Opt to Adopt!

So you’ve considered everything on this checklist and now you’re ready to adopt some rats?

Here are a few steps you can take to expedite the process:

1. Do your research: Although there is a lot of misinformation out there, please do some research and keep an open mind about who your perfect rat will be with regard to size, sex and colors.​
2. Write down your questions. 
3. **Fill out an adoption application. Please include your questions at the end of the application so we can address them. Please let us know ahead of time (i.e. in your application/email) whether you need anything from us such as a used cage or food. Depending on supply at the time, we will be happy to help you get what you need. Cage prices depend on size and condition. Food is nominally priced.​
4. Email a photo of your completely set up rat cage to us! Your application is not complete until we have a photo of your filled and decorated cage on file. Please review our Adoption Information Page for more details.
5. We currently use a shelter management software platform called AnimalsFirst. You will need to create an account with them in order to submit an application in advance or online. Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by one of our experienced volunteers and we'll be in touch. We encourage you to submit your application for pre-approval which will help streamline a potential adoption. Through Animals First, you can apply online to adopt any of our available animals. Submitting an application does not guarantee that you'll be able to adopt that particular animal.
6. Bring a suitable transport cage to your pickup appointment and have a clean cage ready at home so that your rat can have a new home right away!

​**It is important to us that your first step is to submit an adoption application. Most of the time the answers to your questions will vary depending on your situation and your location, so until we have all the facts (your application) we can’t answer your questions. Thank you for your understanding.

What to expect at an Adoption Fair

Not all of our rats attend all of the adoption fairs. If you plan on attending a fair to meet a specific rat, communication ahead of time is recommended. A growing trend is for adopters to reserve rats and then pick up at events. We encourage reservations because it prevents adopters from driving long distances only to be disappointed in the selection that day.

Adoption Process

• Meet the rats
• Ask all questions you have about your rats history
• Ask all questions about proper rat care

Adoption Paperwork

• Review adoption application (if you have not submitted your application online in advance)
• Review Rat Primer
• Sign Adoption Contract
• Receive Adoption Receipt
• Receive 20% off coupon to Pet Food Express

Available for suggested donation (price and supply vary)

• Premium Recommended Rat Food
• The Rat Health Guide book
• Wheels
• Water bottles
• Cages & Carriers
• Payment at Adoption Fairs

Payment

• If you choose to complete the adoption process online, then you will be able to pay via credit card using Stripe. There are processing fees for this service. At our adoption events, we accept cash, check or paypal (+3%) donations.

Transporting Rats

• Travel carriers or small one-level cages are preferred as large cages are not safe – make sure everything is clean.
• Safe household items that can be used as a carrier include:
  • A small dog/cat carrier – make sure the rat cannot slip through the spacing on the sides as can sometimes happen with young or small female rats.
  • A small translucent storage bin with a secure lid – make sure you provide adequate ventilation by making holes on the top and sides.
• There should be no hard toys or food dishes in the travel carrier.
• The rat must have food available in the travel carrier; simply scatter food on top of the bedding.
• There should be no water bottles attached to the carrier. Due to the motion of the car, water bottles will leak and you will have a very wet and unhappy rat at the end of the drive.
• You must provide some kind of bedding or absorbent material in the carrier. Some good options include: an old blanket, shirt, towel, sheet, scrap of fleece, cage bedding, etc.
• Small cardboard carriers – suitable for two small or one large rat – are available for $1.
• For longer trips of an hour or more you must provide fresh produce with a high water content to keep your rat from getting dehydrated. Some good options include: grapes, apple, celery, cucumber or romaine lettuce (NOT ICEBERG). Be sure to check Rattie Ratz’s list of safe foods before giving something new to your rat.
• NOTE: Most rats get diarrhea due to stress when in the car. This is a normal reaction.