Table of Contents

Hamster Floor Space Minimums from Different Organizations Around the World

Why do different organizations, companies, and countries have different standards?

For a more in-depth discussion, please read our article on hamster welfare and why it differs per country and organization.

Organizations and companies may implement smaller standards for a reason. Some may have a lack of research, others may try to make hamster care more accessible by setting a more inclusive standard that more people can follow while slowly upgrading their standards, as some places have a lack of commercial options that are available to them. Setting a high standard while there are no options may put people off and may turn people away from proper care and lead them to buy an unsuitable enclosure.

However, some companies may set an incredibly small minimum size so that they can sell you more products.

Regardless, hamsters are not aware of our human limitations and deserve a proper home. Laws on animal welfare need to improve, and companies need to do a better job at manufacturing affordable ethical options for all hamster owners. This will not happen if we do not speak up. Please sign the petitions below so that we can make a difference for hamster homes.

The Hamingway recommends a minimum of 5000 square centimeters or 775 square inches of floorspace for all hamster species.

Make a difference and sign these petitions

If you have a petition that you’d like us to include, please contact us.

Interactive Map

If you see the word recommended that means it's only a government-issued guideline and not enforceable by law!

Legend

  • Legal minimum cage size is at least 5000 sqcm (775 sqin) of floorspace for all hamster species.
  • Legal minimum cage size at least 3000 sqcm (465 sqin) of floorspace
  • Legal minimum cage size at least 1000 sqcm (155 sqin) of floorspace
  • Legal minimum cage size is below 1000sqcm (155 sqin) of floorspace.
  • Poor welfare policies, and no legal or recommended minimum exists for hamsters.
  • Research for this country was insufficient.
  • You cannot legally have a hamster in this country

Hamster Minimums from Different Organizations

Hamster Minimums in Africa

South Africa

Other Laws

  • Any person who confines, chains, tethers or secures any animal unnecessarily or under such conditions or in such a manner or position as to cause that animal unnecessary suffering or in any place which affords inadequate space, ventilation, light, protection or shelter from heat, cold or weather;shall, subject to the provisions of this Act and any other law, be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred rand or in default of payment to imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or to such imprisonment without the option of a fine, or, where any such act or omission is of a wilful and an aggravated nature, to a whipping not exceeding six strokes or to both such a fine and such a whipping or to both such imprisonment without the option of a fine and such a whipping.

Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962

Minimums Per Organization

Hamsters South Africa

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Hamster Minimums in Asia

Indonesia

Other Laws

  • In the interest of animal welfare all measures shall be taken that relate to catching and handling, placement and multiplication, care, transportation, slaughtering and killing, as well as reasonable treatment and tender care of animal.

LAW No. 18 OF 2009 (Concerning Husbandry and Animal Health)

China

Other Laws

  • The Chinese Veterinary Medical Association has begun the development of advisory recommendations regarding animal welfare for different animals. This is still under review.

World Animal Protection

Taiwan

Other Laws

  • For those who keep pets in cages, the space inside the cage should be sufficient for the pets to fully stretch out, and sufficient time should be provided for activities outside the cage.

動物保護法 民國 110 年 05 月 19 日

Minimums Per Organization

Rodents Care

Syrian Hamsters: 2400 sqcm or 372 sqin
60 x 40 cm or 24 x 15.75 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 1200 sqcm or 186 sqin
40 x 30 cm or 15.75 x 12 in

Vietnam

You cannot have a hamster in Vietnam

Fines: Up to 30 Million Dong

Ministry of Agriculture Vietnam

India

Other Laws

  • Any person who keeps or confines any animal in any cage or other receptacle which does not measure sufficiently in height, length and breadth to permit the animal a reasonable opportunity for movement shall be punishable.

The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960

Thailand

Other Laws

  • An animal owner shall provide proper welfare to his or her animal in accordance with rules, procedures, and conditions prescribed by the Minister.

CRUELTY PREVENTION AND WELFARE OF ANIMAL ACT, B.E. 2557 (2014)

Minimums Per Organization

Hammo Home

All Hamsters: 2300 sqcm or 360 sqin
61 x 38 cm or 24 x 15 in

PetPlease

All Hamsters:
Length longer than 91cm (3 feet)

South Korea

Other Laws

  • Efforts shall be made to ensure that animals are properly fed, watered and exercised and that they receive adequate rest and sleep.

