Rats

[cynickalone.livejournal.com]

I'm looking for local places that sell small animal pets, particularly rats. PetSmart is an option, but they only have naked rats. Anyone else have any suggestions?

Background: Taking my boyfriend shopping for a pet for his birthday.

Comments

[mamabunny72.livejournal.com]

Would you consider adopting from MSPCA?

[cynickalone.livejournal.com]

I would provide it as an option to let him ultimately decide. Do they actually have a rat department of the MSPCA?

[mamabunny72.livejournal.com]

I haven't been to the MSPCA/Angell in a couple of years. When I visited, they had a small "exotics" room with a few rats, a bird, some mice.

Another LJ member suggested Petfinder, which is a good database to search as to which shelters have rats, how many, and where they are located.

[plumtreeblossom.livejournal.com]

Yes, they do! Actually they call the category "Small & Furry":

http://www.mspca.org/adoption/adoptable-animals/

[curiositykt.livejournal.com]

I recommend going to Petsmart. They only sell one sex, so they won't be pregnant. Some of the stores have non naked rats.

Petfinder also has adoptable rats!

[cynickalone.livejournal.com]

Do they sell all females? That would actually be ideal.

[curiositykt.livejournal.com]

yeah, the store in Cambridge is an all female store. I got my mice there. I think their rat selection varies by week as I know I've seen non naked ones in that store. (But I haven't looked in a year or so)

here's the petfinder listings: http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?animal_type=Small&pet_breed=rat&location=02155&startsearch=Search

[talonvaki.livejournal.com]

There's Petco, too...One across from Cambridge Galleria, and one on the Red Line at Quincy Center.

[cynickalone.livejournal.com]

Do they actually sell animals? Their website only lists supplies.

[sparkgrrl658.livejournal.com]

uh, yes.

the one on western ave (i think, it's the brighton mills one, plaza with shaws, mcdonalds, etc) has a bunch of rats, mice, hamsters, ferrets, guinea pigs, birds...etc plus fish.

[hammercock.livejournal.com]

quietann breeds rats, though she lives north of here, getting up toward the NH line.

[dakotakym.livejournal.com]

Well worth the effort, as this option also dramatically increases the odds of the animal being healthy and well-adjusted socially.

[rmd.livejournal.com]

This. I have met many of her rats and they're really friendly.

[cynickalone.livejournal.com]

I PM'd her, awaiting response. :-)

[squirrelitude]

Definitely buy personally from a breeder rather than a pet store. Careful breeders will only breed their healthiest and most sociable rats, leading to reduced risk of surliness or early cancer. I made the mistake of buying a rat from a pet store, and I would *only* buy again from a dedicated rattery.

[cynickalone.livejournal.com]

Do you have her contact info? I'm having trouble getting in touch with her.

[cynickalone.livejournal.com]

Do you have her contact info? I'm having trouble getting in touch with her.

[agharta75.livejournal.com]

The MBTA? :-)

[darxus.livejournal.com]

Find a breeder, don't buy from a chain.

[zander05.livejournal.com]

I'd recommend Mainely Rat Rescue (http://www.mainelyratrescue.org/rattieblog2/).

[on-reserve.livejournal.com]

I have a friend who has three great rats from Mainely Rat Rescue. Adopting a homeless animal is such a great thing to do if he's open to the idea.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't go to Petco or Petsmart

[rozhinka.livejournal.com]

They are HORRIBLE, treat the animals as merchandise, don't care if they are sick, don't train their employees. There can be some well-intentioned good people at the stores trying their best, but... I saw some adorable ratties at MSPCA recently. Highly recommend Petfinder. Animal Rescue League is worth contacting too. Take a look at Craig's List--many people sell their unwanted pets there.

Breeders are a mixed bag--most breed for looks, not health; they often sell their "rejects" to pet stores or even just dump them at shelters and rescues. Please give a homeless animal a place instead!

Re: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE don't go to Petco or Petsmart

[witchdogtor.livejournal.com]

This. Please don't support the irresponsible chains by giving them your money. When I worked for the MSPCA, I took home several rats that were awesome pets and would otherwise have been euthanized. MSPCA, ARL, and Petfinder are absolutely better and more responsible options than any pet store. Good luck and have fun!

[mamabunny72.livejournal.com]

Thank you for saying that!

I volunteer for a rabbit rescue group, and I know what you speak of.

[eredien]

There are like 10 adoptable rats at MSPCA and you can see info about their personalities and everything. http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?animal_type=Small&pet_breed=rat&location=02144&startsearch=Search