The Dumb Friends League has a history of service. For more than 100 years, we have sheltered and cared for lost, abandoned and abused pets. 

Thanks to wide community support, we offer programs that help both pets and people. 

We are proud to be the metro-Denver area’s local humane society. You are invited to visit our website and our two shelters to learn more about us.

 

Home › Education › Pets › Small Pet Tips

Small Pets Tips

If you're having difficulties with your small pet, see the list of topics below for information and advice.

Please note: If you are experiencing a behavior issue with your small pet, please visit with your veterinarian about the problem right away. Sudden changes in behavior are often caused by underlying medical issues. In many cases a trip to the veterinarian can save you time and frustration, and help prevent potential harm to your pet(s) and loved ones.

Ferrets

Ferrets make great companions. They're friendly, smart, inquisitive and playful. They do require a lot of care, but it is well worth the effort.
Hamsters

Hamsters are frisky, playful and fun to watch. Since they're nocturnal, though, they sleep all day and play at night.
Rabbits

The Colorado House Rabbit Society offers affectionate, litter-trained, spayed or neutered rabbits for adoption. They also offer education about rabbits.
Gerbils

Gerbils are naturally friendly and curious and can be happy and healthy almost anywhere.
Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are hardy and affectionate and make great companions. However, people often think of them as "low-maintenance" pets, when in reality, they require a lot of care and attention.
Mice

Mice are small, social animals. They're quiet, but very active and entertaining to watch. Because of their high activity level and quick movements, they're more suitable for adults to handle than for children.
Rats

Rats make great pets because they're intelligent, sociable and affectionate. They're also quiet, clean and fairly easy to care for.
Newsletter

Way down deep, we're all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them.

-- Jim Davis

Behavior Helpline

Reach a trained behavior counselor at the Dumb Friends League, who will contact you by phone or e-mail (whichever you choose) to help solve the behavior problem you're experiencing. This service is free.

> Contact Us Now

Use of Our Materials

We are happy to share our information with other nonprofit and animal welfare organizations. Please use the materials in their entirety including our logo. Please read our Terms of Use for details. We ask that you contact us first before using our materials. We’ll want to know how the information will be used and in what publication or on what Web site. We also ask that a copy of any printed publication using our materials be mailed to us for our records. Thank you!