Korea's Animal Protection Law 2007

Minimums Per Organization

Hamster Information Korea

Dwarf Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Syrian Hamsters: 7200 sqcm or 1116 sqin
120 x 60 cm or 47 x 24 in

Philippines

Legal Minimums

All Hamsters: 64.5 sqcm or 10 sqin

Compendium of Animal Welfare Legislation, Policies and Issuances In the Philippines 2021

Minimums Per Organization

Hamster Welfare Philippines

Syrian Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 4000 sqcm or 620 sqin
100 x 40 cm or 40 x 14.75 in

Philippine Hamster Keepers

Syrian Hamsters: 2700 sqcm or 470 sqin

Dwarf Hamsters: 2300 sqcm or 360 sqin

Japan

Other Laws

  • The owner of an animal shall endeavor to care for the animal he/she owns through its lifetime (hereinafter referred to as "lifetime care") as much as possible, within the extent that does not impede the attainment of the purpose of the care and keeping of the animal.

Act on Welfare and Management of Animals (Act No. 105 of October 1, 1973)

Minimums Per Organization

Ham Diary

Dwarf Hamsters: 840 sqcm or 130 sqin
35 x 25 cm or 14 x 10 in

Syrian Hamsters: 1575 sqcm or 244 sqin
45 x 35 cm or 18 x 14 in

Hamster Kaikata

Syrian Hamsters: 1200 sqcm or 186 sqin
40 x 30 x 25 cm or 15.75 x 12 x 10 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 840 sqcm or 130 sqin
35 x 25 x20 cm or 14 x 10 x 8 in

Singapore

Other Laws

  • Small mammals must have access to areas where they can rest and feed undisturbed, and exercise and explore safely.
  • The bedding material used must be appropriate, and kept clean and dry.

Code of Animal Welfare (AVA 2016)

Minimums Per Organization

Hamster Society Singapore

All Hamsters: 4500 sqcm or 698 sqin
90 x 50 x 50 cm or 35.5 x 20 x 20 in

Malaysia

Government Recommended Minimums

All Hamsters: 64.5 sqcm or 10 sqin

Other Laws

  • Any person who being the owner of any animal or, being the person in charge of any animal in confinement, fails or neglects to provide such animal with sufficient food, drink or shelter; commits an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine of not less than twenty thousand ringgit and not more than one hundred thousand ringgit or to imprisonment for a term not more than three years or to both. (Animal Welfare Act 2015 (Act 772)

Malaysian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes

Minimums Per Organization

Hamster (Malaysia)

All Hamsters: 1400 sqcm or 217 sqin
40 x 35 cm or 14.75 x 14 in

Hamster Minimums in Europe

Malta

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVE DIRECTIVA 2010/63/UE A PARLAMENTULUI EUROPEAN ȘI A CONSILIULUI din 22 septembrie 2010 privind protecția animalelor utilizate în scopuri științifice

Austria

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 1800 sqcm or 288 sqin

Other Laws

  • Syrian hamsters Kept Individually
  • Dwarf hamsters kept in pairs
  • Minimum bedding height of 5cm
  • Injury-proof running wheel

oesterreich.gv.at

Poland

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 180 sqcm or 28 sqin

MINISTRA ROLNICTWA I ROZWOJU WSI

Minimums Per Organization

Alezwierzaki.pl

Dwarf Hamsters: 4000 sqcm or 620 sqin
80 x 50 cm or 31.5 x 20 in

Syrian Hamsters: 6000 sqcm or 930 sqin
100 x 60 cm or 40 x 23 in

Fera PL

Syrian Hamsters: 3200 sqcm or 496 sqin
80 x 40 cm or 31.5 * 15.75 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 2400 sqcm or 372 sqin
60 x 40 cm or 23 * 15.75 in

Leopardus

Syrian Hamsters: 3200 sqcm or 496 sqin
80 x 40 cm or 31.5 * 15.75 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 2400 sqcm or 372 sqin
60 x 40 cm or 23 * 15.75 in

Belgium

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

Koninklijk Besluit betreffende de bescherming van proefdieren (last updated 2013)

Minimums Per Organization

Hamster Opvang Nona

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Huisdier Info

Syrian Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 4800 sqcm or 744 sqin
80 x 60 x 60 cm or 31.5 x 23 x 23 in

United Kingdom

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 650 sqcm or 100 sqin

Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals Bred, Supplied or Used for Scientific Purposes

Minimums Per Organization

BlueCross

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 x 20 in

Cozy Paws Hamster Care UK

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Erin's Hamsters

All Hamsters: 2903 sqcm or 450 sqin

Five Little Hams

Dwarf Hamsters: 4000 sqcm or 620 sqin
100 x 40 x 50 cm or 40 x 15.75 x 20 in

Syrian Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 x 60 cm or 40 x 20 x 24 in

HamsterWelfare.com

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Happy Hamsters UK

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

National Hamster Council

All Hamsters:
A hamster's enclosure must be large enough to allow for the hamster to establish adequate nesting, exercise and toileting areas and when a group or pair of compatible dwarf hamsters are housed, the cage size should take into consideration the number of hamsters.

