How to tell a reputable site

1. It is easy to navigate.

2. It is organized, and easy to read and understand.

3. The information is consistent. For example, say someone has a link to PETA as a decent resource, then they go on to say how horrible they are.

4. Information is not misapplied from other species. For example, there is a study that says that if rabbits go without food, they will start to develop fatty liver. If the site goes on to apply that to chinchillas, making the same claim with no supporting evidence, the information is being misapplied.

5. Claims are not linked back to easily changed online articles such as those that appear on Wikipedia.

6. "Evidence" is not gathered about the efficacy of a product by linking back to claims made by the people who make and sell that product. For example, Nike would make the claim that they make the best shoes in the world, because they would directly benefit from sales of their shoes. It would not be trustworthy, then, for me to say "Nikes are the best shoes in the world" and then provide a link to Nike's site, which makes that claim. That is basically saying "Nikes are the best shoes in the world! See? They say so themselves!" Never mind that almost every other shoe company makes that same claim. 

7. It does not tell you what to think, but instead offers up information and allows you to make your own decisions.

Links

Rescues

Applewood Rescue is a rescue and sanctuary located in Denver. They have chinchillas and hamsters for adoption.

Forever Feisty Chinchilla Rescue, Inc is a rescue and sanctuary located in Connecticut. They have chinchillas for adoption.

Hawkeye Chinchilla Ranch is a rescue located in Kentucky. They have chinchillas for adoption.

Jayda's Critter House is located in Michigan. They have chinchillas, rats and rabbits for adoption. They also have pedigreed rats and chins for adoption.

Orlando Chinchillas is located in Florida. They have chinchillas for adoption.

Red Door Animal Shelter is located in Chicago. They are one of the few rescues in the country that rescue rabbits along with cats and dogs.

Spoiled Rotten Chinchillas is a rescue located in Florida. They have chinchillas for adoption.

Chin Stores that Support Rescues

Forever Feisty Chinchilla Rescue Store supports a rescue that takes in unwanted and neglected chinchillas. A great selection of chin-safe toys and treats, Forever Feisty also sells crocks, coop cups and water bottles, as well as the Maze Haven, a chin and rabbit favorite!

Lucky's Logs sells organic apple wood. You must order through the "contact us" page. The wood is very popular with many chins and we highly recommend it. Lucky's Logs helps educate the world about chinchillas. They are anti-fur and pro-rescue.

Nick's Animal Place Store sponsors several rescues, and also supports individual animals at rescues across the country. A great selection of well thought out chin-safe hanging toys and throw toys. Nick's Animal Place Store is easy to work with regarding special orders. He sells popular Christmas Packages in December that are well worth the money and anticipation. 

Orlando Chinchillas (store) is a store that supports the rescue of the same name. They have chinchilla-safe supplies for sale.

Spoiled Rotten Chinchillas Rescue (store) is a store that supports the rescue of the same name. They have feed and healthy treats available for purchase. They are soon expanding their store to include toys and fleece.

TJ's Chinchilla Supplies lets customers buy toys for chinchilla rescues, that they then send to the rescues. An excellent selection of chinchilla-safe supplies and toys. TJ's sells wood from Pet Products by Nature, so your chins can still get their favorite wood! TJ's supports our rescue efforts, and you are able to buy toys there that she will send to the chins here.

Wunderchins! supports Finally Home Chinchillas and Jayda's Critter House. They also hold occasional fundraisers to sponsor toys for other rescues, such as The Red Door Animal Shelter in Chicago.

Cages

Quality Cages has good chinchilla cages. They also offer cage sets that include a 15" Chin Spin, a stand, a house, water bottle, etc.

ferret.com has Ferret Nations for sale. If you keep an eye on this site, you will see they often have sales and $6.99 shipping.

Transportation

Operation Roger is a group of long-haul truckers that transport animals from one location to another, in an effort to save animals. They usually transport dogs and cats, but they have just transported 6 chinchillas to us from Kentucky. There is a nominal application fee ($25) and then anything you would like to donate above that in thanks for what they do.

Informational Sites

Forums:

Lucky's Place

Nick's Animal Place Forums

Wunderchins Forums

Advocacy Sites:

Fur Free Alliance

House Rabbit Society

ASPCA

Make Mine Chocolate

Nick's Animal Place

Web Sites: