Adopting From Coastline Pets: Our Process Explained
A transparent, step-by-step look at what it's like to adopt pet rats from Coastline Pets, from application to lifelong support.
Introduction
At Coastline Pets, we believe that adopting a pet rat is more than just a transaction—it's the beginning of a relationship. Our goal as a rattery is to provide not only healthy, happy, and well-socialized rats but also lifelong support and guidance for the people who love them. Whether you’re a first-time rat parent or adding to an existing mischief, this post walks you through our full adoption process and what you can expect from the Coastline experience.
Who We Are
Our start in breeding came from a deep love of owning pet rats and a desire to better our local community. After several years of breeding, we've poured our passion into building a program that prioritizes ethical practices, health, temperament, and enrichment.
Our AFRMA-registered rattery adheres to their strict standards, and we take things even further. We breed intentionally, only when rats are the right age and condition, and plan each pairing carefully with specific goals in mind. Our rats live in a dedicated, climate-controlled room and benefit from advanced air filtration, sound dampening, enrichment rotations, trick training, seasonal treats, and full preventative care.
Simply put: our rats receive the best possible start to life, and we continue to raise the bar for ourselves every year.
We are proudly located in Southeastern Massachusetts and serve adopters throughout the New England region and beyond. Many of our adopters travel from out of state to adopt from a trusted, ethical rattery.
What Makes Our Rats Different
We don’t just breed for looks—we breed for health, temperament, and a lifetime of companionship. Every rat we adopt out has:
Passed two rounds of temperament testing
Received regular health checks
Been raised in an enriched, clean, and mentally stimulating environment
Enjoyed socialization time outside of the cage and in it
Been fed a balanced diet of Mazuri lab blocks and fresh produce
We also handmake many of our rats' toys and hammocks to ensure safety and comfort, and we rotate enrichment to keep things fresh and exciting.
The Adoption Process Step-by-Step
Fill Out Our Interest Form
This is your first step to getting approved and added to our waitlist. Adoption forms are valid for one year, so even if you're not quite ready, it's smart to fill one out early. Click here to fill out our adoption form
We Review Your Application
We read every answer and review submitted photos. If we have questions or see red flags, we’ll reach out. Most people who are open to learning and willing to adjust old practices are approved.
You're Added to Our Waitlist
Once approved, you’re officially on our waitlist. We go in order but also take your preferences into account to match you with the right rats.
Litter Match & Selection
When a litter meets your criteria, you’ll get a message with details. Adopters can choose based on who they're drawn to or ask us for help picking a temperament match (e.g. kid-friendly, active, cuddly).
Reserve Your Rats
Once you choose, we mark them as reserved. You'll be given a ready-by date and instructions for pickup.
Pickup Day
We'll meet at a scheduled time and location. You'll sign the adoption contract and take home your new family members!
Requirements for Adopters
We do have a few basic expectations:
All adopters must take home rats in pairs or groups. Rats are social and should not go through quarantine or life alone.
You’ll need a safe, appropriate carrier for pickup.
We ask adopters to read and sign our adoption contract.
We expect a commitment to proper husbandry and openness to ongoing learning.
We don’t care if it’s your first rat or your 300th—we care that you're thoughtful, open-minded, and ready to provide a great home.
Behind the Scenes
Once we receive your adoption form, your information is reviewed and entered into our system. You'll hear from us within 2–3 days. If adjustments are needed, we’ll walk you through the process. If approved, you’re added to the waitlist.
From there, we do the matching work behind the scenes—tracking upcoming litters, making pairings, and reaching out to people in order once rats become available. This process is careful and deliberate, because our goal is always to match the right rat to the right home.
What to Bring and Expect at Pickup
Before pickup day:
Schedule your pickup for after the ready-by date
Make sure your cage is fully set up
Bring a rat-safe carrier (or request one from us in advance)
Read through the adoption contract
Bring exact change or arrange to pay via Venmo
At pickup, you’ll receive:
An adoption certificate with your rat’s name, birth date, and adoption date
A printed copy of the contract
A sample of Mazuri pellets to ease diet transition
A small bag of familiar treats
A fabric scrap that smells like home
A business card and a few cute vinyl rat stickers (designed by us)!
We also offer optional add-ons like enrichment toys, hammocks, and isopods—but let us know in advance if you’d like anything brought to the meetup.
After Adoption: Lifelong Support
We’re always here for our adopters. Whether you have questions, concerns, or just want to share updates—we love hearing from you.
We provide a growing collection of care guides and blog posts, and we encourage adopters to follow us on Facebook for the latest updates. If something ever happens and you need to rehome one of our rats, we will help. Depending on the situation, we may take them back or assist in finding a new home.
Once you adopt from us, you’re part of our community.
Our Ethics
We don’t support feeder lines or backyard breeding. Not only do these often result in health and temperament issues, but they contribute to overpopulation and misinformation.
We breed ethically, transparently, and with clear goals in mind—and we hope our adopters understand that what we do takes time, care, and intention. There’s a lot that happens behind the scenes, and while we might not always respond instantly, we are always working hard to care for our animals.
We believe:
In health testing and responsible pairing
In breeding for quality, not just color
In providing the best possible life from birth to adoption
In remaining transparent and constantly improving
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I adopt a single rat from Coastline Pets?
No. All our rats must be adopted in pairs or groups. Rats are highly social animals and can suffer from stress and depression if kept alone, especially during quarantine and adjustment periods.
Do you allow adoptions outside of Massachusetts?
Yes! While we are based in Southeastern Massachusetts, we frequently adopt out to responsible owners across New England and neighboring states. Out-of-state adopters must be able to meet us in person.
How long does the adoption process take?
It depends on availability, litter makeup, and gender demand. Once approved, you'll be added to our waitlist and notified as soon as we have a match. Some people are matched quickly; others may wait a bit longer.
Do I need experience to adopt from you?
Not at all. First-time owners are welcome! What matters to us is a willingness to learn, follow good husbandry practices, and offer lots of love.
Can I visit the rattery before adopting?
Due to biosecurity and safety, we do not allow in-home visits—but we provide photo tours and regularly update them so you can see how our rats are raised.
Tour Our Rattery Here
People often thank us for our communication, the quality of our rats, and our willingness to help long after adoption. We’re proud that many adopters come back again and again—and that some have even become friends.
Adopting from Coastline Pets isn’t just about getting a rat—it’s about building a relationship of trust and care.
Ready to take the next step?