If you are planning to purchase a chinchilla, there are many factors that you should consider before bringing this exotic animal into your life. We recommend that you do a tremendous amount of research and think about some of the things that you might not have already thought of. If possible, find a breeder or chinchilla owner in your area to act as a mentor. Spend time with a chinchilla or two before you consider purchasing.

Just some of the factors to consider before purchasing:

• Find an exotic vet near you who has experience with chinchillas, having treated them before. You should have information on experienced chin vets during all hours of the day. In other words, know your vet's hours of operation and know where to turn if your vet is unavailable. Check out the vet's office to see if it is clean, if you can stay with your chinchilla during treatment, etc. It's best if a vet is continually studying or learning (or is at least willing to do so) and who may be using online vet forums.
• Have the necessary funds set aside before you purchase. Nothing is worse than having an animal and not having the means to properly take care of it. A trip to the emergency vet can start out at $100 and go up from there.
• Chinchillas can live to be over 20 years old. Are the next 20 years of your life fairly stable? (i.e. You're not going to be going to college, planning an extended stay over-seas, etc.)
• Consider issues such as time, space, temperature and humidity. Chinchillas are nocturnal and need out of cage exercise. If you rent, chinchillas may not be permitted where you live. Chins must be in an environment that is never above 75ºF/23.9ºC.
• In some cases, there are people who are allergic to the chinchillas' very fine hair or even chinchilla urine. Other people may be allergic to some of the "chinchilla supplies" such as fresh hay and dust. Take the time to spend with and around chinchillas before purchasing to see if they have any affect on you.
• Chinchillas are not like dogs or cats. They do not generally like to be held. With time and trust, most chinchillas will socialize with you, but they very rarely want to sit still for very long. Chins cannot regulate their own body temperature and will absorb the heat from your hands, which may be one reason why they prefer not to stay there. Will you be satisfied with owning an animal that does not want to be pet and cuddled?
• Other animals in your home may pose a threat to a chinchilla. Each animal has its own personality. Some get along beautifully. Others will never like each other, no matter how hard you try. Chinchillas are prey animals, so don't be surprised if your dog, cat, snake, bird, or ferret thinks of it as food. These animals may also make a chinchilla nervous. Do you have a separate room to house the chinchilla in away from other animals, if necessary?
• You must have the ability to purchase necessary supplies at a nearby location, from a local breeder, or online. It can be difficult to find some of the supplies a chinchilla needs, as pet stores tend to carry food that lacks the proper nutrients and other unsafe items for chinchillas. This includes treats, toys, and even cages. Spending extra money for shipping and handling may be the only way that you can keep a chinchilla in good health.