Foster Application

Foster Application for Rainbow Rat Refuge

Rainbow Rat Refuge is always looking for Foster Homes for our rats. As a 100% foster-based rescue, we need to have a place for them to go, before we say "yes" to taking them in. There is an endless number of rats awaiting intake into our care. For this reason, we always accept applications and try to be proactive by having approved Foster Families ready for intakes ahead of time.

Foster Families provide loving homes for rescued rats until they find their forever homes. Rats who are less-adoptable may become permanent residents and live out their lives in the comfort of their Foster Family's company. We cover all routine and emergency veterinary costs. We can also provide a cage, accessories, and basic care supplies if needed. Please reach out if you live within a 1.5hr radius of Nogojiwanong/Peterborough ON. You don't need prior experience caring for rats to foster with us. We are here to walk you through it and we can't do this work without our Foster Families' help! We also want to know what you're comfortable with, and have a thorough application that helps us to match rats with their most-suitable Foster Family.

Thank you for your interest in fostering with us! As a 100% foster-based rescue, we wouldn’t exist without our loving Foster Families. Fostering can be both a challenging and a rewarding experience. With that being said, it’s important that you try to be as sure as possible before going forward with this process. While we understand and recognize that sometimes circumstances, feelings, and capacities change, we know that frequent moves are stressful for rats, and would like to prevent stress and incompatibility as much as we can. For this reason, our Foster Application is fairly thorough, and it includes information on the role of foster throughout, along with the questions. This is to give you a better sense of what the work entails, so that you can have more insight now rather than waiting until approval.

As well, we like to remind everyone that there are no wrong answers here, we are simply trying to determine if and which of our foster rats would be a good fit for you. If you are unsure of anything, we would be more than happy to clarify, answer any questions you may have, and go through the document together. If you decide fostering isn’t for you, we would appreciate your honesty and will not hold it against you if you want to pursue it in the future. We would recommend scanning through the application before sitting down to go through each question in-depth. It might be a good idea to scroll to the end and have a look at Foster's Responsibilities as well. Please reach out if you need any help or accomodations with this form.

*PLEASE FILL OUT A VOLUNTEER APPLICATION IN ADDITION TO YOUR FOSTER APPLICATION

* Indicates required field

Name *

First

Last

Pronouns (optional) *

Phone Number *

Email *

Address *

Line 1

Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Country

Q1: Why would you like to foster with us?

A1 *

Q2: What makes you a good foster for our rats?

A2 *

Q3: We can’t guarantee the health, personality, or temperament of our foster rats, but we can do our best to find a good fit. Please tell us about your ideal foster rats (age, sex, health, temperament, personality).

A3 *

Q4: Rats need to live in pairs, and preferably groups of 3 or more, except in rare circumstances. In saying that though, we recognize that each rat is an additional responsibility that the foster takes on. (*Note: Foster rats do need to be placed in at least pairs). How many rats would you like to foster?

A4 *

Q5: We cannot predict when/how long it will be until your foster rats are adopted. Moving from place to place is stressful for rats, and makes our jobs much more difficult. For this reason, we ask that our foster homes commit to fostering the rats until they are adopted (of course, sometimes things come up). It’s important to be aware that some rats may be adopted very quickly, while others (especially older, aggressive, or special needs) may be in your care for 6 months or more. We are also looking for “forever foster homes” who would like to provide palliative care and give love to rats nearing the ends of their lives, or who are otherwise not candidates for adoption. Knowing this, how long would you be commit to fostering?

A5 *

Q6: You do not need prior experience fostering or caring for rats to foster with us. Some people will have some experience in one or both of these areas. Knowing about your level of experience helps us to best match you with your foster rats, so please tell us about your experience caring for rats, fostering rats or other animals, or any additional experience that might be relevant.

A6 *

Q7: Our intakes may have been previously well-cared for, or may have experienced neglect or abuse. Often, rats can be scared when they first arrive, and it can take time and patience to gain their trust. Knowing what you’re comfortable and experienced with in terms of rat care helps us to find the best fit. It is not necessary to be comfortable or experienced with any or all of the things on this list. Are you comfortable, and/or experienced with the following behaviours/situations (please specify level of comfort for each):

Scared / nervous rats
Aggressive rats
Introductions (amongst rats if same sex)
Pregnant rats / young litters
Surgery recovery
Wound and abscess care
Giving medications (oral, topical, etc.)
Special-needs rats

A7 *

Q8: Are there any reasons why you wouldn’t be able to keep foster rats in your home? (Ex. Landlord rules, someone in the building has allergies to animals or hay etc.)

A8 *

Q9: Are you 18 years of age or older?

A9 *

Yes No

Q10: Is everyone who lives with you agreeable to having foster rats in the home?

A10 *

For sure! Not sure yet Probably not...

