Rattery Policies & Adoption Requirements

Sundae Morning Rattery – Kamloops, BC

At Sundae Morning Rattery, my policies are designed to protect the health, temperament, and long-term wellbeing of every rat I breed.

Please review the following policies carefully before applying to adopt pet rats in Kamloops, British Columbia.

Closed Rattery Policy

Sundae Morning Rattery operates as a closed rattery.

This means I do not allow entry to any person or animal unless a proper quarantine process has been completed.

This policy is in place because the health of my rats is my highest priority. Illnesses and parasites can be introduced unintentionally, even by well-meaning visitors. Maintaining a closed environment significantly reduces these risks and helps protect every rat in my care.

Thank you for understanding that this boundary exists out of responsibility and care.

Reservations & Pickup Policy

Reservations open once a litter reaches 6 weeks of age, with priority given to those on the waitlist.

To reserve your chosen rat(s), a 50% non-refundable holding fee is required. The remaining balance is due on or before pickup.

  • Rats are ready to go home at 8 weeks of age

  • A boarding fee of $5 per day, per rat applies after 2 weeks

  • If rats are not picked up before 12 weeks of age, all payments are forfeited and the rats become available again

Clear communication and planning ensure smooth placements for everyone involved.

Waitlist & Availability

Priority always goes to those on my waitlist. The average wait time is 3–5 months, though this can vary.

Reservations typically take place on weekends when litters reach 6–8 weeks of age. Approved applicants receive an email with a specific time window to reserve their rats.

Any remaining rats are then listed publicly and made available to approved applicants.

This system allows me to stay organized, fair, and intentional with every placement.

Temperament Evaluation

I do not conduct formal temperament tests. Instead, I observe rats in a variety of real-life situations.

I introduce new environments and sounds and evaluate how they respond. The most important factor is recovery time—a well-balanced rat may startle but should settle quickly without prolonged stress.

My goal is to produce rats that are stable, resilient, and enjoyable companions.

Care Requirements for New Homes

By adopting from Sundae Morning Rattery, you agree to provide proper care for the lifetime of your rat(s).

This includes:

  • Appropriate cage size and setup

  • Proper nutrition

  • Safe and suitable substrate

  • Prompt veterinary care when needed

If you are ever unable to keep your rat(s), I require right of first refusal. The rat must be returned to me unless another written agreement has been made.

All costs associated with returning a rat are the responsibility of the owner.

I remain committed to every rat I breed for their entire life.

Pet-Only & Breeding Policy

All rats are placed as pet-only unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

I maintain detailed pedigrees, which are available to approved breeders. If you initially adopt a pet-only rat and later wish to discuss breeding rights, you are welcome to reach out.

Some rats are placed as pet-only due to type, structure, or potential genetic concerns. These decisions are made carefully to protect the long-term health and integrity of my lines.

What Comes Home With Your Rat

Each adoption includes:

  • PDF birth certificate

  • PDF new home care manual

  • Hammock

  • Sample bag of food

These items help ensure a smooth and comfortable transition into your home.

Health Standards & Disease Prevention

Health is my highest priority.

I do not place rats with the following conditions:

  • Cryptorchidism

  • Malocclusion

  • Tumors

  • Hormonal aggression

  • Entropion

  • Poor respiratory health

My rats are clear of the following diseases and pathogens while in my care:

  • Streptobacillus moniliformis

  • Sendai virus

  • Sialodacryoadenitis virus (SDA)

  • Rat parvoviruses (including KRV)

  • Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)

  • Seoul virus

  • Hantavirus

  • Pneumocystis carinii

  • CAR bacillus

  • Rat rotavirus

  • Encephalitozoon

All rats receive regular parasite prevention, including two doses prior to going home.

Once a rat leaves my care, the new owner assumes responsibility for maintaining these health standards and preventing exposure to illness.