What do I do when I want to go away? 

 

I'm only away for 24-36 hours

 

Give them enough food, fill their water bottles and add extra if needed (have at least 2 in case one seizes, leaks, or falls). If you have one, you can always set up a camera so you can check-in.

 

I'm going away for longer, should I board or hire a rat sitter?

 

You could consider boarding your rats if:

 

• You have a smaller group (~7 or less) that can easily fit in a half LZV or equivalent, or could temporarily be housed in a cage like a Coco Large, which is the type of cage a lot of boarders will have available at maximum.
   

• Your rats don't have any medical conditions that could be exacerbated by being moved to a new venue, or are otherwise fragile
   

• Your rats don't have any active medical issues (anything that requires antibiotics or a virus, post-surgery). If your rat is in poor/declining condition, consider whether the trip can be cancelled/postponed/shortened.
   

• Your rats aren't overly sensitive to change. If they're very nervous, they may prefer to stay at home

 

Otherwise, I would look for a rat sitter to come to your home.

 

What to look for in a boarding facility:

 

• Small animal boarders do NOT require a licence. Therefore you don't need to check that they have one. 

 

• Do they specialise in rat boarding or are they a more generalised pet boarder? If they are a generalist boarder, they may not be as knowledgeable.

 

• Do they know how to adequately care for rats? Ask them what cages they have for housing rats, what they feed them, and if they are experienced with handling. Ask them if they know what to look for when assessing an individual for health issues. Do they have a vet who is experienced with rats, and are they equipped to make the right treatment choices in your absence?

 

• Are they mindful of their biosecurity? Do they thoroughly clean cages and items in between boarders? Will your rats be housed in the same airspace as other rats/animals? Do they have adequate measures in place to prevent the spread of disease?

 

• Seek reviews!

 

What to look for in a rat sitter:

 

• Are they a business or someone off the internet? Are they reputable? This person will be coming into your home, so they should be trustworthy. I tend to only have people I know/have met or businesses look after my rats.

 

• Are they experienced with handling rats? Rat sitters will often do a home visit beforehand, so use this time to see how they handle your rats. Are they comfortable with administering medication if required?

 

• Do they know how to adequately care for rats? Ask them if they know what to look for when assessing an individual for health issues. Are they equipped to make the right treatment choices in your absence?

 

• Seek reviews!