PDSA

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Proper Hamster Care UK

All Hamsters: 4000 sqcm or 620 sqin

RSPCA

All Hamsters:
No minimum cage size but state that "hamsters need a lot of room".

The Hamster Forum

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

WoodGreen

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 x 20 in

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 x 40 cm or 40 x 20 x 15.75 in

Cyprus

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVE 2010/63/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes

Slovenia

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVE DIRECTIVA 2010/63/UE A PARLAMENTULUI EUROPEAN ȘI A CONSILIULUI din 22 septembrie 2010 privind protecția animalelor utilizate în scopuri științifice

Sweden

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 1200 sqcm or 186 sqin

Dwarf Hamsters: 900 sqcm or 140 sqin

Jordsbrukverket

Minimums Per Organization

The Swedish Hamster Association

All Hamsters: 3600 sqcm or 558 sqin
80 x 45 cm or 31.5 x 18 in

Greece

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVE 2010/63/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes

Finland

Government Recommended Minimums

All Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVE 2010/63/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes

Czech Republic

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVE 2010/63/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes

Lithuania

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVE DIRECTIVA 2010/63/UE A PARLAMENTULUI EUROPEAN ȘI A CONSILIULUI din 22 septembrie 2010 privind protecția animalelor utilizate în scopuri științifice

Latvia

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVE DIRECTIVA 2010/63/UE A PARLAMENTULUI EUROPEAN ȘI A CONSILIULUI din 22 septembrie 2010 privind protecția animalelor utilizate în scopuri științifice

Romania

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVE DIRECTIVA 2010/63/UE A PARLAMENTULUI EUROPEAN ȘI A CONSILIULUI din 22 septembrie 2010 privind protecția animalelor utilizate în scopuri științifice

Minimums Per Organization

Hamster Romania

Syrian Hamsters: 4000 sqcm or 620 sqin
80 x 50 cm or 31.5 x 20 in

Germany

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

Other Laws

  • The German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture recommends 5000 sqcm of floorspace for Syrians and 3000 sqcm for dwarves (Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft 2014)

RICHTLINIE 2010/63/EU DES EUROPÄISCHEN PARLAMENTS UND DES RATES vom 22. September 2010 zum Schutz der für wissenschaftliche Zwecke verwendeten Tiere

Minimums Per Organization

Das Futter Haus

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Das Hamster Forum

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 x 20 in

DieBrain

Syrian Hamsters: 10000 sqcm or 1550 sqin
100 x 100 x 60 cm or 40 x 40 x 24 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 x 20 in

Einfachtierisch

All Hamsters: 7200 sqcm or 1116 sqin
120 x 60 cm or 47 x 24 in

Goldhamster Wissen

Syrian Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin

Hamster Ausstattung Artgerecht

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 x20 in

Hamster Backen

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Hamster Haltung

All Hamsters:
Length is greater than 100cm (40in)

Hamster Hilfe

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Hamster Kaefig24

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Hamster-Info-Net

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

TierForum

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 x 20 in

Tierärztliche Vereinigung für Tierschutz

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 100 x 50 in

Croatia

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

SMĚRNICE EVROPSKÉHO PARLAMENTU A RADY 2010/63/EU ze dne 22. září 2010 o ochraně zvířat používaných pro vědecké účely

Hungary

Government Recommended Minimums

All Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVE 2010/63/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes

Portugal

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVA 2010/63/UE DEL PARLAMENTO EUROPEO Y DEL CONSEJO de 22 de septiembre de 2010 relativa a la protección de los animales utilizados para fines científicos

Bulgaria

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

ДИРЕКТИВА 2010/63/ЕС НА ЕВРОПЕЙСКИЯ ПАРЛАМЕНТ И НА СЪВЕТА от 22 септември 2010 година относно защитата на животните, използвани за научни цели

