Adopting a PET rat
 
We are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan and may drive up to one hour in any direction to help deliver rats. I occasionally travel further for family or competitions, but those will be rare occasions.
 
We breed healthy, happy rats.  Pedigrees are researched and a lot of thought has gone into our breedings.  I several color and coat types in the lines and am working on adding Dumbos in the future.  We currently have Russian blue, mink, RED, Rex, satin and roans.

We only adopt babies in same-sex pairs (or more!). Rats are $30 each, regardless of type, color, or show quality.
 
All our rats are quality pet animals who are well socialized, loving and friendly.
 
We do not keep a per-litter waiting list. Instead we ask that you apply to our general waiting list. If you do not get an email in response that says the words "you're approved" then there was something in your application that needs further discussion. Until you get an approval response, you are not on the waiting list.
 
When you fill out your application, you should receive a response within 3 days time. If we respond to you with questions or comments about your application, those must be answered before you are approved.
 
Once you are an approved adopter, it is your responsibility to keep abreast of available litters on our Facebook page.  All available rats will be in the “Available” (link) Facebook photo album.
 
In general, we only adopt to persons 18 years of age and older. If you are under 18, your parent(s) must read and agree to our policies & adoption contract and abide by all requirements described in them. Households with children under 10 years of age should expect to be questioned, as rats can be fragile and may not be the best pets for small children.
 
Once you are approved, reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis.  Around 5 weeks babies will be named according to their litter theme and pictures will be posted in the Available album.

If you see rats you would like to adopt, send an email with your choices and I will send you deposit information and schedule a pick up time.

No rats will be held with out a $10 non-refundable deposit.  Rats can go home after they turn 7 weeks old.
 
Our litters have set themes and are usually appointed registered names before reservations begin. If you prefer a different name than is appointed but it is still within the theme we may be willing to change it.
 
If you back out of the adoption, your deposit is not refundable. If circumstances change and due to a fault of the FSTR you cannot adopt the rat, your deposit will be returned to you in full.
 
We retain all ownership rights of any pup until a contract has been signed by both the breeder and adopter. By reserving a rat you are expressing interest in adopting said rat but you do not own that rat until a contract has been signed by both myself and the adopter. Last minute changes as to the availability of said rat are extremely rare but possible, and no guarantee is made until contracts are signed and rat is sent home with you.
 
All my rats are sold on NON BREEDING CONTRACTS unless arrangements are made beforehand.
 
If you need a referral to a veterinarian or have questions on rat care we will be happy to assist you for the life of your rat.
 
Picking up your rats:
 
Rats are available for pickup after they turn 7 weeks of age. I will hold the rats for up to 10 weeks, provided we have made arrangements for this. I will not send rats home earlier than 6 weeks or later than 18 weeks.
 
Because I run a closed rattery out of concern for the safety and health of my rats, visitors may not enter the rattery. Pickup will take place in a public place away from the rattery.
 
I may arrange to come half-way to meet you, if you live more than 1 hour away from me. However, I will not drive more than one hour unless very specific arrangements have been made.
 
At the time of sale, a legal Adoption Contract (Pet-Only) must be signed. No one will be sold a rat who has not signed a contract. If at any time you are found to break the terms of the contract for this or any other FSTR rat you own, we reserve the right to reclaim all FSTR rats in your possession.
 
We reserve the right to deny any person for any reason, even at time of pick-up, should we believe the placement is inappropriate.
 
Once your rats are home:
 
We request that you quarantine your new arrivals from your household rats for up to three weeks.
 
We need updates on our rats once they are in their new homes! Without your updates we cannot fully track the health and longevity of our lines!
 
If you move, change phone numbers, email addresses, etc., please let us know so we have a means of contacting you for updates in the future.
 
If you must give up your rats in the future, or can no longer care for them, they must be returned to us. We must approve of any other home before the rats are placed with any other person.
 
We highly encourage you to contact us over the life of your rat if you ever have any questions, concerns, or just want to share something cute they've done! We love receiving photos and anecdotes as our babies thrive in their new homes!