About the Rats

SCROLL TO SEE THE RATTOS!
Thank you for considering adoption! We almost always adopt rats out with at least one friend. Single rats that come into our care are matched with one or more friends before adoption whenever possible. Rats posted together are likely bonded & must be adopted as a group, or sometimes, in smaller groups/pairs. *If you don’t see a bio - reach out, or check back soon - one will be up shortly! We update info here as often as we can :)

*Do not assume sex and sterilization status. Many of our rats are spayed or neutered, and some have gendered names that do not align with their sex in the way society expects.

We accept specific & general applications, before you see the cute face! Not all rats in our care are posted here. We update as often as we can, but sometimes get too busy! If you submit an application ahead of time, we can get you approved, & let you know when we have a match! This helps us home rats sooner, which is wonderful considering rats’ lives are so short. *Please note, we still need to quarantine & get to know all rats before they go home.

Some of the rats listed here are completing quarantine, recovering from illness, injury, or routine surgery (spay/neuters), while others are sorting out some emotional problems before jumping into any new relationships! Many of these rats will be available for adoption soon, and some are available for foster-to-adopt while they await and recover from routine spay/neuters. Rats currently in foster-to-adopt homes are not usually posted here. Sometimes other rats with pending adoptions are also not posted.

​Our sanctuary rats on the other hand, will remain with us for the rest of their lives. They’re matched with a permanent foster family dedicated to helping them live their best lives. While in our care, they get loved up on & spoiled for the rest of their days. Our sanctuary rats are given the chance to know how it feels to be a “heart rat.” They’re given a world full of love & are surrounded by this love when they transition through end of life. Rats who are already palliative, or seen as “less adoptable” due to behavioural or medical needs may be placed in sanctuary.

Sponsorship helps us recover vet costs so we can accept new intakes. Contribute to a rat’s Sponsorship for ANY AMOUNT. Every bit helps. Rats may have multiple sponsors to reach their goal. To sponsor, send a one-time donation with the name of the rat you’d like to sponsor in the notes.
- E-transfer: RainbowRatRefuge@gmail.com
- PayPal: @RainbowRatRefuge
- Or sign up as a Monthly Supporter
*please note: services are often discounted for our rescue thanks to our partnerships with generous veterinary professionals. Adopters should expect to pay more for their rats at most vet clinics. Total sponsorship amounts also don’t include preventative parasite treatment, mobile RVT exams, or other care costs.

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AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

Monster + Rockstar + Redbull

These baby boys arrived at just 4 weeks old! Thankfully, they are healthy, extremely social, explorative kissy boys! They are now 7 weeks old and can't wait to meet their forever family! They would do well in just about any home that will shower them with love and attention. They need to be adopted together. Here's what their Foster Mama had to say about them:
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"They all are super loving and will lick and kiss your face for days."
Monster | brown 
"Definitely Mr. Personality of the group, and the most energetic! He’s the quickest of the boys, at all time, no matter what - running and running like he has somewhere to be. Total sweetheart, absolutely loves his people. Funny and kind little guy."
Rockstar | white, tail marked
"Shyer guy out of the group, but extremely sweet and fast to warm up. Kind little soul. He seems to be smaller than the other two boys, which makes him even sweeter."
Redbull | white, tail not marked
"Also extremely sweet and kind, seems to be very curious and loves his people! He stands up on his two back feet a lot which makes us all laugh, he’s a silly guy for sure."

Toopy + Binoo

These 2 girls came through a shelter dealing with a hoarding case of 70+ rats. They're undersocialized, but are young, and we believe they'll come around with an experienced family, some patience and love. 

Binoo | beige | 5 months old | spayed female
​Toopy | silver | 5 months old | spayed female

Twix + Milo

These two dudes are super sweet and adorable! They'd do well in just about any home prepared to give them lots of love and attention! They're finishing up quarantine before they can be adopted.
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Twix | gray hooded | 1.5yrs unaltered male
​Milo | white | 1.5yrs | unaltered male

Otis + Wilbur

These two are a tad shy, but coming around to people! We can't wait to get to know them more. You can stop by REN's Pets in Peterborough to say hello!

Otis | dumbo | unaltered male
Wilbur | top-eared | unaltered male

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BEHAIVOURAL HOLD

Lemon + Strawberry

These 2 girls came through a shelter dealing with a hoarding case of 70+ rats. They're undersocialized, but young, and we believe they'll come around with an experienced family, some patience and love. They're getting some socialization, and being introduced to each other before they can be adopted.

Lemon | brown hooded | 5 months old | unaltered female
Strawberry | himalayan | 7 months old | unaltered female

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SANCTUARY RATS

Mimosa

Bio coming soon. Mimosa is a sweet boy who has chronic skin issues.

Ravenpaw

*Update, we are hoping to attempt intros with Ravenpaw and Mimosa!
young adult | cuddly | unaltered male
Raven arrived as a single boy. We tried him with a few others, but the others eventually bullied him. We're hoping he can be adopted into a home with a gentle male, or spayed female rat. Raven is known as a serotonin potato by his foster. Here’s what else she has to say about him:
"Raven LOVES to be out exploring, snuggling, and playing, after just a few days he has gone from shy, to coming out for a sniff, to climbing arms and snuggling into your neck."
and
"Raven loves to give love and nice comfortable he will happily sit with you, coming right to the door when you come into the room. He is so easy to love with his little kisses, snuggles, and playfulness. Ravens favourite foods are blueberries, kale, cheese, and almost all of his veggies. Raven is looking for a home where he can love, and be loved. He would be a welcome addition for those new to caring for a rat, and looking for a fun, chill, silly little critter to spend your time with. If this sounds like you, please get in touch!! Raven is patiently waiting."

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OUR ADOPTION PROCESS

This is our Adoption Process:
1. Apply:

1. Fill out the Adoption Application
2. Wait patiently and an Adoption Counselor will get back to you within 1 week regardless of our decision

2. Learn, Meet, and Decide:

1. Ask questions! Ask questions now to save headaches later. We want this to work, but only if it’s workable!
2. Approve your setup. The Adoption Counselor will go over your setup's suitability with you. If it isn't up to par at the start - that's okay! We will recommend improvements and work with you to get it there so it can be approved. 
3. If approved, we will arrange a phone, virtual or in-person meet-and-greet with your rats and their Foster Family. 
4. This is the point where you and the foster family can further reflect on whether it is a good match or not. Be honest! If it’s not, we can look at other options

3. Finalize the Adoption! 

1. Payment of nonrefundable adoption fee of $35/rat, or $15/rat for Partnered Adoptions (processed through a link texted to you, cash or e-transfer).
2. Read and sign the Adoption Agreement
3. Adoption Day! Pick up your rats from their foster family at an agreed upon location. Remember to bring a suitable carrier. We can help you decide on a good one!

Your adoption includes:

1. Physical exam by an experienced RVT or Veterinarian
2. Preventative revolution 
3. Any necessary veterinary care up until the adoption date
4. Medical and behavioural records
5. Completion of 2-week quarantine period
6. Handling and socialization in their foster home
7. Ongoing support from our rescue, for the life of your rats
8. Your rats' favourite hide or blanket (plus their non-reusable toys, and dig box if they have one!)
9. 10% off small animal products at Fox Hollow Pet Boutique in Warkworth
10. Immeasurable love and happiness from your new family member!