France

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 1000 sqcm or 155 sqin

Arrêté Royal du 18 mars 2009 publié le 01 avril 2009

Minimums Per Organization

AniPassion

All Hamsters:
80 cm length or more

Eldanars Hamster World

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Hamster Russe

All Hamsters: 2400 sqcm or 372 sqin

Le Mag Des Animaux

All Hamsters: 1500 sqcm or 232 sqin
50 x 30 x 30 cm or 20 x 12 x 12 in

Les Hamsters

All Hamsters: 7200 sqcm or 1128 sqin
120 x 60 cm or 47 x 24 in

Estonia

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVE 2010/63/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes

Italy

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRETTIVA 2010/63/UE DEL PARLAMENTO EUROPEO E DEL CONSIGLIO del 22 settembre 2010 sulla protezione degli animali utilizzati a fini scientifici

Minimums Per Organization

Clinica Veterinaria Avanzi - Mori

All Hamsters:
80 cm length or more

L'Associazione Italiana Criceti

Syrian Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 3375 sqcm or 523 sqin
75 x 45 cm or 30 x 18 in

Netherlands

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

Other Laws

  • Animal enclosures are constructed in such a way that they do not compromise the health or welfare of the animals and provide the opportunity for inspection of the animals (Wet op de dierproeven)

RICHTLINIE 2010/63/EU DES EUROPÄISCHEN PARLAMENTS UND DES RATES vom 22. September 2010 zum Schutz der für wissenschaftliche Zwecke verwendeten Tiere

Minimums Per Organization

De Russische Dwerghamster

All Hamsters: 3500 sqcm or 542 sqin
70 x 50 cm or 28 x 20 in

Dieren Bescherming

Dwarf Hamsters: 2400 sqcm or 372 sqin
80 x 40 cm or 31.5 x 15.75 in

Syrian Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Hamster Info.NL

All Hamsters: 4000 sqcm or 620 sqin
100 x 40 cm or 40 x 15.75 in

Hamster Verhouden

Syrian Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 3500 sqcm or 542 sqin
70 x 50 cm or 28 x 20 in

HamsterLife

All Hamsters: 3500 sqcm or 542 sqin
70 x 50 cm or 28 x 20 in

HamsterScaping

Dwarf Hamsters: 2800 sqcm or 434 sqin
80 x 35 x 40 cm or 31.5 x 14 x 15.75 in

Syrian Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 x 20 in

Kuufke

Syrian Hamsters: 6000 sqcm or 930 sqin
120 x 50 x50 cm or 47 x 20 x 20 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 x 40 cm or 40 x 20 x 15.75 in

LICG

Dwarf Hamsters: 3500 sqcm or 542 sqin
70 x 50 cm or 28 x 20 in

Syrian Hamsters: 500 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 cm or 40 x 20 in

Mini Natuur

Syrian Hamsters: 6000 sqcm or 930 sqin
120 x 50 x 50 cm or 47 x 20 x 20 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin
100 x 50 x 40 cm or 40 x 20 x 15.75 in

Voormijnhuisdier

Syrian Hamsters: 1800 sqcm or 279 sqin
60 x 30 x 30 cm or 23 x 12 x 12 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 2400 sqcm or 372 sqin
60 x 40 x 30 cm or 23 x 15.75 x 12 in

Denmark

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

EUROPA-PARLAMENTETS OG RÅDETS DIREKTIV 2010/63/EU af 22. september 2010 om beskyttelse af dyr, der anvendes til videnskabelige formål

Minimums Per Organization

DanskeHamstereJere

Dwarf Hamsters: 2200 sqcm or 341 sqin
55 x 40 cm or 22 x 15.75 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 4000 sqcm or 620 sqin
80 x 40 cm or 31.5 x 15.75 in

Dyrenes Beskyttelse

All Hamsters: 3200 sqcm or 496 sqin
80 x 40 x 35 cm or 31.5 x 15.75 x 14 in

Gulerodderne.dk

All Hamsters: 1000 sqcm or 155 sqin
40 x 25 x 25 cm or 15.75 x 6 x 6 in

Hamsterbur.dk

Syrian Hamsters: 3200 sqcm or 496 sqin
80 x 40 x 35 cm or 31.5 x 15.75 x 14 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 2000 sqcm or 315 sqin
50 x 40 x 25 cm or 20 x 15.75 x 10 in

