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Join the American Gerbil Society, Inc.

Step 2: Read the Code of Ethics.

Read Before Joining

By joining the AGS, you are agreeing to abide by not only our Bylaws but also our Code of Ethics, which are printed below.

AGS Code of Ethics

General Conduct

• Have the welfare of their gerbil(s) foremost in mind and never knowingly or willingly do anything that compromises their well-being.
• Provide suitable housing, food, and water to foster a healthy and enjoyable environment.
• Guarantee that all gerbils in their care have access to necessary medical treatment.
  • [Gerbil Care Handbook]
• Maintain mental health, socialization, and well-being through regular human contact.
• Ensure that they have the necessary time and resources to properly care for all gerbils in their care.
• Observe all gerbils on a daily basis for signs of ill health, sufficient water and food supply and to check for signs of declanning.
• Understand that the welfare of the gerbil(s) in their home is their responsibility. Primary accountability for the gerbil(s) cannot be transferred to others (children).

Breeding

• Breeders should develop a short and long term breeding program, keeping in mind the health and temperament of the gerbils.
• Breeding pairs should be selected with consideration given to temperament, health, vitality, color, and confirmation.
• Understand the importance of socialization of pups with between ten days and six weeks. Breeders should realistically consider their ability to provide adequate socialization before breeding.
• Breeders should have a good understanding of the symptoms and treatment for common health issue in breeding and raising pups.
  • [Breeding Gerbils]

Sales/Adoption

• Pups should not be sold until they reach the age of six weeks.
• Breeders will screen all prospective buyers in order to determine their suitability and their motives for acquiring a gerbil(s).
• Gerbils placed through pet stores will be placed only to those that have been screened and are qualified: e.g., keep the gerbils in safe bedding and environment, sell them in pairs, and provide accurate care information.
• Gerbils will not be sold to individuals or to pet stores as feeders. (To be used as snake or reptile food.)
• AGS members will not sell or place gerbils through distributors, aggregators or wholesalers for third-party sale.
• Breeders should assume lifetime responsibility for every litter they produce. Accept the return of, or assist in re-homing, gerbils they have bred, should the situation arise.
• The breeder is responsible to educate new or prospective owners before they take any gerbils home.
• Gerbils that have mites or are ill will not be sold until the issues is resolved.

Registration and Records

• Members should maintain records of individual gerbils, breeding pairs, litters, pedigrees, and pup sales.
• Breeders will provide interested clients with a pedigree, gerbil registration numbers, breeder registration number, and AGS contact information.

Miscellaneous

• Owners will never euthanize a gerbil unless it is for a compelling medical reason and is in the best interest of the gerbil. When a gerbil must be euthanized the procedure must be humanely performed.

Click here if you agree to abide by the Code of Ethics and are ready to join the AGS.

(If you do not agree with the Code of Ethics, please click here to return to the main AGS page without joining.)

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