Changes to Reservations & Policies

I’ve taken time to reflect on how Forest City Rats operates and where adjustments are needed to keep things running smoothly. I’m someone who is always growing and evolving, and if you were to ask my former boss (hi Dave!), they’d tell you that efficiency has always been a core part of how I work.

I’ve watched too many ratteries start up and eventually close, often due to burnout, unsustainable expectations, or a program launched without proper planning, consideration, or education. My goal is to maintain a long-term, sustainable rattery that I can continue to enjoy. That means setting clear boundaries, streamlining my processes, and making changes where needed.

No More Pre-Reservations

• Forest City Rats will no longer be offering pre-reservations for upcoming litters. Rats will only be posted once they are fully ready to go to their new homes.

• This change comes after experiencing increasing pressure to provide frequent updates, photos, and ongoing communication for multiple buyers while litters are still growing.

• While I completely understand the excitement, it is not realistic to provide consistent, individualized updates for every inquiry alongside daily animal care (and my life outside of the rattery).

Communication Changes

• Forest City Rats will no longer be using Facebook or Instagram Messenger.

  • All communication must now be done through email only.

• Managing multiple communication platforms became difficult, and messages were often split across different threads.

  • In some cases, new inquiries were sent to message request folders and were unintentionally missed.

  • Moving to email ensures all communication is centralized, organized, and reliably received.

  • As well, this will help reduce impulsive messages from prospective buyers who haven't even taken 30 seconds of their day to browse my website.

• This change is not about becoming less accessible, but about streamlining communication and ensuring that all outreach is clear, organized, and thoughtful.

• General inquiries will be reviewed and responded to on Sundays

• Customers with active orders can expect a response within 48 hours

Breeding Program Inquiries

• Forest City Rats will no longer be answering detailed or advanced questions about our breeding program from prospective pet owners.

  • Pet owners do not need in-depth information about breeding practices or genetics to provide excellent homes.

  • Past experiences have shown that individuals asking highly detailed questions are often breeders who have not disclosed that upfront.

• If you are a breeder, you must be transparent about your intentions and clearly communicate who you are when reaching out.

  • If you reach out and I later learn through other channels that you are a current, former, or prospective breeder without having been upfront about it, please understand that I may choose not to respond.

    
    

Pickup Timeline & Boarding Fees

• All rats must be picked up within 10 days of purchase.

• If pickup cannot be completed within this timeframe, a $5/day boarding fee will apply and must be prepaid.

  • Once a rat has been purchased, it is considered the responsibility of the new owner.

  • There is no benefit to the rattery in holding animals beyond their ready date, especially as space and resources must be allocated for incoming litters.

  • Rats require ongoing care, space, and supplies, all of which carry a cost. Holding animals longer than necessary also limits availability for other buyers who may be ready to proceed within the expected timeframe.

• If you are not able to pick up within 10 days, it is recommended to wait for a future litter when your schedule better allows.

48-Hour Response Requirement (Orders)

• After placing an order, you must respond within 48 hours to confirm pickup arrangements.

• If no response is received within that time, the order will be automatically cancelled.

• Unfortunately, there have been repeated instances of delayed responses while holding animals and coordinating multiple orders.

  • Moving forward, I will no longer be chasing anyone down to arrange pickup dates or times.

  • Clear and timely communication is required from the buyer’s side to complete the process.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support as Forest City Rats evolves.