How do I adopt a rat from Prose & Paws Rattery?

Fill out the adoption registration for below, this will add you to our waitlist. 

Who can adopt rats from Prose & Paws Rattery?

Our rats are beloved pets, who we spend hours with daily. It is important that our babies go to good homes who will love them just as much as we do! The perfect adoptee family will:

• Pet only home (unless they are a registered breeder or in the process of being registered with NZFRS)

• Feed their rats a healthy, well-balanced ratty diet. NZFRS have an awesome guide, and Prose & Paws will always be available for 

• Provide plenty of enrichment, supervised free-roaming, and socialisation for their rats. This includes providing a suitably sized cage made of rat safe materials (eg. not a wooden cage, and big enough for the number of rats).

• Ensure their babies receive timely vet care when needed (we can provide a list of rat experienced vets if don't have one!)

• Always have at least two rats (preferably three or more) so their social needs are fulfilled. Prose & Paws Rattery will only adopt our rats out in same-sex pairs or more. However, if you have special circumstances we can discuss that if you mention it in the adoption form.

What support does Prose & Paws Rattery provide to adoptees?

• All ratties go home to their new families with a special welcome pack which includes a 'birth certificate', a basic care guide, a snuggle sack, some food and treats, and an enrichment toy to help them settle into their new home.

• We provide ongoing support to adoptees over their pets' lifetime and welcome any messages or questions. 

In return we hope that adoptees will update us on any health or behavioural concerns, and when your pet passes away. Prose & Paws Rattery are aligned with NZFRS's goal to breed rats who live longer, healthier, happier lives. Part of this means updating our records to ensure we are not breeding animals with health or behavioural problems. We are incredibly grateful for adoptees support in this.

Can I adopt if I don't live in Christchurch?

Absolutely! We use Swift Animal Courier, who travel up and down the country once or twice a month and take lovely care of the ratties while onboard. Please notes, we do give priority to our South Island adoptees as Prose & Paws Rattery and Ratbags Rattery are currently the only registered ratteries in the South Island.

How do I find out if you currently have babies?

Check out our facebook for latest litter and pairing updates!

When do I get to pick my babies out?

We will contact our waitlist when babies are around 4-5 weeks to reserve babies. Please note, we cannot guarantee colours or markings at that point. Babies will go home at or after 8 weeks old. We are happy to hold onto them a bit longer if needed. We will get in touch to organise pick up/transport and payment around week 7.

What happens if I don't want my rats anymore/am moving/need to rehome them:

We understand that life can turn completely upside down sometimes and are here to support you. If you need to rehome your rats for any reason, please contact us first, we will take them back, no questions asked.

How much does it cost to adopt?

Current adoption fees are $50 per rat. This costs includes a hammock, a snuggle sack, some food and treats, and enrichment items. 

(Please note, if you are using the petbus/swift transport there will be extra costs).