Initial / Ongoing Examination

The small animals in your inventory should be healthy and in good physical condition when they arrive at your store. While a small animal veterinarian can be consulted or called on to treat animals as needed, you are the principal resource to alert store management to any abnormal behavior or signs of trouble so proper action can be taken.

The small animals you sell should be alert, sociable and active during the day (except for nocturnal pets like hamsters, gerbils and hedgehogs). Notify your supervisor immediately if you notice that an animal is lethargic; making abnormal respiratory sounds; limping; has any discharges from eyes, mouth or anal area; has diarrhea or wetness under its tail; or has a hair coat in poor condition.

To avoid transferring disease or infection, new arrivals should be kept separately from other animals in the store, particularly those of the same species. Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands between handling, feeding and/or cleaning new arrivals and other animals in the store.

Transmission of diseases or parasites between animals and humans is extremely rare but you should wash your hands after handling any pet as a simple precaution.

to view a series of pop-up windows with additional information on what to look for when examining small animals.