Why Adopt a Pet Rat?

The majority of rats end up in shelters because of circumstances beyond their control. They're victims of a death, illness, divorce, or a move that didn't include them. Or they were displaced by a new baby. Or their owners just didn't learn how to train them.

Some animals are relinquished at shelters because of a behavioral problem the owners gave up on. But the fact is all pets, young and old, need some obedience training or retraining, as well as patience and commitment, to become cooperative, enjoyable members of your household. And regular, positive training - as little as 10 minutes a day - will reward you amply, because it builds a strong bond between you and your pet as you learn to communicate with him, and he learns to live in your world. Sadly, many shelter rats all too quickly and up as snake food, or sporting equipment for the local hawk association. That is where Tiny Pink Feet comes in. We take in those who would otherwise end up in a shelter or as bait, and work with those in trouble until suitable for their new homes. No biters or agressive tendecies ever leave my care. The majority are just in need of love and attention!

Some Info You May Not Know About Ratties...

Attention - Rats are very social. They like to spend time with you; the more the better. Your rat will see you as a member of his family and want daily attention.

Bonding and love, love, love – Rats are extremely affectionate animals, who often develop an intense connection to their owner. They are very easy to love.

Time and commitment – Rats need 'out-time' and general love and care and daily handling, plus weekly or twice weekly cleaning cage out.

Clean - Rats spend large amounts of time cleaning themselves. They not only want themselves to be clean, but also require their living space to be equally as immaculate. Rats are also litterbox trainable.

Intelligent - Rats can be taught simple tricks and commands, which they pick up almost immediately. Rats can be taught to come on command, sit and various other tasks. Much like a dog or cat, rats can be taught to interact and play with humans, too.

No vaccinations!

Active - They are good climbers, diggers, jumpers, chewers and swimmers. They will constantly amuse you with their antics.

Space - They are perfect for apartments and small houses. If you have room for a 20 gallon fish tank- then you have room for medium sized wire cage to keep one or two rats in. If you have room or money for a larger cage, they will of course appreciate that!

Choice - Fanciers have been perfecting a variety of appearances in rats which are common in other animals also. For example- there are Siamese, Manx (tailless), sphynx (hairless), Dalmatian (spotted), Rex (curly fur), Russian blue and pearl merles to name a few of the literally hundreds of possible appearances that are possible!

Keep in mind:

Do you have someone who will look after your rats when you go away on holidays?

Do you have a good local vet and can you afford to pay for the vets fees should your rat get sick?

Can you afford a suitable cage and accessories?

Bear in mind rats can be destructive if allowed to roam free, so can you 'rat-proof' the area you will be letting them out in? Rats will chew on wires, furniture, books and anything else that looks eminently chewable!

We have males, females, many colors and breeds to chose from. Come on over and pick out your new pet today!

We welcome you to our adoption agency for Rats!

Come on in, look around, find a sweet new friend!

Please be patient with us, as this is a brand new website and this page is currently under construction!

Adoption Information

While we are always anxious to find our sweet little girls and boys forever homes, we are also very cautious. We won't adopt to just anyone. Adoption fee is $6.00 to help out with rescue expenses. All rats we adopt out are surrendered to us for rehoming. We do keep a few petstore rats, but only as our personal pets, in a desire to find a specific breed or two.(i.e. hairless,velveteen,etc.) An application is available upon request by email, and any questions you may have, I am happy to answer about our little hooligans!

What You Will Need to Make Your New Pet Feel at Home

Here is a very important list of all things needed for the newest member in your family:

Proper cage, allowing at least 2 square feet for each single rat adoption, and 4 square feet for a dual rat adoption. I do no adopt out a single rat unless you already have a rat at home for company, as rats are community animals and must have social stimulation in order to thrive in a captive environment. The smallest cage I would recommend for a pair of rats is 4 square feet. This allows ample room to play and run, for a longer, healthier life.

Bedding (see Inside the cage for the best choices on bedding.) I personally recommend Carefresh.

Hidey holes and stuffing. (mine like cotton balls)

Exercise wheel no smaller than 15" minimum. The wheel NEEDS to be fully enclosed. No mesh or bars. These kinds of wheels can cause tail de-gloving, toe amputation, and death.

Medium sized water bottle.

Fresh food supply. I feed with Mazouri Lab Blocks, Suebees Rat Mix, and supplement with fresh fruits and vegetables. I have found those to be the best options for our little guys and girls.

A warm environment....do not place them near chilly windows, or cool corners. They have a good chance of catching a respiratory infection which is potentially fatal in small animals. They also cannot be placed near a heater vent or in an overly warm room. Rats overheat just as easily as they freeze. It's important to not let them get over about 77-80 degrees, or they can have a heat stroke and pass away.

Plenty of toys and treats. Kittie jingle balls, play tubies, treat sticks, wood blocks, cheddar wedges, fresh fruit and veggies, and much more!

Happy Adoption!

-Mrs. Melody Carrick