Caging

Rats are active and gregarious animals who love to climb.  They are especially prone to respiratory infections, and cages that are too small or are poorly ventilated greatly exacerbate these problems, as well as social issues within the group.

ACR&S requires 2 cubic feet of cage space per rat, with a depth of at least 18 inches (to allow room for running).  Cage space may be calculated using one of many online utilities, such as the one located here.  Bar spacing should be no greater than 1 inch apart, although smaller females may still be able to escape this bar width.  (A smaller space of 1/2" is recommended for these smaller females)  Aquariums are not suitable, and we do not adopt to homes using aquariums to house their rats.  Powder coating is recommended for metal cages, as rat urine can rust plain metal over time.

An overview of commecially available cages for rats can be viewed at Pet Info Packets, complete with measurements and likes and dislikes about each cage.

Diet

Rats, like humans, are omnivorous and have a widely tolerated range of foods (though they often enjoy fatty and unhealthy foods moreso than their healthier counterparts).  An appropriate rat diet will have a "base" of some sort (typically a lab block or a high quality, low protein dog food) and then will be supplemented with a grain mix and other fresh produce.  Seed mixes are not appropriate as a main part of the diet.

The different dietary types are discussed here at greater length, and your adoption coordinator can help you pick the correct variation for your new friends.

Bedding

Acceptable bedding:  Carefresh (or similar paper pulp beddings), hardwood shavings (aspen is most common), Yesterday's News (or other pelleted paper), fleece (cloth) cage liners.

Unacceptable beddings:  Pine or cedar shavings (contain dangerous aromatic oils), corn cob bedding (prone to molding, dangerous to ingest), clay or clumping cat litters (dangerous to ingest, dusty), newspaper (not absorbent)

Social Needs

Rats, as a general rule, are highly social animals.  ACR&S does not adopt out rats to live alone, with the rare exception of rats that are aggressive to others of their species.  We also do not adopt out intact mixed sex, pairs.

Rats and Kids

Rats are typically very popular with children.  They are smart, inquisitive, can be taught simple tricks, and like to "ride around" on shoulders and in sweatshirt pockets.  Unlike some other small animal species, rats are very outgoing and do enjoy human companionship (when properly socialized).  They will seek out their people and enjoy affection from them.

As always, supervision is essential to any child/animal interaction.  A frightened rat who is being squeezed, having its tail yanked, or being roughly grabbed is at risk to nip a child (much like any other animal), as that is how they would correct another rat.  In addition, many rats learn at a young age from uninformed owners that treats come in through the bars of their cage, and learn to nip at fingers poking in at them (thinking that they are treats).  This may make them unsuitable as pets for households with younger children.  As always, selecting animals with a temperment suitable for your children, strict supervision when animals are out of the cage, and education about the "rules" of dealing with animals are essential.

Vet Care

Although they seem much more common than some of the other, more exotic pets, rats are classed as an "exotic" animal.  As such, most veterinarians are not qualified to see them, and you'll have to seek out an exotic specialist.  ACR&S has compiled a list of veterinary references which may be helpful in finding your pet's new vet.  Please be aware that not all vets that "see" rats actually have up to date knowledge or relevant experience with them.  An uninformed vet can very easily kill your rat through well-intentioned ignorance.

We encourage all of our adopters to research as much as possible on the animals of their choice (though of course we will work with you to help educate you as well!)  We especially recommend the care guides at Pet Info Packets, and the behavioral articles at RatBehavior.org to help you understand your new friends better!

Adoption fees for rats:
$15 - Intact males or females (pairs for $25)
$30 - Neutered males or spayed females (pairs for $55)

Adoption Process

1.)  After researching the species that you are interested in, please fill our our small animal adoption application.  Make sure you indicate the animal(s) that you're interested in!  This is not a commitment to adopt, and there is no fee for the application or for withdrawl of an application.

2.)  An adoption coordinator will verify your landlord approval (if applicable) and your vet reference.  Once these are passed, you will be contacted about adoption.  If there are any questions or concerns about information on the application, they will be addressed at this time.

3.)  A date for a home check/meet and greet will be set up with the animal(s) that you choose.  If we are trying to pair up your current pet with a friend, this may require several visits if the first candidate does not work out.  Please note:  ACR&S is a collective of foster homes, and as such we do not have a single shelter facility that can be visited, although we are happy to bring the animals that you are interested out to meet you, and we frequently conduct adoption events.