Adoption agreement

Terms and Conditions - Please read this carefully as you have to agree with all

1. The Adopter must be a minimum of 18 years old to proceed with the adoption. No exceptions will be made to this age requirement.

2. The Adopter willingly accepts full responsibility for the care and welfare of the above rat(s), ensuring their well-being and providing for their needs.

3. The Adopter agrees to promptly seek appropriate veterinary care and treatment for the rat(s) if they become sick, require medical attention, or in the event that euthanasia is deemed necessary.

4. The Adopter agrees to consider having their rats neutered/spayed if they exhibit severe cage aggression, cage or food aggression (hormonal or environmental) that may pose a risk to the safety and well-being of the other cage mate(s). The decision to proceed with neutering/spaying will be made in consultation with a qualified veterinarian.

5. The Adopter agrees to ensure companionship for the above rat(s) by providing at least one rat companion of the same sex. If the rat(s) are neutered/spayed, the Adopter may also consider providing a companion of the opposite sex.

6. The Adopter agrees to ensure that the above rat(s) receive daily exercise in a safe environment.

7. The Adopter agrees to treat the above rat(s) with kindness and respect, committing to never subject them to any form of mental or physical abuse.

8. The Adopter agrees to provide a safe and comfortable enclosure for the above rat(s), ensuring regular cleaning to maintain their well-being.

9. The Adopter agrees to feed the above rat(s) a well-balanced and recommended diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, and provide fresh, clean water daily. 

10. The Adopter agrees that if they are no longer able to care for their pet(s), the above rat(s) will not be sold or given to any pet shop, animal shelter, rescue, or re-homed in any way without first contacting the Breeder. 

The Breeder will either keep them and reintroduce them into their mischief or find them suitable, vetted homes. 

11. The Adopter agrees to keep the Breeder informed about any major health or temperament issues regarding the above rat(s), including notifying the Breeder of any unfortunate event such as the rat(s)' passing. This helps the Breeder monitor their breeding lines for potential genetic issues and take necessary steps like discontinuing certain lines, informing other owners and breeders about related rats, and making appropriate decisions.

12. The rat(s) mentioned above are being sold solely as pets and are not intended for breeding purposes. The Adopter agrees that they will not breed from the rat(s) and will keep them strictly as companion animals. 

13. The Adopter is committed to ensuring that the rat(s) will not be deliberately bred. In the event of an accidental litter, the Adopter agrees to promptly notify the Breeder.

14. If the Breeder has requested the Adopter to upgrade their current cage to a larger and more spacious one, the Adopter agrees to provide photographic evidence of the upgraded cage to the Breeder within 3 months of signing this Agreement. This ensures that the rat(s) will have an appropriate living environment that meets their needs for comfort and space.

Disclaimer: 

The Breeder provides the rat(s) in good health at the time of adoption. However, once the rat(s) leave the premises of the Rattery, the Adopter assumes full responsibility for their health and well-being.  

The Adopter acknowledges that the Breeder will not be held liable or responsible for any illnesses, health conditions, or veterinary expenses incurred after the adoption. 

The Breeder acknowledges that they will not be able to accept the rat(s) back in the event of illness or health issues beyond the initial adoption. It is the responsibility of the Adopter to provide appropriate care and seek necessary veterinary treatment for the rat(s) in such circumstances.

IMPORTANT: Please note that our policy is to strictly limit the adoption of rats for breeding purposes to New Zealand's Registered Rat Breeders who are listed on the New Zealand Fancy Rat Society (NZFRS) here.  If you are not on this list, we kindly request that you refrain from breeding the rat(s).  If you wish to become a Registered Breeder or apply for a rescue membership, you can complete this form here.

If we find out that you are breeding  or are intending to breed our rats on purpose,  we (Bohemian Rattery) will ban you for life to adopt from us. Your name will be added to our shared black list to make sure adopters who intend to breed and are dishonest on our forms are known in the Fancy Rat Community! 

By signing this Agreement, the Adopter acknowledges and agrees to these terms.