How to Adopt a Baby

I typically only have 2-4 litters per year, and I may keep half or more of the litter. As a result my wait list tends to be quite long, with people having to wait 4-12 months, sometimes longer, before being able to adopt from me. Instead of waiting for my babies, going to a responsible, reputable rescue is an excellent consideration. You can bring home your new companions sooner, and save lives at the same time. Please consider rescue, I recommend Wee Companions. If you are still interested in adopting from me, please review my adoption policies and procedures. You may also view my litter plans to see what your wait may be like. 1) All pet-placed babies are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. My adoption fee is $150, which only reimburses me for the cost of this surgery. 2) All adopters are expected to fill out an application prior to adoption. This allows me to get to know you better, and what you are looking for in your new pet. 3) I do not allow visitors to my rattery. I do not own a shop, but operate my rattery out of my own home. I do not want strangers coming to my home just to see my rats. Thank you for understanding. 4) I ask for a $30 non-refundable deposit for each baby being adopted. This deposit is applied toward the final adoption fee and reserves babies for you. Those adopters who do place a deposit on their future babies are given priority and first pick over those adopters who have not done so. 5) I do not adopt to breeders I am unfamiliar with. If you are a breeder interested in adopting from me, please take the time to get to know me and allow me to get to know you. This goes beyond filling out the application, but also involves establishing a working relationship. I expect this to take a minimum of one year. I may expect you to adopt pet-only babies before adopting on a breeding contract. 6) I only adopt out babies in pairs. Since babies are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, you may adopt males and females together if desired, but must adopt at least 2 babies. Rats are social and my rats are raised in a community setting. Being separated from their friends and family can be very stressful, but this stress is decreased when they have a family companion with them. 7) All adopters must sign an adoption agreement. You can review this agreement through the following links: Pet-Only Adoption Agreement Breeding Permissible Adoption Agreement 8) I do not ship rats. Although many breeders have successfully shipped rats, I believe it is too expensive for most adopters. I also believe it is too dangerous and stressful on the rats. 9) Babies cannot go to their new homes until after 15 weeks of age. This gives them time to recover from their surgeries and allows me to monitor this recovery. This helps to ensure your new babies will be healthy at the time of adoption. 10) When it is time to pick up your babies, meeting arrangements will be made. I typically meet adopters in Redlands, Riverside, Moreno Valley, San Jacinto, or areas in between. If you have agreed to these policies and procedures, you may send your inquiry to blackwolfrattery@gmail.com.