Sometimes people get hedgehogs and have no idea what kind of job it is to take care of one. PLEASE do your research first before purchasing so you have no surprises. Also sometimes situations out of your control happen, like a move to an illegal state or you just don't feel you have the time to dedicate to the hedgie that it deserves.

If you find yourself in a situation where you just can't keep your hedgehog for one reason or another, please do the right thing and relocate it to a GOOD new home. If you bought it from a breeder, check with the breeder to see if they'll take the hedgie back in; if you didn't get it from a breeder and there's one in your area, check with them. If not, there are two options.

• You can go to the Hedgehog Welfare Society website and click on the "Relinquishments" link. You fill out a form, the hedgie is placed on their Petfinder website, and applicants will be reviewed by HWS and then forwarded to you for your review. This is if you can keep the hedgie for awhile until a suitable home is found.
• OR you can go to the same website and click "Rescue Contacts". This provides a list of people in different areas who can take a hedgie in an emergency situation. It is for immediate placement. Contact someone who is listed near your area and describe the situation, and they can try to help you from there.

If you found someone willing to take the hedgehog in, but need help transporting to the area, please join this yahoo group: http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/hedgehogtrain2/. This group has members who are willing to help with transportation.

It is NOT acceptable to release your hedgehog into the wild when you don't want it anymore. It WILL die if you do so. At least give the hedgie a chance by filling out the form or getting in touch with someone.