Buying Rats

Generally, we only recommend adopting from rat rescues if you want rats. There are so many sweet rats waiting for a forever home that you can help. Breeders and pet shops only increase the number of rats, while many others will never find a home.

However, for general information, we also want to inform you here about reputable breeders, so-called “mass breeders,” and pet shops.

Reputable Breeders

There are a few reputable breeders in Germany. Breeding is done under the best possible conditions and without the intent to make a profit. There are far more rats in need of a home than there are people willing to take in rats under appropriate conditions. Therefore, the goal should never be to breed as many rats as possible. Reputable breeders can be recognized, among other things, by the following:

  • Transparency: All the following points can be verified through public information and are confirmed through interaction.
  • Proper Housing: Cages are species-appropriate (in size, bedding, toys, cleanliness). Mothers have separate cages before and after giving birth.
  • Take-back Policy: Animals are accepted back if needed.
  • Breeding Goals: Breeders define clear breeding goals. Cruel or suspected cruel breeding (e.g., sparse fur, deformed teeth, missing tails) is not pursued. Good temperament and health are basic prerequisites.
  • Number of Animals: Breeders must have enough space for all animals. They do not give away entire litters, to allow for continued pursuit of breeding goals.
  • Genetics Knowledge: A solid knowledge of genetics and breeding should be a given. This is reflected in the breeding goals.
  • Placement Process: Breeders do not just give away animals; they ensure proper care and a minimum group size. They should request cage photos. Animals are not given away before they are at least 6 weeks old.
  • Contract: A contract regulates further breeding, end of care, etc.

Mass Breeders

These are called “mass breeders” because they breed rats without proper attention to breeding standards or animal welfare. The goal is often profit. But breeders who refuse to take animals back, don’t ensure responsible placement, or fail to meet any of the criteria above also fall into this category. The rule here is: Hands off! Because buying from mass breeders supports an unethical model of rat ownership. In the long run, it leads to unplanned pregnancies, abandonment, and ultimately overwhelms rescues and shelters.

You're also doing yourself a favor by avoiding them: these rats often have poor genetics and are generally sicker and less tame. In the worst case, you might end up with a pregnant rat. It’s also not possible to “rescue” animals by purchasing them—this only supports the business model, and soon more animals will suffer.

Red Flags for Identifying Mass Breeders:

  • Claims of being a "state-certified breeder": There is no such thing for rats. This is an attempt to appear reputable. Often these are mass breeders with a basic knowledge certificate or a business license from the veterinary office. But neither guarantees animal welfare or expertise.
  • Bulk discounts
  • Placement of fewer than 4 rats or placement before 8 weeks of age
  • Breeding of varieties like Rex or Dumbo that are considered cruel breeds

You should definitely avoid “private breeders” (referred to as mass breeders here) or pet shops. Housing standards are often terrible, the animals have poor genetics, and are generally sicker and less tame. Again, in the worst case, the rat may be pregnant. And no—you can't "buy them free." That just fuels the business, and more animals will come to suffer.

Pet Shops

Pet shops are among the worst places to get rats. All breeding happens under terrible conditions. This video of a breeder, who also supplies pet shops, shows what that looks like. These animals have poor genetics and are generally sicker and less tame. Again, in the worst case, you could get a pregnant rat. And no, you can’t “rescue” them by buying them—doing so only supports the business model, and more animals will suffer.

You’ll also get no help if the animal gets sick, and pet shops won’t take the animals back if you can no longer care for them. That means you're left relying on private adopters and rescues—and to be clear: they are not happy about these animals. Stay away from pet shops!