MOST COMMON REASONS FOR RATS BEING RETURNED
#1 - "I don't have the time to give them the attention they need."
#2 - "My child isn't taking care of them anymore." #3 - "I have to move and can't take them with me." #4 - "I can't handle the smell." Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to take my rats back when adopters have changes in their lives or unable to give them the care they need. That's why I have the return policy in my Adoption Contract.
But please, do your research, talk to other people that have pet rats and ask yourself the questions written below before adopting. |
Are you willing to give me the best of care for all of my life?
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QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE ADOPTING
Am I adopting impulsively?
Have I taken the time to research how to care for rats?
Can I afford to take care of pet rats?
Do I have the time every day to give pet rats the attention they need?
Would rats be a good pet for my child / children?
I hear rats have a distinct odor.
- Did I suddenly decide I'd like to adopt a rat and I want to get it today?
- Do I have an appropriate cage, food dish and water bottles right now?
- Can I afford to buy all the things rats would need and get it set up, before buying the rats?
Have I taken the time to research how to care for rats?
- What kind of cage do rats need?
- What do rats eat?
- How do I pick them up and interact with them?
- What do I do if a rat gets sick?
Can I afford to take care of pet rats?
- How much does a good rat cage cost?
- How much does it cost to get a good quality rat food and safe bedding?
- Can I afford the vet bills if the rats get sick or injured?
Do I have the time every day to give pet rats the attention they need?
- Will my rats get enough attention with my busy schedule?
- I have the time for rats now. But I'm planning to start school soon, or getting a full time job - will I still have time for them then?
Would rats be a good pet for my child / children?
- Is my child calm and gentle with small animals?
- Does my child have a strong sense of responsibility or does my child get bored with things quickly?
- As the parent, am I willing to take responsibility for the rats well being?
- Am I okay with the rat's cage being in a part of the house where the family congregates so I can supervise the handling and care of the rats?
- Does everyone in my home approve of having rats?
- Does my rental lease or rental agreement state that caged pets are approved where I live?
- Will I have to keep my rats hidden from parents or property managers.
I hear rats have a distinct odor.
- Is this something I'm okay with, as well as everyone else I live with?
If any of these questions made you doubt yourself perhaps this isn't the right time to adopt. Give yourself a little time to think about it, do lots of research and prepare for pet ownership.
Though if after asking yourself these questions you still feel confident that you are prepared at this time in your life to care for pet rats then the next step is to read MY ADOPTION POLICIES.
Though if after asking yourself these questions you still feel confident that you are prepared at this time in your life to care for pet rats then the next step is to read MY ADOPTION POLICIES.