Finding Your Short-Tailed Opossum
Stores, Ads, Rescues, Auctions, Etc.
By Molly Kalafut
People frequently ask me to help them find a pet short-tailed opossum. This article discusses all my hints, tips and suggestions about locating a STO.
Breeders and Pet Stores
Knowledgeable, caring breeders and pet stores are an excellent way to find a short-tailed opossum. I recommend trying to find a STO near you if possible - it is cheaper and less traumatic for the STO than shipping. Though, STO are still hard to find - so shipping may be unavoidable.
- Check my breeders & pet stores list to see if there are any near you.
- Use the phone book to call pet stores near you to see if they have any STO.
- Call pet stores that routinely carry exotic pets - they might be more likely to have them.
- Call specialty pet stores that sell reptiles, exotics or small pets.
- See if any pet stores near you are willing to order STO for you; they could arrange to buy a litter for their store.
- If you can afford it, arrange for shipping from a breeder.
- Find a family member, friend or coworker in your area who would also like a STO; see if you can share the shipping costs.
- Ask if the breeder or pet store employees are willing to drive part way to meet you. Some are agreeable to that, especially if you offer to cover their expenses.
Classified Ads
Classified ads are valuable for finding short-tailed opossums available for sale, trade or adoption. They can also let you advertise what age, sex and color of STO you are looking for, and where. The ads are also usually dated, so you can find the most up-to-date ads.
- Check the newspaper classified ads in your local newspapers.
- Check my exotic pet classifieds list.
- Check the classified ads in small/exotic pet magazines.
- Remember to mention your city/state when placing STO wanted/sale ads!
Message Boards, Forums, Communities
Often communities and forums with message boards have advertisements for people looking to sell, give away or trade STO or people who have recommendations for breeders to contact.
- Join and check the Short-Tailed Opossum Yahoo! Group - there may be members in your area who are looking to sell or give away their STO.
- Check other message boards, forums and communities that are focused on STO, opossums, marsupials or exotic pets.
Rescues & Shelters
Some people prefer adopting pets from rescues or shelters. While the chance of a local rescue or shelter having a short-tailed opossum is probably very small, it might be worth checking out.
- Call exotic pet rescues or shelters in your local area phone book.
- Try the PetFinder website.
Exhibits, Events, Museums
Many have commented they wish interacted with a short-tailed opossum before buying one. Some museums offer hands-on exhibits involving STO. A variety of animal show/play/education businesses cater towards school presentations, children's birthday parties, etc. Some of those include STO.
- Find out if any nearby museums, zoos or educational/event catering businesses have a STO they are willing to let you and your family interact with.
Exotic Pet Shows, Expos and Auctions
Many people find their short-tailed opossum at a show or exhibition of pets. They may be targeted at different types of pets, like exotic pets, small pets, reptiles, etc but may have a variety of pets to choose from.
- Look for pet expos or shows in your area.
- Join mailing lists that will notify you of shows and auctions in your area.
- Check event and auction ads in small pet or exotic pet magazines.
If you've gone through all the suggestions on this page and still can't find a short-tailed opossum (and can't afford to have one shipped), unfortunately I probably can't help you. I've listed every breeder and pet store I know of on the breeder's page. All I can do is recommend you save up for the cost of shipping or plan to take a long road trip to get one.
