where to buy rats

Question
i bought a rat from petco, but it was sick so i took it back to be treated. they called my and told me to come pick it up over the weekend. I couldn't make it so i came on Tuesday. My rat was gone, they had sold her. so know i'm looking for a new pet rat and i don't want to get it from Petco. It has to be in Washington state though. Any suggestions.

Thanks you,
Emma

Answer

I dont like it when these pet stores tell the rat owner to return the rat for treatment. They dont even use the proper medications to treat their ailments and often they allow the employees to diagnose and medicate them with the garbage they sell at their store. I advise anyone that buys from a pet store: if it should become sick, forget about their 14 day policy about bringing it back if it gets sick etc....its your rat the second you pay for it, so find a good vet and take it for treatment. After that, bring the bill to the pet store and demand they compensate you.  Usually the manager there doesnt like attention so he will give in and pay the vet bills.   

Here is a list of hobby breeders to try rather than a pet store rat:



Hobby breeders located in Washington:

The Breakfast Bunch Rattery (tBBR)
Renton
Rats, Breeder
Specializing in breeding Dwarf dumbos in a variety of colors and markings. Also breed show quality Hairless dumbos and Tailless when possible. Great health and fantastic temperaments are also a specialty. Pet, breeder and show quality rats. An adoption application must be filled out by any potential adopter.
Language: English
Shipping-maybe, by air only and at buyers expense
Member of RatsPacNW
Brandon Fry-BreakfastBunchRats@yahoo.com

The Critter Cave (CAVE)
Pullman
Rats, breeder and rescue
Breeder specializing in UK Roans and fine satin and velveteen rats in many colors. Site also features info on rat husbandry, health and science.
Language: English
Shipping-Yes, by air, only at owners expense
Becky Burt BB_critterkeeper@yahoo.com

DaVinci's Rattery
Vancouver
Rats, breeder
DaVinci's Rattery is a small family run rattery in Vancouver, Washington. We strive to produce sweet and loving pet quality rat babies. We want people to have a choice, other than pet store mass produced feeder rats. I've heard from many people that had bought a cute rat from a pet store only to watch it die soon after from a respiratory illness or some other disease. Our babies are healthy and well socialized, they are held and played with daily.
Language: English
Shipping-no, but may drive halfway to meet you
Shawna Harmon zonniharmon@yahoo.com

Fuzzy subURban Rats (FURR)
Kirkland
Rats, breeder and rescue
Other rodents, rescue
This website shows what is going on with my rats and allows people access to photos and information about them.
Language: English
Shipping-no, but may drive half way to meet you
Member of RatsPacNW
Denise-baybiedahl@excite.com

KosmoNutz Rattery (KNR)
Oak Harbor/Whidbey Island
Rats, breeder
A small rattery doing a few breedings a year. We have double rex/hairless and a few other breeds. We breed for health and temperment.
Language: English
Shipping-no
Dawn-dawn_kosmonutz@kosmonutzrattery.com



Rattie Rascals Rattery (RSCL)
Port Orchard, 20 minutes from Tacoma, one hour from Seattle
Rats, breeder
Language: English
Member of NARR, RMCA, RMFE, AFRMA and PacNW Rats and Mice
LeAnn and Beth Boardman-Rattie@boardmanweb.com

Robbi the Rat Momma (RtRM)
Tacoma
Rats, breeder
Future Breeder of rats specializing in health and great personalities.
Language: English
Member of NARR and RatsPacNW
Robbi Schaecher-robbi45@earthlink.net

Rodents of Unusual Sweetness (ROUS)
Seattle
Rats, breeder
"Rats of exceedingly good breeding." Sweet temperment, robust health and extreme cuteness are our top priorities. We also have fun rat related artwork to enjoy as well.
Language: English
Shipping-no, but may drive half way to meet you
Member of NARR, NWRatsPac
Lynn Rosskamp & Kerrie Tuck-rattus@worldofrats.com


Rescues in Washington:



Northwest Rescue and Recycled Rat Site
Seattle
Rats, rescue
This is a site for posting rats needing homes in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia. For rescue and real rehomes only - not for breeders trying to sell rats. We also take out of area rescues on a case by case basis.
Language: English
Shipping-no
Member of RatsPacNW
Lynn-lynn@threecatsdesigns.com