Q11: Who would be the primary caregiver(s) of these rats?

A11 *

Q12: Do you plan on using this animal as a prop or form of entertainment (for a demonstration, classroom, or a magician's act, etc.)?

A12 *

Q13: Do you plan to breed these rats or have them interact with rats of another sex?

A13 *

Q14: Do you have any other pets? (please list all pets, number of each species, ages, sex, and if neutered/spay)

A14 *

Q15: Have you ever surrendered, sold or given away an animal? If yes, this wouldn’t necessarily disqualify you in our books. But we’d like to ask if you can tell us more about why this choice was made so as to avoid similar circumstances.

A15 *

Q16: Sometimes foster families have a suitable cage available already, which is a bonus for us! So we ask, just in case: Do you have a suitable cage or will you need one to be provided? To find out if the cage you have is suitable for the number of rats you wish to foster, please check out this calculator: https://www.omnicalculator.com/biology/rat-cage
*For cages, the bigger the better! And we always recommend a cage that is at minimum suitable for 4 rats, even when only 2 or 3 rats are being housed in it. Please note that we will require a video-call appointment to see your cage. What are the dimensions of your cage?

A16 *

Q17: If not, no worries! Next question. We typically use Double Critter Nations for our foster rats. The dimensions of these cages are: L36” x W24” x H63” . Would a Double Critter Nation fit in the space you’re planning to use or would you need a different cage?

A17 *

Q18: We ask that fosters cover the cost of food and enrichment for the rats, but recognize this isn’t feasible for everyone. Your help in caring for the rats is what’s most valuable and we can provide these supplies as well if needed, but drop-off/pick-up would be the responsibility of the foster. Are you able and willing to cover the basic costs of daily care (food, substrate, and enrichment) or will you need this to be provided? If yes, please tell us your estimate of these costs.

A18 *

Q19: All vet bills are covered by us. We ask that you contact us before arranging any non-emergency vet visits, and emergency vet visits when possible, so that we can make decisions regarding the rats’ health and course of treatment. Are you able and willing to bring rats to their vet appointments at our vet in the Peterborough, Durham, or Northumberland areas?

A19 *

Q20: If we cannot be reached - we ask that you take the rats to the nearest available small animal veterinarian in the event of an emergency. Are you able and willing to bring your foster rats to a vet clinic for treatment immediately if there is an emergency?

A20 *

Q21: Rats are prone to a number of health issues. As well, accidents happen and we are not here to judge, but to learn alongside you and provide the best care we can for these foster rats. If you notice any illness, injury, or other concern with your foster rats, we need to trust that you will contact us. Are you able and willing to tell us of any health issue or concern that arises (including immediately and any hour of the night in an emergency)? *phone number will be provided upon approval*

A21 *

Q22: Rats may need medications from time-to-time, or ongoing. These medications may be preventative, or for treating an active problem. Are you able and willing to provide any and all medications, as directed by us or a veterinarian to your foster rats?

A22 *

Q23: Kids and rats can be great companions for each other. Kids can be very loving and engaged with their fosters, and rats can be cuddly and fun. However, there’s always a chance that things don’t go as planned and someone could get hurt. For this reason, we just ask that you acknowledge the risk and supervise handling / all interactions between your foster rats and children. Do you have children and are you able and willing to supervise all interactions between them and your foster rats?

A23 *

Q24: We ask that your rats are kept from interacting with any other rats and other animals in your home. Do you have any other pets and are you able and willing to keep your foster rats from interacting with other animals in your home?

A24 *

Q25: Rats are prone to health issues such as Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs). They are very sensitive to their living environments. It’s important that their enclosures are cleaned on a weekly basis, if not more, to reduce ammonia, bacteria, and ensure overall health of the rats. As well, rats can only use specific substrates in their cage, due to the threat of dust and wood toxicity. We will go over the specifics with you upon approval. Are you able and willing to follow our direction in terms of providing a suitable, clean set-up for your foster rats?

A25 *

Q26: Your fosters will need access to fresh water, and adequate, balanced diets that are suitable for rats. We can teach you about it if you’re unfamiliar. Rats will also need access to safe and fresh fruits and vegetables every day. We will provide you with a list of safe & unsafe foods for your fosters. You will also need to make sure to remove any uneaten excess on a daily basis. Are you able and willing to follow our direction in terms of providing your fosters with a suitable diet?

A26 *

Q27: Rats need sufficient enrichment in order to live their lives to the fullest. They need opportunities for mental stimulation, exercise, digging, chewing, and socializing. We recognize that some foster families may be new to understanding these needs. As well, we are always learning from each other . Are you able and willing to learn about and ensure that the rats’ needs are met in all of these areas?

