Policies & Pricing

Closed Rattery Policy

Sundae Morning Rattery operates as a closed rattery. This means I do not allow entry to any person or animal unless a proper quarantine process has been completed.

This policy is in place because the health of my rats is my highest priority. Illnesses and parasites can be introduced unintentionally, even by well-meaning visitors. Thank you for understanding that this boundary exists out of responsibility and care.

Reservations & Pickup

Reservations open once a litter reaches 6 weeks of age, with priority given to those on the waitlist. A 50% non-refundable holding fee is required to reserve. The remaining balance is due on or before pickup.

• Rats are ready to go home at 8 weeks of age
• A boarding fee of $5 per day, per rat applies after 2 weeks
• If rats are not picked up before 12 weeks of age, all payments are forfeited and the rats become available again

Waitlist & Availability

Priority always goes to those on my waitlist. The average wait time is 3–5 months, though this can vary. Approved applicants receive an email with a specific time window to reserve their rats. Any remaining rats are then listed publicly.

Temperament Evaluation

I do not conduct formal temperament tests. Instead, I observe rats in a variety of real-life situations. The most important factor is recovery time—a well-balanced rat may startle but should settle quickly without prolonged stress. My goal is to produce rats that are stable, resilient, and enjoyable companions.

Care Requirements for New Homes

By adopting from Sundae Morning Rattery, you agree to provide proper care for the lifetime of your rat(s), including appropriate cage size, proper nutrition, safe substrate, and prompt veterinary care.

If you are ever unable to keep your rat(s), I require right of first refusal. The rat must be returned to me unless another written agreement has been made. All return costs are the responsibility of the owner.

Pet-Only & Breeding Policy

All rats are placed as pet-only unless otherwise agreed to in writing. I maintain detailed pedigrees available to approved breeders. Some rats are placed as pet-only due to type, structure, or potential genetic concerns — these decisions are made carefully to protect the integrity of my lines.

What Comes Home With Your Rat

Each adoption includes:

• PDF birth certificate
• PDF new home care manual
• Hammock
• Sample bag of food

Health Standards & Disease Prevention

I do not place rats with the following conditions: cryptorchidism, malocclusion, tumors, hormonal aggression, entropion, or poor respiratory health.

My rats are clear of the following while in my care:

• Streptobacillus moniliformis
• Sendai virus
• SDA virus
• Rat parvoviruses (KRV)
• LCMV
• Seoul virus
• Hantavirus
• Pneumocystis carinii
• CAR bacillus
• Rat rotavirus
• Encephalitozoon

All rats receive regular parasite prevention, including two doses prior to going home. Once a rat leaves my care, the new owner assumes responsibility for maintaining these health standards.