Small Pets & Back-to-School: How Hamsters, Rabbits, and More Fit into the Season

As families settle into school routines, small pets like hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs become more appealing to busy households. They’re low-maintenance, educational for kids, and offer companionship without the time demands of larger animals. For pet store owners, this is a prime opportunity to spotlight small pet care as part of a back-to-school lifestyle. Here's how to merchandise key categories to drive engagement and sales this season.  

1) Cage Accessories: Promote Independent Play 

With students and parents spending more time away from home, highlight accessories that encourage mental stimulation and physical activity for small pets left on their own. Promote items like: 

• Chew toys and foraging puzzles 

• Exercise wheels, tunnels, and climbing tubes 

• Seasonal or themed enrichment toys (think “Back-to-School Chews” or colorful school-themed hideaways) 

Retail Tip: Create a small endcap or display near your check-out counter titled “Back-to-School for Small Pets” with grab-and-go toys and accessories that appeal to time-strapped shoppers. 

2) Cages & Habitats: Upsell to Simplicity and Safety 

Back-to-school often prompts families to streamline routines. Emphasize cages and habitats that are: 

• Easy to clean and maintain 

• Spacious but space-efficient for smaller homes 

• Bundled kits that include cages, dishes, water bottles, and bedding 

Stock and promote habitats that cater to both first-time pet owners and those upgrading setups before the busy season. 

Retail Tip: Bundle cage packages with a care checklist or starter guide for kids. It adds value and supports return visits. 

3) Consumables: Encourage Routine & Replenishment 

Nutrition and cleanliness become part of the after-school routine. Use this season to encourage sales of: 

• Daily-use items: Pellets, hay, water bottles, and treats 

• Weekly supplies: Bedding, litter, cage liners 

• Convenience packs or multi-buy discounts 

  
  

Retail Tip: Create a “Small Pet Pantry” section with clearly labeled essentials for easy shopping. Promote subscription or loyalty programs for regular refills. 

Final Thoughts for Retailers 

Back-to-school is more than notebooks and backpacks; it’s also a shift in lifestyle. Position small pets and their care essentials as compatible with busy schedules, educational for children, and comforting companions. With the right merchandising, themed displays, and seasonal promotions, pet store owners can turn this transitional period into a high-opportunity sales season.