Our adoption agreement

Small Victories (english):
our adoptable pets

Petites Victoires (français):
nos protégés disponibles

Adoption Forms

Our Contract

No breeding, no giving away, no resale, no neglect.

We want good homes, not necessarily homes identical to our own. Unfortunately, we must prepare for instances when people are less than honest because they want that pet right now, or think that our concerns are none of their concern. This is a personal hardship for us, and it's to the ultimate detriment of the animal's welfare, and to the social contract that one should be honest and considerate of others and aspire to act ethically. And it's our job to find out if you're a good home before the contract, as much as possible. So though sometimes you might think us rude or presumptious, we expect your goodwill during the adoption process. If you have a question, ask it. Don't assume anything, and our dialogue will be never be wasted time.

The process of adoption is quite simple: express interest in adopting an animal, and fill out the application/contract. We ask about your history of owning animals, and interview you in person or by phone in order to determine if you have learned your stuff - especially from any mistakes you've made - and what your intentions are over the course of the pet's life. When we come to your home, we expect everything is ready for your pet.

The application is then signed, and becomes a bound contract upon transfer of the animals.

• When we say no breeding, it is because the expense of spaying or neutering a rat is outside of our budget so we cannot prevent pregnancy by surgery. If you disregard this clause and breed anyway, then you are not interested in rescuing animals from bad fates, but in perpetuating the problem for largely selfish desires. Our rats do not have pedigrees, their ages and parentage and prior history are often unknown. Some of them will die of sickness specifically because of bad breeding and prior neglect - and they or their parents came from petstores and breeders to begin with. Breeding our animals is so obviously dangerous to their health and to our rescue's mission to save lives, that it is instant nullification of our agreement. Even the intent to breed, prior to breeding, violates the contract. We can take the animal and its progeny out of your possession. You love your pet? Keep it for life, and don't breed it. Read Joanne's testimony here.
• If you cannot keep your pet due to changing circumstances, and someone you know wants to be its guardian (or "owner"), they must apply for it with us, just as you did, and they are subject to an approval process as you were. It may not necessarily be the same process, as we learn and our needs change. The rat may not transfer custody before the new adoption has been approved. And, to be clear, any pairs or groups adopted to a household may not be separated from each other except for their own safety, under unsolicited orders from a veterinarian, and with notification of Small Victories.

Things to consider

Now, here's a sticky situation. You love your pet, but someone has become allergic. It's sticky for many reasons:

Despite the fact that literally thousands of animals have died in order to develop allergy medicine, allergies are the #1 cited reason for why people give up their pets. And some lie because it is an excuse that other people feel they can't argue with, it's a trump, a "white lie." That kind of excuse-making is shameful. It's a real lie with consequences for people and animals, and there ARE allergic pet guardians the world over who keep their pets by managing allergies.

If you are allergic, there are two things: Take a medication that works for you, and make good on the laboratory animals who died to help you feel better. Also, treat for parasites, as often we are allergic to a parasite that is also bothering the pet. Keep your surfaces clean, and negotiate a truce with your pet that ensures their quality of life despite your constraints - give them some space, give yourself some space.

And as for boyfriends, girlfriends, and roommates? Don't have the pet in the same room, keep it clean and free from parasites, move the pet's bed or cage and come up with alternate habits if necessary - but remember, you made the commitment to your pet, and they are wholly dependent on you. Your roommate, your boyfriend, your girlfriend - they're grown up now. They can handle themselves. You don't have to fuss over your pets so much to drive them mad, but you don't have to accomodate all of their demands, either. Don't let personal politics get in the way of doing the right thing.

Then there is moving - most landlords who say No Pets usually mean No Disruptive Pets and No Irresponsible Pet Owners - and often ignore quiet small animals and even slightly disruptive birds (canaries sing, cockateils squawk). Don't assume they won't permit it, but be careful about asking - don't leave them open to say no and write your pets out of the lease. You might get lucky and find that when you move in, even though the building has a no-pet policy, your neighbours all sneak similar pets in, and if nobody causes a problem, no action will be taken. Unless you are sure that you will be lawfully and thoroughly evicted, explore your options - and take them with you regardless of policy while you seek a new home. The landlord cannot evict you if you can show in good faith that you are reasonably trying to comply with the policy by seeking a new, appropriate home for your pet. No judge will condemn you for not dumping your pets - they will give you time to find a new home for them.

Inexperienced or uneducated pet owners don't anticipate behavioural issues and their underlying psychology - and may blame the animal, or presume that's why the animals came into a shelter in the first place, because they're somehow faulty or too old. I have seriously heard someone say "I never had a problem with an animal, and I never expect to!" This is an unrealistic view. Even if you have the patience of a saint with an animal, those closest to you will be less tolerant. Animals and people need structure, socialization, and discipline.

Unforeseen circumstances: If you need help to take better care of the animal, such as during a transition period while unemployed or moving, or arranging affordable veterinary care, it is better to ask - it's available upon request. We're not heartless - but we expect responsible choices from humans. Animals can't make them for themselves.