Monday, August 1, 2011

Pet (Rat) Adoption Guidelines

Pet (Rat) Adoption Guidelines

A quick guide to let you know what you should look for in a breeder, not just for rats, but for any animal

1. They should always let you into their home
2. They should ask you just as many questions as you ask them, if not more
3. They should always be open about answering rat related questions
4. They should make you sign a contract
5. They should breed for the explicit purpose of improving health of the generations to come
6. They should always be willing to take back a rat should you not be able to care for, no matter what the reason
7. They should have some information about the parents, not necessarily a pedigree sheet (although this is a good sign of quality breeder)
8. They should be affiliated with rat rescues and/or other breeders that are widely known as reputable (check local sites and forums, see what people in your area have to say)
9. Not always true, but a lot of times rat breeders will not always be able to adopt out babies, as they do not find enough good homes, ask them what their rate of retention is. It should be in a median area (about a third of their littlers, I'd say, although this will vary from breeder to breeder if they are more or less known to the community at large and litter sizes vary considerably). If they ask you what that means or don't give you a straight answer, walk away
10. They should be able to easily answer the question, "So, do you know where any of your babies are now?"
11. They should be willing to help first-time owners with care guides, food mix, starter cage kits (not always necessary, but always a good plus if they do), as well as providing a number for a vet or an emergency number if you should have an inquiry or situation that requires quick attention for any baby they've adopted out
12. They should have a reimbursement plan of some kind (either a 14-day to one month guarantee for either a new baby or a full refund of your money [and I do mean FULL] what limitations are in this clause is up to the individual breeder)
13. Lastly, trust your instincts. If you don't feel confident with a breeder or trust them completely, don't buy from them. This is an animal that, ultimately, you will be responsible for loving and housing and it makes good sense to get them from a breeder that gives them that same kind of environment

G'mornin, g'night or g'day

Afterthought: Potential breeders out there, read this, please.