[Michaela]

As many of the rat rescues no it is that time of year when we get over run by dumped/surrended rats. So far I am up to close too thirty rats, They where all surrended in one go, Also some of the females could be pregnant. I am happy though that at least five already have pending adoptions for when they are ready for new homes. They are currently sick with mycro so are on some antibiotics & will be worm + flea treated as they have never been. Like the sucker I am I have fallen in love with a little patch work boy. He is so tiny & hilarious! Good luck to all the rescues out there, I have noticed this year numbers have gone up AGAIN.

 

[Grawrisher]

What's it like running a rescue?

 

[hrl20100]

I didnt know you had to worm and de-flea rats??
I never have done with mine... or is it just because your running a rescue?

 

[ponderosa]

Just curious, why is there a spike in rats getting dumped and surrendered at this time of year?

 

[ratswithfoxandbear]

Just curious, why is there a spike in rats getting dumped and surrendered at this time of year?

I imagine people get animals as presents which is incredibly irresponsible if you have not thoroughly researched prior to animal adoptions.

Also, this is so messed up, but if someone wants a "bigger" pet for Christmas, they would get rid of their caged pets. It can be seen as a responsibility-upgrade (despite the fact that it is grossly irresponsible.)

 

[ponderosa]

I was suspecting that the irresponsible animal gifting was a part of it. I really hope no one in my life is ever ignorant enough to put me in the crappy position of giving me an unexpected, unwanted animal as a gift. I've been told since childhood that you should never, ever give anyone a live animal as a gift--but I imagine it's ok if you expressly knew it was what the person wanted and like you said it was thoroughly researched. (Like, I'm thinking about giving my partner fish, but he will be the one picking them out.) Sadly, the world is probably still full of people who think it's okay to "surprise" someone with, say, a puppy as a gift (a fast track to the animal shelter).

The thought of people getting rid of animals because they're hoping to get a different kind of animal is just so sad (safety issues aside). To me, it's as sad as the people who are like, "We're thinking of having a baby, so it's time to get rid of all the pets."

 

[ratswithfoxandbear]

I was suspecting that the irresponsible animal gifting was a part of it. I really hope no one in my life is ever ignorant enough to put me in the crappy position of giving me an unexpected, unwanted animal as a gift. I've been told since childhood that you should never, ever give anyone a live animal as a gift--but I imagine it's ok if you expressly knew it was what the person wanted and like you said it was thoroughly researched. (Like, I'm thinking about giving my partner fish, but he will be the one picking them out.) Sadly, the world is probably still full of people who think it's okay to "surprise" someone with, say, a puppy as a gift (a fast track to the animal shelter).

The thought of people getting rid of animals because they're hoping to get a different kind of animal is just so sad (safety issues aside). To me, it's as sad as the people who are like, "We're thinking of having a baby, so it's time to get rid of all the pets."

It is definitely a challenge when animals are seen as entertainment more than a living creature that is under your care. It is not uncommon, I don't think.

Oh yeah, animal gifts are totally fine if you very much know this is what a person wants and you're basically just using the money that they would have spent regardless. Last year, I knew that I'd be getting my rats, so the holidays were filled with rat stuff. The random out-of-the-blue purchasing is unfortunate. Though, I definitely remember being young and pet stores being wiling to sell to me as an eleven or twelve year old. Hopefully that does not happen anymore.

(Background: I bought my friend a kitten. My mother then needed to return the kitten and explain to me that living creatures are not simply entertainment and teens cannot decide whether or not to bring another animal home. I was an absolute idiot.)

 

[ellebelleeee]

I had no idea this time spiked up... I would think after Christmas would be worse. When people who get rats as presents decide they don't want them anymore. I'm getting a new baby in a week, but would potentially be willing to take one more if it needs a home. I'm located in Southern California.