Why You Should Adopt Rats

There are many reasons to consider adding a pet rat to the family!  Here’s just a few:

•  Rats are intelligent. They are easily trained to do tricks, to come when called and to even  use a litter box.
•  Rats are clean.  Contrary to popular myth, rats are very clean animals and groom  themselves multiple times a day.  Rats prefer to live in a clean habitat and they do not have  a naturally strong or offensive odor.
•  Rats have personality.  No two rats behave exactly the same way! Even two siblings that grew up together are totally different.  One may be outgoing and mischievous  while the other is more shy and subdued.  Some rats are very busy and curious while others are more calm and lazy…just like us!
•  Rats are affectionate.  Rats are naturally social creatures and are happiest with companionship: They enjoy our company and look forward to interacting with us!  Rats quickly learn to trust us. Just walk by a rat’s cage in the evening when they are awake and you’ll be greeted by a pair of little paws on the door!

Before You Adopt Rats: Quick Facts

• Rats typically live between 2 – 3 years and, as any other animals, require basic veterinary care and regular check ups. 
• Rats are naturally social so they should always be adopted in at least pairs.  
• There are a few common health problems that rats develop so make sure you have a “rat knowledgeable” vet before adopting pet rats. 
• Because rats are so intelligent, they need daily stimulation and interaction with humans and should not be left alone in their cage for days at a time.  
• Rats become depressed if ignored and not given an adequate amount of playtime outside of their cage.

Please take a few minutes to read our Rat Care Sheet to help you decide if pet rats are the right match for you. You will find information about

• proper habitat 
• good nutrition
• safe bedding
• adequate enrichment

…and lots of other useful information on these sweet creatures!

To see our adoptable rats, check them out on Petfinder.  When you’re ready to adopt, please fill out this form (ADD LINK) For questions about rat care not included in our care sheet, the adoption process, or any other rat related topic, send an email to [email protected]

The adoption fee per rat is $20 (unaltered) or $60 (spayed/neutered). 

 

Policies

**Remember: Small animals DO NOT make good starter pets for children**  Their care should be entrusted primarily to the adults in the household. For details, check out our Adoptions to Children Policy