challenges as pets:

• Specific Dietary Needs – Hedgehogs are insectivores and require a very high protein, low-fat diet with limited ingredients.
• Temperature Control – Optimal hedgehog habitat temperature is 75-80°F, much warmer than most households.
• Nocturnal Nature – As nocturnal animals, hedgehogs sleep heavily during the day making interaction difficult.
• Activity Levels – Hedgehogs tend to run upwards of 5 miles a night on wheels and need lots of stimulation.

When compared to other small pets Petco sells, like hamsters or guinea pigs, hedgehogs clearly have more complex care requirements.

Beyond daily needs, the market data also suggests low overall consumer demand for hedgehogs relative to other pets:

With total spending just $5 million and ownership rates still very low, hedgehogs likely don‘t warrant major retailer consideration yet. Fish, dogs, cats and other mammals make up the vast majority of pet spending.

So when balancing the specialized care hedgehogs need against low current popularity and sales potential, it is sensible that a high-volume, nationwide chain like Petco would pass on selling them for now. That said, they do offer supplies…

Hedgehog Supplies Sold at Petco

While live hedgehogs are not sold at Petco stores, the retailer does carry a few hedgehog care products on their website:

• Mazuri Hedgehog Food – Specifically formulated complete diet for hedgehogs
• Mazuri Insectivore Supplement – For extra protein and enrichment
• Carolina Custom Cages – Enclosed nesting areas just for hedgehogs

So they acknowledge and support the needs of hedgehog owners through specialized food and habitat options.

Where to Buy Pet Hedgehogs

Given the niche status of hedgehogs as pets in the US, the best places to find them are through regional breeders, small pet shops, or rescue organizations. Prices can range from $100 for rescues up to $350+ for specialty breeders.

Availability does vary by state however, due to differing exotic animal laws. For example, hedgehogs are illegal to own as pets in California, Georgia, Hawaii and NYC.

Prospective owners should thoroughly research state exotic pet regulations, proper handling techniques, housing set-up, veterinary care, and more before attempting to purchase a hedgehog. They have very specific needs.

Conclusion

In summary – Petco and other major chains choose not to sell hedgehogs in 2024 due to their unique care challenges relative to other small pets and comparatively tiny consumer market. But specialized foods and supplies are available for responsible hedgehog owners.

Those interested should connect with local breeders and rescues based on their state‘s laws and be prepared to provide the specific dietary, housing, temperature and activity requirements hedgehogs need to thrive.