This Code of Ethics is presented as a guide for AGS members to promote and foster the highest standards among breeders, owners, and gerbil enthusiasts.

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The health and welfare of a gerbil rests squarely in the hands of its owner.

 
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.​

• 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.​

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.