Hamstere DK

Dwarf Hamsters: 2095 sqcm or 325 sqin
63.5 x 33 x 33 cm or 25 x 13 x 13 in

Syrian Hamsters: 2964 sqcm or 465 sqin
78 x 38 x 38 cm or 31 x 15 x 15 in

Luxembourg

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVE DIRECTIVA 2010/63/UE A PARLAMENTULUI EUROPEAN ȘI A CONSILIULUI din 22 septembrie 2010 privind protecția animalelor utilizate în scopuri științifice

Turkey

Minimums Per Organization

ZooEra

Syrian Hamsters: 1800 sqcm or 279 sqin
60 x 30 cm or 24 x 12 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 1500 sqcm or 232 sqin
50 x 30 cm or 20 x 12 in

ZooMagazin

Syrian Hamsters: 1200 sqcm or 186 sqin
40 x 30 cm or 15.75 x 12 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 1800 sqcm or 279 sqin
60 x 30 cm or 24 x 12 in

Spain

Legal Minimums

All Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVA 2010/63/UE DEL PARLAMENTO EUROPEO Y DEL CONSEJO de 22 de septiembre de 2010 relativa a la protección de los animales utilizados para fines científicos

Minimums Per Organization

Laguia del Hamster

Syrian Hamsters: 4000 sqcm or 620 sqin
100 x 40 cm or 40 x 15.75 in

Syrian Hamsters: 6000 sqcm or 930 sqin
100 x 60 cm or 40 x 24 in

Ireland

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVE 2010/63/EU OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes

Minimums Per Organization

Hamster Info Ireland

Dwarf Hamsters: 4000 sqcm or 620 sqin

Syrian Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin

Slovakia

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 800 sqcm or 124 sqin

DIRECTIVE DIRECTIVA 2010/63/UE A PARLAMENTULUI EUROPEAN ȘI A CONSILIULUI din 22 septembrie 2010 privind protecția animalelor utilizate în scopuri științifice

Switzerland

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 1800 sqcm or 279 sqin

Other Laws

  • Syrian hamsters must be kept solitary
  • At least 15cm of bedding

Bundesamt für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen

Minimums Per Organization

Hamster Info.CH

All Hamsters: 6000 sqcm or 930 sqin

Swiss Animal Protection Agency

Syrian Hamsters: 10000 sqcm or 1550 sqin

Dwarf Hamsters: 8000 sqcm or 1240 sqin

Zücher Tierschutz

Syrian Hamsters:
At least 40cm of bedding

Dwarf Hamsters:
At least 30cm of bedding

Norway

Other Laws

  • The animal keeper shall ensure that animals are kept in an environment which is consistent with good welfare, and which meets the animals’ needs which are specific for both the species and the individual. The environment shall give the animals opportunity to carry out stimulating activities, movement, rest and other natural behaviour. The animals’ living environment shall stimulate good health and condition, and contribute to safety and well being.
  • Animals shall have access to suitable and safe shelter outside the normal grazing periods.

Animal Welfare Act

Hamster Minimums in North America

Canada

Government Recommended Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 650 sqcm or 100 sqin

Canadian Council on Animal Care

Minimums Per Organization

Ontario Hamster Club

All Hamsters: 3871 sqcm or 600 sqin

StrongBrew Hamstery

All Hamsters: 3871 sqcm or 600 sqin

Mexico

Legal Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 64.52 sqcm or 10 sqin

LILIA ISABEL OCHOA MUÑOZ, Directora General Jurídica de la Secretaría de Agricultura, Ganadería, Desarrollo Rural, Pesca y Alimentación, con fundamento en los artículos 35, fracción IV de la Ley Orgánica de la Administración Pública Federal, 47 fracciones II y III, y 51 de la Ley Federal sobre Metrología y Normalización; y 12 fracciones XXIX y XXX del Reglamento Interior vigente en esta dependencia, a petición del Presidente del Comité Consultivo Nacional de Normalización de Protección Zoosanitaria, publica la Respuesta a los comentarios recibidos respecto al Proyecto de Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-062-ZOO-1999, Especificaciones técnicas para la producción, cuidado y uso de los animales de laboratorio, publicado en el Diario Oficial de la Federación el 6 de diciembre de 1999.

