Adoption Information

Our Commitment to Responsible Adoption

We are dedicated to the lifelong welfare of our rats and the success of the families who adopt them. Our goal is to provide judgment-free support and to ensure that every rat we raise is matched with a home that is knowledgeable, prepared, and deeply committed to their well-being.

Whether you are a first-time owner or an experienced rat carer, this page will guide you through everything you need to know about our adoption process and requirements.

Preparing for Your New Companions

Before applying, please ensure you are ready for the lifelong responsibility of rat ownership. Rats are highly social, intelligent, and active animals that thrive with specific care and interaction.

The following section will guide you through the essential knowledge needed to ensure you are fully prepared to provide the best life possible for your rats before you commit to adopting.

Making a Mischief

Understanding Your Rats

Whether you choose boys or girls, you are getting a wonderful companion, though they have different "personalities."

Boys are often known as "cuddle puddles." They tend to be calmer, loaf-like, and love to nap, though they are still active playmates. They may scent mark, but with consistent cage upkeep, they remain clean and pleasant housemates.

Girls are the "busy bees" of the rattery. They are generally more active, curious, and motivated to learn tricks or explore. They are a joy for owners who want an engaging, high-energy companion.

Social Needs and Group Sizes

Rats are strictly social animals and must have same-sex company to thrive. Because of this, we require that you adopt a minimum of two rats. If you are an experienced owner looking to add to your existing mischief, we are happy to assist, though we will require proof of your current setup and existing rat family.

We strongly suggest starting with a group of three rats. This ensures that if one passes away, you are not left with a solitary rat needing a companion immediately, allowing you time to grieve while the remaining rats continue to support each other’s social needs.

A Note on Availability

Please be aware that waitlist times can vary based on your gender preference. Because girls are frequently sought after for their high-energy, inquisitive nature, the waitlist for female rats is often longer. If you are open to either gender, please let us know in your application, as we can often match you with a wonderful group of boys much sooner.

A Note on Health and Mycoplasma

It is a biological reality that all fancy rats carry Mycoplasma, which is a bacteria they are born with, which can occasionally flare up as upper respiratory infections. While we breed for robust, health-resistant lines, it is impossible for any breeder to guarantee a rat will never experience a health issue. We recommend all owners identify a local, rat-savvy vet before bringing their new pets home, as rats are considered exotic pets and require specialized care.

Husbandry and Health

Rats require a well-rounded diet. We recommend high-quality pellets such as Vetafarm Origins or Laucke Mills, alongside fresh water 24/7.

Beyond nutrition, the most critical element of a happy rat is enrichment. This means weekly toy swaps, puzzle feeders, frequent cage layout changes, and dedicated free-roam time.

Habitat Standards

A high-quality cage is the foundation of a healthy life. We require all prospective owners to use the Rat Cage Calculator to ensure their habitat meets the minimum space requirements. When selecting your cage, please ensure:

Bar Spacing: To prevent escapes, bar spacing must be no wider than 1/2 inch (1.25 cm).
Flooring: We strictly require solid-floored cages. Wire flooring can cause serious foot injuries, such as bumblefoot.
Bedding: Only dust-free, safe bedding should be used to protect your rats' sensitive respiratory systems.

Adoption Process

This section outlines the steps you need to take to adopt one of our rats and details the criteria we look for in our future guardians.

A "Ready-to-Go" Setup: We prioritize adopters who have their cage fully set up, decorated, and ready before applying.
Informed Guardianship: We look for owners who view their rats as long-term companions and have researched the specific husbandry needs of the species.
Openness to Guidance: We value adopters who are eager to learn. Our goal is to mentor you so that you can provide the highest quality of life for your rats.

What We Look For

Adoption Logistics

As an initiative of Launceston College, our rattery operates within a secure campus environment. Because of our commitment to the safety of our students and the campus community, we are unable to host public visitors or on-site meet-and-greets.

We understand that meeting your future pets is a special part of the process, but we have designed our application and consultation protocols to ensure you feel fully informed and confident in your match, even without an on-site visit. We appreciate your respect for our campus safety policies as we prioritize the well-being of both our students and our rats.

A Note on Selection

While we understand that many people have a preference for specific colors, coat types, or markings, please keep in mind that our availability is limited by what is born in each litter. As such, there may not be an opportunity to choose which specific rats you receive.

Instead, we endeavor to match each new owner with a group of rats that features a variety of colors, coats, or markings. This not only ensures you have a wonderful mischief but also makes it much easier for you to tell your new companions apart!

Application, Collection, and Payment

Application: Submit our online application so we can learn about your experience and expectations. We require all prospective adopters to provide clear photos of their current habitat setup.
Consultation: Once your application and setup are reviewed, we will connect via email. We view this as a collaborative educational opportunity to discuss your setup and ensure you feel confident in your role as a rat owner.
Collection: When a litter is ready and you have been approved, we will coordinate a secure collection time from the Launceston College front office. Payment is accepted via cash or card at the time of collection.

Our Ongoing Support

We are committed to transparency and are here to provide judgment-free, collaborative support before, during, and after your adoption. We encourage our families to reach out with questions and love receiving updates on how their rats are settling in. We are devoted to the well-being of every rat we produce, and we look forward to supporting you as you begin your journey as a rat guardian.

Our Promise: Health and Returns

We stand behind the health and temperament of every rat we sell or rehome. In the event that a rat you adopt from us develops a serious health issue, we are here to help. We have a standing policy to take back any animal if a health concern arises, and we will provide a full refund. Our priority is the welfare of the animal; we would rather have them back in our care for treatment and assessment than see them suffer or see an owner struggle with an unexpected medical crisis.

Breeding and Ethics Policy

All rats adopted from Rascally Runts are sold as pets only and are not to be bred. If you are a breeder interested in our lines for outcrossing or breeding purposes, please reach out to us directly through our contact form. We welcome transparency and are open to discussing collaborative opportunities with other ethical breeders who share our commitment to high standards.

Ready to welcome new companions?

We are currently taking a break from our breeding program and are not accepting new applications at this time. We are working hard behind the scenes on some exciting updates, and we can’t wait to share our next litter with you. Please check back here for updates on when we will be opening our next intake of applications!

Rascally Runts Rattery

Notice:

We are currently taking a break!