Adoption Policy
_All of our rats must be returned if you cannot keep them. We must be notified and have first rights if you can no longer keep our rats. We do not want our rats in danger of becoming feeders! We're not judgmental and know many unexpected things happen.... as long as you talk to us, we will happily help out in the best way we can. We just want to know our rats are safe and healthy! None of our rats will be allowed to leave before 5 weeks. After we pick the rats we want to keep, adopters will be allowed to pick according to their place on the waiting list and when deposit was received.
We reserve the right to cancel and/or exchange any rat(s) that have already been reserved due to health, temperament or their ability to enhance our breeding program. We also reserve the right to deny any person for any reason should we believe the placement is not appropriate.
Rats will be registered with NARR as non-breeding unless you are approved for a breeding contract.
We reserve the right to cancel and/or exchange any rat(s) that have already been reserved due to health, temperament or their ability to enhance our breeding program. We also reserve the right to deny any person for any reason should we believe the placement is not appropriate.
Rats will be registered with NARR as non-breeding unless you are approved for a breeding contract.
Adoption Contracts
_If you would like to view our Pet and/or Breeder's Adoption Contracts please feel free to send me a request via email. I will then send you a copy of the appropriate contract depending on if you're looking for Pet Only rats or Breeders. They are in .pdf form and are not fill-able. They are just for you to look over. At the time of pick-up I will have your contract printed and ready for you to fill out before you take your pup(s) home.
Our Contracts have been amended slightly as of 8/2012. You are required to bring your Driver's License/Identification Card with you at time of pick-up. A copy will be made and attached to your Contract. There are too many people out there that think they can pull a fast one over on us hobby breeders and I for one will not tolerate it anymore. If you have an issue with our policies please look elsewhere. We take great pride in our rats and won't deal with people lying to us and breeding our rats behind our back when they are adopted as "Pet Only". It even states on our Adoption Application if you're interested in breeding just fill out the "Breeder" portion of the Contract in addition to the "Pet" portion. Very simple, yet people still for whatever reason blatantly lie.
Adopters will also be required to send quarterly photos of the adopted rat(s) for the first year and then annual photos until the death of each individual along with date and cause of death. This will be on the Contracts whether it be "Pet" or "Breeder". It seems like some adopters think they can adopt rats and just drop off the face of the earth so-to-speak. We stress that adopters keep in touch with us because it better helps us keep track of our rats, keep notes on our individual lines in case any health issues arise, and also makes us available in case you need any help or have any questions. If you are unable to take a few photos 4 times a year for the first year and only 1 photo a year thereafter then you do not have adequate time to spend with the rats in my opinion. It only takes minutes to snap a few photos and send me a quick update email.
Our Contracts have been amended slightly as of 8/2012. You are required to bring your Driver's License/Identification Card with you at time of pick-up. A copy will be made and attached to your Contract. There are too many people out there that think they can pull a fast one over on us hobby breeders and I for one will not tolerate it anymore. If you have an issue with our policies please look elsewhere. We take great pride in our rats and won't deal with people lying to us and breeding our rats behind our back when they are adopted as "Pet Only". It even states on our Adoption Application if you're interested in breeding just fill out the "Breeder" portion of the Contract in addition to the "Pet" portion. Very simple, yet people still for whatever reason blatantly lie.
Adopters will also be required to send quarterly photos of the adopted rat(s) for the first year and then annual photos until the death of each individual along with date and cause of death. This will be on the Contracts whether it be "Pet" or "Breeder". It seems like some adopters think they can adopt rats and just drop off the face of the earth so-to-speak. We stress that adopters keep in touch with us because it better helps us keep track of our rats, keep notes on our individual lines in case any health issues arise, and also makes us available in case you need any help or have any questions. If you are unable to take a few photos 4 times a year for the first year and only 1 photo a year thereafter then you do not have adequate time to spend with the rats in my opinion. It only takes minutes to snap a few photos and send me a quick update email.
Identification
Adopters are now required to provide ID at time of adoption. The ID card will be scanned, put into PDF format, and then attached to the adoption contract. If you are not comfortable with this please look elsewhere to adopt. We will not waiver from our decision to make sure our rats are going to the best homes.
Visitors
For the health and safety of my rats and safety and privacy of my family, I do not allow visitors. Rats are easily susceptible to illnesses from outside sources and I will not make exceptions to this policy.
My rats are my pets and live in my home as beloved pets. I try to represent the temperaments of my rats as accurately as possible and their nature can be influenced by how you handle and train them. Due to the demand for my rats it is often not possible to bring multiple rats to the meet up location and have you choose which ones you would like. Nearly all my rats are reserved before weaning and therefore it's hard to just bring them all to let you pick since most are already reserved. However, you are always welcome to observe the babies you will be adopting before you sign anything to ensure that they are in good condition and healthy. This is highly encouraged.
** Note: I want to thank Kristen at Hummingbird Ridge Rattery for letting us borrow the above information from her website as she worded this very well, it's straight to the point, and we agree with the policy as well.
