Adoption Requirements

Adoptables How to adopt Requirements Fees Contract Adopted
Adoption Requirements
Adult Caregivers Only:
Although many of our rats are adopted out to families with children FOR the children, the primary caregiver MUST BE AN ADULT over the age of 18. Even if the pets are going to be a "child's first companion animal" at least one, if not both, of the parents need to be willing and able to pick up the slack for the kids. We do not anticipate or expect that children will be able to completely understand the responsibility and commitment that comes with being a caregiver and YOU (the responsible parent) must be willing and able to take on that commitment and responsibility to set the example for your kids.
Your Housing Situation:
One of the great aspects in considering pet rats is that most apartments and landlords are okay with "small caged animals". If you own your own home, then this issue won't apply to you. If you rent, then your landlord must be okay with the adoption of pet rats before we can adopt out to you. You can clear this hassle by bringing a copy of your lease (please make sure it states that animals are okay) or a note from your landlord stating such.
Your Rats' Housing:
Pet rats are to be indoor animals only. These are companions animals that need and deserve to be kept in a loving and cared for space in your home. We request that their cage be AT LEAST 24" wide by 24" tall by 18" deep. We specifically recommend the Powder Coated Martins Cage #670. They should have a water bottle, food dish, house, wheel, and toys to play with. PINE AND CEDAR ARE TOXIC! Please use an alternative bedding option in your rats' home. The Social Rat has many suggestions for safe alternatives. The cage should be kept in a "family" space in your home where the rats will be socialized regularly by everyone in the family. It should be kept off the floor and away from drafts. Please be prepared to clean their cage at least once a week. No one likes to sleep in a dirty house :)
It Takes 2 to Tango:
Rats are EXTREMELY smart and social animals. This is why we will ONLY adopt out in pairs unless you are looking for a companion for an existing rat. We actually suggest that folks consider adopting trios because one will, inevitably, pass on sooner than the others and, by starting with 3, your rats will have friends for most of their life. We will not adopt out a solo rat. On occasion, we may have a rat who, for whatever reason, does not like to be with other rats. In that VERY rare circumstance, we may consider adopting out a single rat.
Contract:
Upon review and acceptance of your adoption application and once you have identified some potential new companion rats, you will be expected to review, accept, and sign our adoption contract.
Committment:
This is the biggest thing we expect from our adopters - COMMITMENT. All of these animals have come through our organization from some other place where the commitment to their care fell through. We want to provide these animals with a safe, loving, and secure place to call home. Rats generally live 2-3 years so please bear that in mind when choosing to adopt.
Teacher's Pets:
Although we DO NOT adopt out "classroom pets" we will adopt out to Teachers. We want to make this distinction VERY clear. "Classroom pets" have no one that takes the ultimate responsibility for them and they are often cared for incorrectly. We will gladly adopt out companion rats to teachers. This means that the rats are the "TEACHER'S PET". The teacher is responsible for the animals and if the teacher would like to share their pets with the students in their class, they can. We do request that the animals NOT be kept in the classroom on a regular basis. If you are a teacher and would like to adopt rats to share with your classroom, please discuss your situation with us and we'll negotiate the terms of the adoption. We will require that you take the ultimate responsibility for the animals that you adopt.