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&generalapplications, 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.
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.
friendly | curious | gentle | 1 year old | unaltered males 🐀 Puffo | black with white markings 🐀 Arthur | himalayan
These two lovely guys came from a high-kill shelter in Quebec. They are very chill and sweet! Arthur is a bit shy, but very gentle, and entertaining! He loves to build nests. Puffo is described by his past Foster Mum as "perfect." He's outgoing and social. He enjoys destroying Arthur's nests. Arthur and Puffo are very bonded and need to be adopted together. They’d be great for first-time rat caregivers, and likely wonderful with kids too! You can stop by Fox Hollow Pet Boutique in Warkworth to meet them! 💞
🐀 Sid | gray | sweet | chill 🐀 Ravenpaw | black | cuddly | so fun 🐀 Judge | white | shy | curious
Ravenpaw came in as a single rat and was first tried with an older male who also came in on his own. It turned out to be a challenging match, so we opted to try him with Judge and Sid. Ravenpaw was frozen and trembling with anxiety.
Despite being at the age that is most difficult to introduce male rats due to high hormone levels, Judge and Sid instantly welcomed Ravenpaw. They began comforting him, and eased his nervousness quickly. It didn’t take long for us to know the pairing was a success. They’re now a trio! 🐀🐀🐀
💬 “Judge, Raven, & Sid are a busy trio, getting more comfortable with each passing day in foster care.
Judge is a little bit of a nervous fellow, but will come for a sniff, and maybe even a pet. As the days pass, he becomes bolder and braver.
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.
Sid is a quiet fellow who likes to hang out in his hammock while his brothers play chase through the cage.
These three will make a very sweet addition to anybody’s life, I have no doubt that they will have someone laughing, and cuddling them as much as they can stand.”
social | loving | crave attention saved from euthanasia | medical needs here since March 10 | adoption fee = $25/rat (when/if adoptable)
💬 All 4 girls are active, friendly, and sweethearts. All of them also have medical issues likely to require considerable veterinary care. They love being with people. They enjoy rearranging their setup. Angel loves to cuddle up by your neck and boggle. Cornpop also enjoys scrapes around head and nose to help loosen mucus. ❤️
Angel | ~1-2yo | white, 1 on tail | unaltered female lice, lumps, severe respiratory issues, injured toe 🩺 current vet costs = $177.41 💚 sponsors = needed Cornpop | ~1-2yo | white | unaltered female lice, lump, severe respiratory issues 🩺 current vet costs = $299.45 💚 sponsors = needed Holly | ~ 8mo | agouti | unaltered female lice, lump, respiratory issues 🩺 current vet costs = $177.41 💚 sponsors = needed Greenbean | ~ 8mo | agouti | unaltered female lice, respiratory issues 🩺 current vet costs = $177.41 💚 sponsors = needed
OUR ADOPTION PROCESS
This is our Adoption Process: 1. Apply:
Fill out the Adoption Application
Wait patiently and an Adoption Counselor will get back to you within 1 week regardless of our decision
2. Learn, Meet, and Decide:
Ask questions! Ask questions now to save headaches later. We want this to work, but only if it’s workable!
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.
If approved, we will arrange a phone, virtual or in-person meet-and-greet with your rats and their Foster Family.
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!
Payment of nonrefundable adoption fee of $25/rat (processed through a link texted to you, cash or e-transfer).
Read and sign the Adoption Agreement
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:
Physical exam by an experienced RVT or Veterinarian
Preventative revolution
Spay/neuter (*most of the time* This is routine for all healthy animals of a certain age)
Any necessary veterinary care up until the adoption date
Medical and behavioural records
Completion of 2-week quarantine period
Handling and socialization in their foster home
Ongoing support from our rescue, for the life of your rats
Your rats' favourite hide or blanket (plus their non-reusable toys, and dig box if they have one!)
Immeasurable love and happiness from your new family member!