Many people don’t realize that pet stores commonly get animals from breeders, and unfortunately, most of these breeders fall into two categories:

• Large‑scale mass‑breeding farms, where animals are kept in overcrowded, stressful and poorly enriched conditions.
• Unqualified hobby breeders, who produce litters for stores without training, oversight or understanding of genetics, health or welfare.

In both cases, there are currently no regulations ensuring that the animals are raised responsibly. These breeders are not required to provide proper care, and pet stores will never take responsibility for a hamster once it is sold. If the animal is abandoned later, it is rescues - not the store or the breeder - who must step in.

Choosing adoption helps break this cycle.

It gives a real second chance to an animal who has already been let down and it supports the rescues working tirelessly to protect them. Every adoption is a small but meaningful act that reduces suffering and promotes better practices for these animals.

SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Adoption Centre - Montreal

The largest animal protection organization in Quebec, speaking out on behalf of animals wherever ignorance, cruelty, exploitation, or neglect prevails.

Website: spca.com

Quebec Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPA de Québec)

From its very beginning, the organization's role has always been centered on preventing cruelty to animals. Over the years, this role has expanded, and the Quebec SPCA now fulfills a true public service mission and offers an adoption service.

Website: spadequebec.ca

It's important to understand that most breeders are not ethical and responsible breeding is the exception, not the norm.

Only support breeders who:

• Provide clear, reliable education and support to adopters before and after adoption
• Are transparent about lineage, health and husbandry
• Prioritize temperament, genetic diversity and long‑term welfare
• Treat breeding as a serious, full‑time responsibility, not a casual hobby
• Maintain clear records and follow science‑based practices
• Provide a written contract stating they will take the hamster back at any time if the adopter can no longer care for them
• Demonstrate genuine commitment to the animal’s lifelong well‑being, not just the adoption moment

Ethical breeding is extremely demanding.

• It requires scientific knowledge, rigorous record-keeping and a long-term commitment
• Realistically, breeding animals ethically aligns more with conservation science than with “breeding for fun”
• The majority of breeders are not ethical.

By joining a community, you can contribute to:

• reduce the still widespread misinformation about small animals
• improve the quality of life for hamsters in your area
• supporting first-time adopters who want to do better
• create an environment where mutual support takes precedence over judgment
• strengthen a collective movement for better respect for animal welfare.

• Support shelters, animal protection organizations and sanctuaries financially or by providing equipment (bedding, food, enrichment).
• Offering to be a foster family for hamsters waiting for a permanent home.
• Help with transportation, photography or social media management.

It's one of the simplest and most powerful gestures to advance the cause of small animals. In Quebec, where hamsters and other rodents are still too often victims of ignorance, mass breeding and outdated commercial practices, every signature sends a clear message that the community demands better. A petition makes issues that are often ignored, visible and pushes decision-makers, municipalities, provinces and institutions to review their standards and their responsibilities towards vulnerable animals. It is a citizen tool, accessible to all, which transforms indignation into concrete action.

List of current petitions

Read and sign: Petition to End the Sale and Use of Exercise Balls for Animals

Read and sign: End the Sale and Use of Small animal cages that do not meet specified standards

For hamsters and small animals, this means:

• Favor products, brands, businesses and small companies that prioritize animal welfare and sustainability ;
• Choose suitable accessories and avoid dangerous or unnecessary products sold for hamsters;
• Avoid pet shops that support mass breeding;
• Encourage artists and transparent businesses.