Minimums Per Organization

Hamsters Mexico

All Hamsters: 2800 sqcm or 434 sqin
70 x 40 x 40 cm or 27.5 x 15.75 x 15.75 in

PetCo Mexico

All Hamsters: 930 sqcm or 144 sqin
30.5 x 30.5 x 62 cm or 12 x 12 x 24 in

United States of America

Legal Minimums

Dwarf Hamsters: 161 sqcm or 25 sqin

Syrian Hamsters: 780 sqcm or 121 sqin

Other Laws

  • Hamsters are banned in Hawaii and anyone violating this law can face up to 3 years in prison and up to a $500,000 USD fine (State of Hawaii Plant Industry Division)

Code of Federal Regulations

Minimums Per Organization

ASPCA

All Hamsters:
15 Gal Tank

Animal Llama

All Hamsters: 5000 sqcm or 775 sqin

California Hamster Association

All Hamsters: 3871 sqcm or 600 sqin

Cute Pet Care

Syrian Hamsters: 3871 sqcm or 600 sqin

Dwarf Hamsters: 2903 sqcm or 450 sqin

Dakin Humane Society

All Hamsters: 1484 sqcm or 230 sqin
50 x 30 x 28 cm or 20 x 11.5 x 11 in

Ginger's Guide

All Hamsters: 3871 sqcm or 600 sqin

Hamsters (Facebook Group)

All Hamsters: 2903 sqcm or 450 sqin

Hamsters 101

All Hamsters: 2903 sqcm or 450 sqin

Happy Paws Hamsters

All Hamsters: 3871 sqcm or 600 sqin

Hubba Hubba Hamstery

All Hamsters: 3871 sqcm or 600 sqin

PetMD

Syrian Hamsters: 5806 sqcm or 900 sqin
100 x 57 x 60 cm or 40 x 22.5 x 24 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 4516 sqcm or 700 sqin
100 x 44.5 x 60 cm or 40 x 17.5 x 24 in

PetSmart

All Hamsters: 929 sqcm or 144 sqin
30.5 x 30.5 x 30.5 cm or 12 x 12 x 12 in

San Diego Humane Society

All Hamsters: 2903 sqcm or 450 sqin

The Humane Society of the United States

All Hamsters:
No minimum cage size specified, but they say that Syrians must live alone.

The Spruce Pets

Dwarf Hamsters: 2903 sqcm or 450 sqin
63.5 x 46 cm or 25 x 18 in

Syrian Hamsters: 1858 sqcm or 288 sqin
61 x 31 x 31 cm or 24 x 12 x 12 in

Hamster Minimums in Oceania

Australia

You cannot have a hamster in Australia

Fines: Up to $210,000 AUD

Australian Government

New Zealand

You cannot have a hamster in New Zealand

Fines: Up to $110,000 NZD

Biosecurity Act 1993

Hamster Minimums in South America

Argentina

Minimums Per Organization

HVMenes

All Hamsters: 4000 sqcm or 620 sqin
80 x 50 x 70 cm or 31.5 x 20 x 28 in

Hamsters Argentina

All Hamsters: 4000 sqcm or 620 sqin
80 x 50 cm or 31.5 x 20 in

Uruguay

Minimums Per Organization

Hamsters Uruguay

All Hamsters: 4000 sqcm or 620 sqin
80 x 50 cm or 31.5 x 20 in

Brazil

Government Recommended Minimums

All Hamsters: 64.5 sqcm or 10 sqin

CONCEA resolution no. 15, of December 16, 2013.

Chile

Other Laws

  • Any person who, in any capacity, keeps an animal must take care of it and provide it with adequate food and shelter, according, at least, to the minimum needs of each species and the information provided by science and experience.

Ley 20.380, 2009

Minimums Per Organization

HamsterCitos

Syrian Hamsters: 4000 sqcm or 620 sqin
80 x 50 cm or 31.5 x 20 in

Dwarf Hamsters: 2800 sqcm or 434 sqin
70 x 40 cm or 27.5 x 15.75 in

Colombia

Government Recommended Minimums

Syrian Hamsters: 64.52 sqcm or 10 sqin

Instituto Nacional de Salud (1994) Guia para le uso los animales de experimentacion

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why don't you create a ranking system for countries based on the average minimum floor space requirements of organizations?

    We refrain from ranking countries based on the average minimum floor space requirements of organizations for several reasons:

    First, the statutory minimum floor space is the only legally mandated requirement and holds legal significance.

    Second, different organizations establish their minimum standards based on specific considerations, making an average less representative of a country's welfare standards.

    Third, limited data availability may result in skewed results for some countries.

  2. Why isn't my country or organization included in this list?

    We could only include the countries and organizations we were able to find information on. If you have information on you'd like us to include, please email us.

  3. Certain information is wrong, can you fix it?

    Yes! We want to stay as accurate as possible. Please send us the source of the right information to our email.

  4. I love your list! Can I use it in my own article?

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