Danielle, I can Definately help you with this one, as having had six chinchillas myself..(only one currently) First of all, i would not get one shipped. I would find someone local.The reason being, is that chins stress easily, plus you want to see the animal first to be sure it's healthy...lots of probs out there involving unhealthy chins. They do make great pets for adults and teens-but not children. Very flighty and nervous. They are very interesting animals, live a long time for a rodent, and very little or no odor pets. And the fur is the softest thing you will ever touch. They are very active nocturnal animals, so a multi level cage and giant exercise wheel is a must. And they love to chew too.