A27 *

Q28: You will need to provide your foster rats with regular free-roam time as well as interact with the rats on a daily basis. Free-roam time needs to be supervised and/or rat-proof. Is this a need you can meet?

A28 *

Q29: How much time do you anticipate your rats will spend free-roaming on a daily basis?

A29 *

Q30: How much time do you anticipate you will spend interacting with your foster rats on a daily basis?

A30 *

Q31: Some rats may exhibit behaviours that are bothersome (or worse) to you, such as biting, nipping, chewing, or marking (with urine). How would you respond to these behaviours?

A31 *

Q32: Next, we have listed a list of the primary responsibilities of foster families. Please note that we will also provide you with resources to learn about rat care. Some of these may be repetitive, but we ask that you take a moment to reflect, and answer authentically. Are you able any willing to fulfill these responsibilities?
Summary of Responsibilities of the Foster Family:

Ensure health/wellbeing of the animal, which includes:
- Providing clean water and food that is adequately nutritious at all times
- Providing a variety of items to satisfy the rats’ need to chew
- Providing opportunities for the rat to dig and forage for food
- Ensuring their living space is clean and appropriate (ie, heat, humidity and ventilation levels, and substrates are suitable)
- Sufficiently socializing the rat with humans and allowing for supervised, safe free-roam time
- Supervising the rat during any interactions with other people or animals
- Keeping unaltered rats away from rats of the other sex, and preventing opportunity for breeding
- Ensuring that rats who have been bonded are housed together except in situations in which this would endanger one of them (ie. sudden-onset aggression with subsequent fights, drawing blood, etc.)
- Providing lots of patience, enrichment, and love
- Ensuring medical needs are addressed promptly and that medications and treatments are followed according to Rainbow Rat Refuge and veterinary directions
- Monitor the foster rats health closely (Noting that rats are good at hiding illness and injury due to being prey species)
- Notifying Rainbow Rat Refuge of any sign of illness, injury, or the possibility of an injury having occurred (ex. A rat was bit or fell)
Transportation
- Pick-up and drop-off of rats and supplies at foster start date and adoption date, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon with Rainbow Rat Refuge
- Bringing the rats to all of their vet appointments and attending veterinary visits
Adoption
- We encourage you to share your fosters on social media to increase their chances of finding their forever homes.
- If you choose… admit defeat! “Foster fails” are very welcome! You can adopt your foster at any time and have this opportunity before anyone else.
- Directing potential adopters to us at www.rainbowratrefuge.org for adoption applications. We handle applications, fees ($25 per rat), and contracts. We will let you know if someone is approved for the “Meet and Greet” stage.
- Attending “Meet and Greets” with your fosters and potential adopters (at your home or via video call). This is the point where you and the potential adopter can further reflect on whether it is a good match or not.
- Screening potential adopters and giving us your honest opinion as to whether or not you believe they’re a good fit for your foster rats (ex. Please tell us of any gut feelings). At this point, we can decide together whether or not they are approved.
- If not approved, we can have this conversation with them or assist you in having it. If approved, we will let you know when we have received their signed contract and adoption fee, and then you can arrange a time with the adopters for your foster rats to go to their new home! You can send them off with their favourite blanket, hammock, hide, nonreusable toys, and dig box, if they have one!
Additional
- Providing frequent (weekly or more) updates (photos, videos, information) on your foster rats for Rainbow Rat Refuge to share on social media and with potential adopters
- We also ask that you try and give us as much notice as possible if you can no longer foster, though we understand if this isn’t possible.
- Ensure your foster rats are never surrendered, sold, or given away to another rescue, agency, or individual without the consent of Rainbow Rat Refuge.
- All foster rats that you no longer can and/or want to care for must be returned to Rainbow Rat Refuge
- Agree to return all foster rats to Rainbow Rat Refuge at their request, regardless of explanation.
  
  Are you able any willing to fulfill these responsibilities?

A31 *

Q32: We appreciate the effort you put into this process. THANK YOU for choosing to foster! We will be in contact soon. If you don't hear from us within a week, feel free to check-in! Is there anything else you’d like to add to your application?

A32 *

Would you like to receive occasional updates and newsletters by e-mail? *

Yes No

Please read the "Foster Agreement" file linked below. Checking the box on this section of the Foster Application pertaining to this Foster Agreement substitutes as a signature on the Foster Agreement. By checking the box on this Foster Application, the Foster Applicant agrees that they have read, understood, and agree to each terms set out above. This contract comes into effect when/if the rats are physically transferred into your care. It remains in effect for future foster rats. *

Yes, I agree to the Foster Agreement and by checking this box, I am indicating my agreement in lieu of a physical signature.

FOSTER AGREEMENT [CLICK HERE]

Submit

Foster Application

Foster Application for Rainbow Rat Refuge

Donate

Contact Us

Our Small Business Supporters