Overview: Hamsters are common pets for first-time pet owners, especially children, but what many people don't realize is that hamsters require a lot more time and effort that would likely be too much for a child to handle on their own without the assistance of an adult. Hamsters are short-term responsibilities since their life spans are usually only 1-3 years, ideal for owners who can't commit to a long-term pet. Even though hamsters only live up to 3 years, it doesn't mean they should be disregarded and given less attention than an animal with a longer life span. Hamsters still require a lot of attention and daily care in order to ensure they get the best quality of life as possible.