My rats are my pets and live in my home as beloved pets. I try to represent the temperaments of my rats as accurately as possible and their nature can be influenced by how you handle and train them. Due to the demand for my rats it is often not possible to bring multiple rats to the meet up location and have you choose which ones you would like. Nearly all my rats are reserved before weaning and therefore it's hard to just bring them all to let you pick since most are already reserved. However, you are always welcome to observe the babies you will be adopting before you sign anything to ensure that they are in good condition and healthy. This is highly encouraged.
** Note: I want to thank Kristen at Hummingbird Ridge Rattery for letting us borrow the above information from her website as she worded this very well, it's straight to the point, and we agree with the policy as well.
Deposit
_A 50% deposit will be required to 'Reserve' a rat which will be out of the total amount of the adoption fee. This deposit is non-refundable. Be sure to take driving distance into consideration before placing a deposit with us since our deposit is non-refundable as previously stated. The only way the fee will be refunded is if God forbid something should happen to the pup in question. I can then hold the deposit and transfer it to another litter. We only accept cash, check, and post office money orders. All adopters that send in a deposit are moved up on the waiting list. I have no opinion on when people send deposits in, if you would like to wait till the litter is born that isn't a problem, but I WILL NOT hold rats without a deposit. If no deposit is received, then the rat(s) will be placed back as 'Available'. Once the deposit is received your rat(s) will be 'Reserved'. Plans to pick-up your rat(s) will need to be made a few days to a week prior to the adoption date. If we have not heard from you within 48 hours after it is posted that the litter is ready to go home, then the rat(s) will be 'Available' again. Sorry, but we are tired of people wasting our time and making us pass up on homes for the babies. You're either serious about getting the rat(s) or not.... We want to weed out the window shoppers. The deposit will go towards the total adoption price. Thank you for understanding.
Fees
_Pet only adoption fees are as follows, but are subject to change without notice. You must a have rat of same sex in the household for companionship. For a single standard size rat $25, single Dwarf $40, single Aurora $35, single Roan $35, single Downunder $35, single Harley coat $35, and please email about individual pricing for Manx. Depending on the outcome of each litter prices may vary slightly. Breeders will be priced individually. Retired adults and older juveniles are $10-15 unless otherwise marked. Again effective 10/2013 we only accept cash, check, and post office money orders for deposits. When you have chosen your rat(s) and are ready to put the deposit down contact me via email and I will send my mailing address. The remainder MUST be made in CASH at time of pick-up which is explained in more detail above.
** Note: We do not profit from our litters, nor try to. The price for a rat may seem like a lot, but when you look at the price to feed each rat, change the bedding often, add new toys to the cages, as well as buying new cages, getting new rats in from breeders to improve our lines. The money that we get barely covers that. Also add in vet bills. We breed to produce great pets not to make money.
** Note: We do not profit from our litters, nor try to. The price for a rat may seem like a lot, but when you look at the price to feed each rat, change the bedding often, add new toys to the cages, as well as buying new cages, getting new rats in from breeders to improve our lines. The money that we get barely covers that. Also add in vet bills. We breed to produce great pets not to make money.
Pick-Up
_As stated above you must make plans to pick-up your rat(s) in a timely manner. I normally like to have pick-up dates and times set-up in advance at least 5-7 days prior to the date the rat(s) will be ready to go to their new homes. When I email you about setting up a date and time for pick-up if I do not get a response back within 48hrs. the rat(s) will become available again and your deposit will be forfeited. I am not a boarding facility. Take this into consideration, look at your schedule and make sure you have or can make time to pick-up your rat(s) when it says they will be ready to go to their new homes.
If you cannot pick-up your rats when they are ready an additional fee will be added that must be paid in full at time of pick-up. There is a 1wk. grace period after their available date, but after that you will be charged an extra fee per day after that time. If you go over 2wks. the rats will be put back up for adoption and you will forfeit your deposit.
All adopters are required to sign an adoption contract. You must be 18 or older to adopt a rat unless you have a parent/guardian contact me. I will only discuss pick-up with individuals 18 and older, since an adult will need to sign the adoption contract. If you are under 18, I am happy to discuss adoption with you, but I will have to talk to a parent/guardian as well. Adopters are placed on a waiting list on a first come, first serve basis. Sweet Whispers Rattery has pick of litter and breeders have priority over regular adopters. If you are on the waiting list and decide not to adopt, please notify me ASAP. This will not automatically exclude you from future adoptions.
** Note: As of 8/08/2012 I have decided to put my foot down when it comes to pick-up locations. I prefer to meet adopters away from my home due to security concerns for myself and my family. Even though we have an Am. Pit Bull Terrier that will protect us and the home, I won't take any chances due to having a child. I think it is best for both parties to meet somewhere more convenient. We can discuss this further when it comes time to pick-up your babies.
