Please read this information before clicking through to our adoption application form below.
You're considering adopting! We're so excited for you, and for the rats waiting for their forever homes.
We are 100% committed to providing ongoing support to you post adoption, including welcoming back any rat, for any reason, at any time. Our goal is to best match the personalities and circumstances of our adopters with the rats in our care, so this application is not to apply for a specific rat, but to come and meet all the rats at the rescue and discover who best suits. All animals go through a screening period for health and temperament assessment and recieve any medical care they may need prior to adoption.
What we expect from you is your due dilligence in research and an open mind to learning, that you love and respect rats as animals with needs just as valid as a cat or a dog, and that you'll do your best and always remember to reach out to us if things change or you need support.
The process is:
Submit your application
One of our volunteers will be in touch via email to assist with any changes needed to your setup or gaps we've identified in your knowledge, and when you're ready they will arrange an appointment at the rescue (keep an eye on your junk folder)
Attend your appointment (bringing your own rats along if you have any), and work out who is the best fit to join your family
Touch base with us any time you like for advice, support, if issues arise or just to share the happy moments.
If you have any questions, please scroll down to read through our Adoptions FAQ below.
Adoption Application Form
Here are some of the rats currently ready for adoption, please excuse our photo quality - they are used for identification purposes in-house. The best way to choose your new furry family members is in person, applying does not guarantee the availability or adoption of a specific rat, but allows you to visit the rescue to choose the individuals that suit you and your rats best.
Adoption fees are Pay What You Want/Can - to learn more about why we’ve made this change, scroll down to our FAQ below!
Frequently Asked Questions!
Here is some helpful information to support your adoption journey - if there are things you’re not sure about feel free to ask, we’re happy to help you set up a great living environment for your pet rats!
Q: Are your rats treated for pests and parasites?
A: All our animals are routinely parasite treated and this treatment makes the them toxic to other animals (i.e. they are adopted to be pets and cannot be used as feeder animals).
Q: Can my children adopt from RRH?
A: RRH adopters must be over 18 years of age, or have a parent or guardian adopt the rats on their behalf and ensure that the care needs of the animal (environment, food, veterinary care) are all met.
Q: Where are you?
A: RRH is located at Sunnybank Hills, a short walk from the train station (please note only registered assistance animals are allowed on trains). We have on-street parking available if you are driving however we are located in a suburban street so please be considerate of our neighbours.
Q: How much does it cost to adopt an RRH resident?
A: We have, after much research, moved from fixed adoption fees to Pay What You Want/Can for our adoptions! Essentially, our adoption fees are waived but if you would like to donate to the rescue to help us and the residents still on site out, then please feel free to, but if this is not feasible that is a-okay! We understand this might cause some questions on our standard of welfare and duty of care to our animals, which is totally fair and we appreciate your concern for the ratties that come through our doors! We have a blog post here (insert link once blog post is up) regarding the change in fees and that goes into depth as to why we chose this transition in how we operate! If you have any further questions after reading, please feel free to get in contact with us using the email listed in the contact us section and shoot through any questions you might have. We operate on transparency and honesty with our community and welcome all questions.
Q: I saw a specific rat that I want to adopt? / Do you have any "insert coat type here" rats available?
A: At RRH we encourage our adopters to choose based on personality and suitability to their current colony, their owner experience and their set up rather than a preferred appearance. We are absolutely happy to work with adopters to make sure we have someone to suit their needs but please be aware that cannot promise certain aesthetic traits, nor can we 'hold' a particular resident for anyone.
Q: Do you transit, ship or bring ratties out to an offsite location?
A: All adoptions from Rachie's Ratirement Home take place at the rescue unless otherwise specified and all visits to the rescue must be booked in with our admin team without exception to support the safe and effective functioning of the Rescue (and to make sure a volunteer is there to meet and assist you).
We don’t use freight or delivery services to transport our rats to adoptive homes. Part of our process for ensuring the wellbeing and safety of our animals is meeting you as part of the adoption process.
Q: What about a rat living by itself, I will give it lots of attention?
A: Rachie's Ratirement Home Inc. does not endorse lone rats (single rats kept alone) except in the most exceptional of circumstances. We do not, under any circumstances adopt out one rat unless they will be joining an existing colony. Rats are obligate colony animals, studies have shown they prefer groups of 6+ however we support colonies three rats. We do accept rats to be kept in pairs however we strongly encourage owners to consider three or more for their health, wellbeing and enrichment. We are absolutely happy to help lone rat owners with companion foster rats (should a further adoption be unsuitable) where we have a companion rat available or by facilitating a surrender to the rescue who can then support the rat with a suitable colony arrangement onsite.
Have more questions about adopting? You're welcome to email us directly at adoptions@rachiesratirementhome.com if you have any further questions or would like additional resources.