Waitlist
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information

Waitlist Information

Our waitlist helps us manage interest in our litters while ensuring each baby rat is placed thoughtfully, responsibly, and with their long-term wellbeing in mind.

Because we are a small, closed rattery, we do not adopt on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, our waitlist allows us to get to know potential adopters, understand what you’re looking for, and reach out when a pairing that’s a good fit becomes available.

What Is the Waitlist?

The waitlist is a way to express interest in adopting from an upcoming or future litter. It is not a reservation or guarantee of availability, but rather a planning tool that helps us place our rats intentionally and ethically.

Joining the waitlist allows us to:

• Learn about your experience, setup, and preferences

• Plan placements responsibly as litters are born and evaluated

• Match rats based on temperament, compatibility, and timing

What Joining the Waitlist Means (and Doesn’t Mean)

Joining the waitlist means:

• You are interested in adopting from a future litter

• You understand availability is limited and timing may vary

• You’re open to communication when a potential match arises

Joining the waitlist does not mean:

• A guaranteed rat, color, sex, or timeframe

• Immediate availability

• Placement on a first-come, first-served list

Placements are based on the best overall fit for both the rat and the home.

How Placements Are Prioritized

We prioritize the wellbeing of our rats above all else. Placement decisions may take into account:

• Compatibility with existing rats

• Temperament and personality of each baby

• Experience level and preparedness of the adopter

• The specific needs of the rat

We reserve the right to decline or delay placement if we feel it is not in the rat’s best interest.

Timing & Availability

Litters are planned carefully and raised intentionally. As a result, availability can vary and timelines may change.

We cannot guarantee:

• Specific adoption dates

• Specific traits or markings

• Placement from a particular litter

Patience is appreciated and rewarded with healthy, well-socialized babies raised with care.

What Happens After You Join

1. You submit the waitlist form

2. We review your application and may follow up with questions

3. If and when a suitable match becomes available, we’ll reach out to discuss next steps

We kindly ask that you refrain from frequent check-ins, as this does not speed up placement. We will contact you as soon as we have updates relevant to your application.

Related Policies & Information

Before joining the waitlist, please review:

• Our Adoption Agreement

• Our Return Policy

• Our Closed Rattery Policy

• Basic Care & Housing Requirements

By joining the waitlist, you acknowledge and agree to these policies.

“BEFORE YOU JOIN THE WAITLIST” CHECKLIST

(Perfect right before the form button)

Please make sure the following are true before submitting your application:

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☐ I am prepared to house rats in same-sex pairs or groups
☐ I have appropriate housing, enrichment, and veterinary access
☐ I understand rats are a long-term commitment
☐ I am comfortable waiting for the right match rather than a guaranteed timeline
☐ I have reviewed Swing Away Rattery’s policies and care standards
☐ I understand joining the waitlist does not guarantee availability

If all of the above sound good to you, we’d love to hear from you.