How to keep my hamster cool and prevent stress during a hot car move?

Many of our exotic companion mammals, such as hamsters, will do well in the car if their environment is kept stable. Since you are taking her in her cage, that may help. Other things that you will want to do is remove the water bottle while you are actively driving, but if you stop to take a break (ex: for gas, for you to eat something, or to use the bathroom), make sure that you put the water bottle in to give Mamy an opportunity to drink. Ensure that she has food available at all times as well. I would also recommend removing her wheel while you are actively driving so that she doesn't hurt herself on it. One of the most important things for you to do in the car is to make sure it does not get too hot or too cold. I would recommend running the air conditioner in your car to get it to the temperature that your house would typically be, but make sure that the vents are not blowing directly on Mamy. With Mamy being a hamster, hopefully she will sleep the majority of your time on your drive (unless you plan on driving at night). If you notice that she is restless or seems stressed, then I would recommend evaluating the temperature first. This is often the most stressful part of traveling for these little guys. If you plan on staying in a hotel (which for that long of a drive it may be a good idea, just to give her a break), then you can have her cage set up as you normally would during that time. I hope that helps, and that your trip is a success!

If the hamster is indoors and the heating will go on , there is no such risk. Remember they have their fur to help them keep warm. I had a few hamsters who suffered heat stroke, so I would also be careful not to overheat him. Make sure that he has enough food and water , and that the water can not be spilled. Maybe it would be sensible for someone just to pop in once a day to make sure that he is fine, it is always a big responsibility to look after someone else's pet !

I'm sorry about your parents, I hope you are doing ok. Ten minutes isn't a long drive, and this may not be stressful for Dennis. He likely would be most comfortable in a familiar cage, so you can move him between homes in the bigger cage. You can try this and see how he does. If this does appear stressful to him (you may see lethargy and a loss of appetite indicating stress), then I'd leave him at one home. I hope this helps!

This could be stressful to some pets, depending on their personality. I would suspect a prey-species such as a hamster would be more affected by the constant movement/change of scenery just because they may be more alert/aware of their surroundings. Whatever pet you decide to get, you will need an appropriate travel carrier to be sure the pet doesn't get loose in your car. Or even better, if your car is large enough to move the cage between the two households this may be easier on your pets so that the actual cage itself isn't changing regularly. Covering the cage with a dark sheet can be calming for some pets during travel, so they aren't alarmed by the light/noise on the trip.

You will need to gradually acclimate him to your presence. This will time and patience. Begin by simply sitting next to his cage. Move slowly and speak softly. Initially, he may run to the far side of the enclosure or he may hide. When he goes about his normal business, you can introduce your hand into the cage for short periods of time. Make no attempt to hold or touch him, simply leave your hand in his cage. Increase the time as he acclimates. Allow him to sniff and inspect your hand if he wants. Eventually, you can coax him on to your hand using treats. Offer food or treats when you put your hand inside the cage so he will see you won't see you as a threat. These little guys are nocturnal, so being outside in the bright sunshine may be stressful. Additionally, if left in direct sunlight, the potential to overheat is very real.

Hopefully Wally will be no worse for the wear. Hamsters are desert creatures and so they don’t generally require a lot of water but a day and a half is still too long. I recommend to offer food and water and watch Wally very closely. If Wally eats and drinks well and is active than likely no harm is done. If Wally seems sick, call the pet store as they will likely have a veterinarian to care for her. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Hamsters are pretty tough little guys. If you have regular air conditioning on, and it is not too cold in your room,they should be fine. Especially if you have some fluffy bedding and a little house for your hamster to be in. If you notice them being sluggish, hard to wake, not eating as well, then they might be too cold. They more hibernate if they get really too cold- like outside, or no heat on in the winter. I don't have an exact temp for you, but I wouldn't go under 60. If you hamster is active, eating well and his normal self, I think you are ok. If he is not, I would be more concerned with illness and take him to the vet for a checkup.