If you cannot pick-up your rats when they are ready an additional fee will be added that must be paid in full at time of pick-up. There is a 1wk. grace period after their available date, but after that you will be charged an extra fee per day after that time. If you go over 2wks. the rats will be put back up for adoption and you will forfeit your deposit.
All adopters are required to sign an adoption contract. You must be 18 or older to adopt a rat unless you have a parent/guardian contact me. I will only discuss pick-up with individuals 18 and older, since an adult will need to sign the adoption contract. If you are under 18, I am happy to discuss adoption with you, but I will have to talk to a parent/guardian as well. Adopters are placed on a waiting list on a first come, first serve basis. Sweet Whispers Rattery has pick of litter and breeders have priority over regular adopters. If you are on the waiting list and decide not to adopt, please notify me ASAP. This will not automatically exclude you from future adoptions.
** Note: As of 8/08/2012 I have decided to put my foot down when it comes to pick-up locations. I prefer to meet adopters away from my home due to security concerns for myself and my family. Even though we have an Am. Pit Bull Terrier that will protect us and the home, I won't take any chances due to having a child. I think it is best for both parties to meet somewhere more convenient. We can discuss this further when it comes time to pick-up your babies.
Health Tracking
_Also we ask that you please keep us updated on the health of the rats you get from our rattery. If your rat becomes ill or passes away, we must be informed since it is important in developing healthy lines.
Travel
_Right now we are unable to drive out to meet anyone. We "maybe" able to drive locally depending on the situation. Please take transportation into consideration before putting a deposit on one of our babies. We can normally meet adopters at the following location, however pick-up days will be limited to only Saturdays or early/mid Sundays...
Petco
3300 Lehigh Street
Allentown, PA 18103
** Note: As of 1/2014 we are temporarily not making travel bins. This isn't permanent, but for the time being you will be required to bring your own travel carrier. We have just very recently relocated the rattery and still have a lot going on, but once we are settled in our new location I will start to offer travel bins again. I would say within the month by the time our next litters are ready to go to new homes.
You must bring your own travel carrier unless you are buying one from us in which we will make it and have it ready in time for your pick-up date. I can not allow you to take home your babies without being in an appropriate carrier (no boxes of any type). If you do not have a travel carrier please ask me and I can help point you in the right direction or as mentioned above can make one for you. We are starting to make our own travel carriers here at the rattery for our adopters. Just ask what we have available and if we have nothing pre-made do not worry we are more than willing to go out and get the supplies to make you one.
Here is an example of 2 different sizes that I have made so far from a Sterilite bin. The smallest would be for babies as it is a 4 Qt. The measurements are 12" by 7 1/4" by 4 1/4". The 2nd is a larger 16 Qt. and is made to grow with your babies. It measures 16 3/4" by 11 7/8" by 7". Sizes may vary every so slightly depending on what bins we buy at the time. Our goal with making these travel bins is to fit your needs and those of your new family members.
Prices may vary slightly depending on the brand and bin sizes if we are unable to get our usual bins. Such as if they would be out of stock and we had to get bins elsewhere and we had to pay a higher price. Travel bins with secure latches are just slightly more than the bins with the lid that just snaps on. Please double check with us for final pricing on travel bins.
Example of the smaller 4 Qt. and the larger 16 Qt. bin below:
Petco
3300 Lehigh Street
Allentown, PA 18103
** Note: As of 1/2014 we are temporarily not making travel bins. This isn't permanent, but for the time being you will be required to bring your own travel carrier. We have just very recently relocated the rattery and still have a lot going on, but once we are settled in our new location I will start to offer travel bins again. I would say within the month by the time our next litters are ready to go to new homes.
You must bring your own travel carrier unless you are buying one from us in which we will make it and have it ready in time for your pick-up date. I can not allow you to take home your babies without being in an appropriate carrier (no boxes of any type). If you do not have a travel carrier please ask me and I can help point you in the right direction or as mentioned above can make one for you. We are starting to make our own travel carriers here at the rattery for our adopters. Just ask what we have available and if we have nothing pre-made do not worry we are more than willing to go out and get the supplies to make you one.
Here is an example of 2 different sizes that I have made so far from a Sterilite bin. The smallest would be for babies as it is a 4 Qt. The measurements are 12" by 7 1/4" by 4 1/4". The 2nd is a larger 16 Qt. and is made to grow with your babies. It measures 16 3/4" by 11 7/8" by 7". Sizes may vary every so slightly depending on what bins we buy at the time. Our goal with making these travel bins is to fit your needs and those of your new family members.
Prices may vary slightly depending on the brand and bin sizes if we are unable to get our usual bins. Such as if they would be out of stock and we had to get bins elsewhere and we had to pay a higher price. Travel bins with secure latches are just slightly more than the bins with the lid that just snaps on. Please double check with us for final pricing on travel bins.
Example of the smaller 4 Qt. and the larger 16 Qt. bin below:
Example of the smaller 7 Qt. w/ latch and the larger 15 Qt. bin w/ latch below:
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