Available Rats at Seeing Stars Rattery

The Adopter’s Part

            The adopter promises to provide a healthy living environment for the rat. This includes, but is not limited to (1) a safe cage free from hazards and safe from potential dangers; (2) a healthy diet including all of the rats’ needed nutrition; (3) fresh water that is changed often and not dirty.  The rat will be kept inside a house or other building where the temperature can be maintained between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and the rat will not be exposed to rain, wet conditions, or other health hazards.  The rat will not be exposed to cedar or pine products, as these have been proven health risks.  The rat will be given an adequate amount of human attention, including being held daily unless circumstances prohibit (like if the adopter leaves for a weekend).

            If the adopter goes on vacation, he or she agrees to make arrangements for the rat’s care, to make sure the rat continues to receive food, water, a clean and safe living space, and fulfill its social needs.  The adopter will take the rat with them or get a trustworthy person to watch it if the adopter leaves for more than a two (2) days.

            The rat will receive medical care if needed.  In case of life-threatening situations, adopter agrees to take the animal to a vet and pay a reasonable fee for care or get the rat the needed medical attention by some other means - even if it means surrendering the rat back to the breeder, Stacey J. Starcher.

            The rat will never be left in the same area unsupervised with any animal of another species (which includes cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, mice,  hamsters, gerbils, chinchillas, birds, livestock, and any other animal aside from domesticated Rattus norvegicus) or, unless one of them is spayed or neutered, with a rat of the opposite sex.  The rat will be housed with another rat of the same sex for companionship except in the case when that is not possible (such as the companion dies or the rat is sick and has to be quarantined away from other rats for a while).

            For Non-Breeding / Pet Only Adopters :

            Adopter agrees to NEVER breed the rat for any reason.  Regardless of the rat’s pedigree, color, type, and anything else, it is offered under this contract as a non-breeding pet.  If the adopter wishes to change this part of the classification at a later time, (s)he must have a good reason for doing so and must discuss it with the breeder.  If the animal is bred accidentally, the adopter will provide an explanation of these circumstances to the breeder.

            Adopter agrees to inform the breeder about any health or temperament issues that could be hereditary and affect the breeder’s line.  Such issues include but are not limited to biting, barbering (pulling out its fur), tumors, stroke, seizures, diabetes, and megacolon.

            The rat will NEVER be left at or sold to a pet store or animal shelter.  Nor will it ever be allowed to “fend for itself” or used as food for another animal.  If adopter can no longer or no longer wishes to keep the rat, adopter will contact the breeder.  Then the adopter can find the rat in a new home with a person who will meet its needs and follow the terms of this contract or return the rat to the breeder to keep or find a new home for.  In the latter case, there will be no refund for the rat, and the breeder may request a donation (of money or supplies) to help feed and care for the rat until a new home can be found.

If adopter breaks any of the terms of this contract, (s)he agrees to explain the circumstances to the breeder and will surrender the rat to the For breeder if the breeder requests it.  The breeder will reserve the right to not sell another rat to the adopter and allow other breeders to know the details of the breach of contract. 

For Breeders :

If the adopter is under 18 years old, a parent or guardian (who signs this contract) agrees to make sure the terms of the contract are followed.

The Breeder’s Part

            The breeder guarantees the rat is healthy and good-natured at the date of adoption.  The adopter may return the rat any time within two weeks after purchase for a refund or replacement (if the adopter and breeder believe that a different rat would work out) for any reason, but the adopter must let the breeder know this reason.

            A pedigree will be available to any adopter regardless of whether the rat is offered with a breeding or non-breeding contract.  The pedigree will be available even before adoption, so the adopter can be aware of the lines before (s)he adopts.  The rat is assured to be from healthy and friendly lines.  The breeder will be available to answer questions throughout the rat’s life and agrees to take the rat back at any time as long as she has the resources to do so.

            Although the rat is assured to be from good lines, the breeder cannot guarantee the rat will never get sick or develop health or temperament problems.  If such problems do arise, however, the breeder will be available to answer questions or take the rat back if the adopter wishes and breeder has the resources to do so.  In this case, there will not be a refund for the rat.

            If the breeder breaks the terms of this contract, she agrees to refund the adoption fee of the rat when the adopter returns the rat to her.

            We the undersigned agree to the terms of this contract.

Breeder:  _______________________________    Date:  ____/____/____

Adopter:  _______________________________    Date:  ____/____/____

Guardian:  ______________________________    Date:  ____/____/____