Jellybean Rattery
Westlake, OH
https://www.facebook.com/JellybeanRattery/
https://jellybeanrattery.pbwebs.com/
JellybeanRattery@gmail.com
Contract originally written by and used with permission from Aimee Sek of Once Upon a Mischief Rattery. Minor edits and customization by Rachelle Bish of Jellybean Rattery.
Last updated: October 4, 2022
Jellybean Rattery Adoption Contract and Bill of Sale
Thank you for choosing to purchase from Jellybean Rattery. Rats are our entire world! They are our passion and we dedicate so much effort, time, energy and planning into every life we bring into this world so that we may share perfectly sweet, friendly and healthy babies with the world!
As much as we love and are truly excited to bring animals and people together we are really striving to find not just a great loving home but a forever home as well.
The purpose of this contract is to make sure both (the buyer) and myself (the breeder/seller) are on the same page and for you (the buyer) to understand what we are looking for in the overall care and husbandry of our rats you purchase from us.
Terms and Conditions
1. Deposits, Payment of Purchase Price and Refunds
-
The sum price stated and agreed upon must be paid in full before the release of said rat(s) to the buyer.
-
Buyer acknowledges and agrees that Buyer will forfeit the deposit and any rights to the said rat(s) if:
-
Buyer fails to complete the purchase of the rat(s) for any reason, or
-
Buyer fails to pay the balance of the Purchase Price on or before the delivery date, or
-
Buyer fails to respond to a direct question from the Seller within 48 hours.
-
In any of these events, Seller shall be free to sell the rat(s) to another party.
-
-
In the event that the rat(s) is not available due to sickness, death, or any other circumstance owing to the fault of the Seller, Buyer’s deposit will, at Buyer’s option, be either refunded, or transferred to a future litter of rats.
-
Beyond that all deposits are non-refundable and no refunds will be given if the Buyer decides they no longer wish to have the rat(s) at any time.
-
All shipping and travel fees/expenses are non-refundable for any reason unless the Seller is at fault and can not meet the agreed upon plans or the rat(s) can not be made available for any reason.
2. Seller’s Representations and Warranties
Seller represents and warrants to Buyer that:
-
Seller is the legal and true owner/breeder of said rat(s) and that Seller has full right and authority to sell the said rat(s).
-
Seller guarantees that the said rat(s) are as described, at least 6 weeks of age and fully weaned, the correct sex, females are not pregnant, said rat(s) were bred by the seller, and are the correct variety to the best of the Seller's knowledge.
-
Seller guarantees that the said rat(s) are in good health to the best of the Seller’s knowledge. That all rats are free from parasites and skin issues such as mange, ringworm, mites, lice or fleas. The said rat(s) are free from any respiratory ailments. (Note new home sneezes are common as the rat adjusts to their new home/new scents and these should NOT be medicated to prevent antibiotic resistance).
-
Lifetime guarantee against congenital defect or disease. If at any time during the life of the rat(s) they develop a detrimental condition that dates from the prenatal or fetal state, you may return it and the rat(s) will be replaced. You must have documentation from a licensed veterinarian.
-
This guarantee does not apply to tumors, Mycoplasma or respiratory issues which may be caused by overall care and husbandry. It does not cover abuse/neglect or any improper care. It does not cover skin or eye issues in Harley or Hairless varieties which may be caused by sensitivities to diet and environment. The Buyer agrees they have thoroughly researched the health and care of rats and understands how that care will relate to their overall health.
-
Buyer is always responsible for all medical costs of their rat(s). This guarantee covers only the original buyer and is not transferable.
-
Buyer may return the rat to the seller if they can not give it proper health/veterinary care. Seller will treat and/or humanely euthanize said rat(s) if need be to no cost of the Buyer. Buyer forfeits all rights and possession of the rat in doing so.
-
Seller guarantees that the rat is friendly and has a good temperament. The buyer may return the rat(s) at any time if the rat ever causes a bite that breaks the skin or attacks another rat that causes injury. An exchange from a future available litter will be given on the return of the rat at the discretion of the Seller.
-
The Seller will agree to take back possession of the rat(s) at any time for any reason during the rat’s lifetime if the buyer no longer wishes or is able to keep it. Seller will not issue a refund or provide another rat as a replacement to the Buyer.
3. Fitness of Purpose
-
The rat(s) were bred as a companion animal (a pet). The rat(s) were sold under a PET ONLY/Non-Breeding contract.
-
Rat(s) are not to be used as a classroom pet, barn hunts, food for other animals or any situation that may put the rat in harm’s way or having the rat(s) kept outside of the Buyer’s home without written consent from the Seller.
4. Buyer’s Representations
Buyer represents to the seller that:
-
Buyer agrees to quarantine their new rat(s) if they currently own rats, as well as quarantine any new rats they bring into the home. The definition of Quarantine for this purpose is: to separate and isolate to prevent the spread of disease, including bacterial infections, viruses, fungi and parasites (both internal and external). Quarantine must be in a separate rat free location or share no airspace and maintain a persistent quarantine environment. No shared airspace or handling between rats. The minimum quarantine must last 3 (three) weeks. If Buyer chooses not to provide quarantine, it is at their own risk and will make the health guarantee null and void.
-
The rat(s) will reside with the Buyer as a companion pet to Buyer and Buyer’s family. The rat(s) will reside indoors in a safe and proper temperature environment.
-
Buyer acknowledges that they are allowed to keep pets and rats at their current home. Buyer either owns the home or has written consent from their landlord/Owner of residence, and that it is legal to own rats and/or these varieties of rats at their location. Buyer has consent to own rats from everyone in the household so that they will not be forced/asked to re-home them.
-
Buyer will keep the rat(s) in a proper well-ventilated cage of adequate size. Cage bars need to be no larger than ½ inch wide. Non-reinforced plastic bottoms are suggested against by the Seller. No aquariums, crittertrails or all plastic cages (with the exception of a properly made bin cage). Keeping your rat(s) in any inappropriate cage will make the health guarantee null and void. If Buyer misrepresents the cage they will be housing said rat(s) they will forfeit the possession of the rat(s) at the Seller’s request. Buyer will not allow the rat to live free range without the use of a cage or free range without supervision.
-
Buyer will provide proper bedding for their rat(s) within their cage. Proper bedding means aspen, kiln-dried pine, poplar, sani-chips, flax, hemp, or Yesterday’s News paper pellets. Use of loose paper beddings such as but not limited to carefresh or fleece bedding is strongly advised against by the Seller, using these beddings makes the health guarantee null and void.
-
Buyer will provide a clean and healthy environment for the rat(s). Buyer will keep the rat(s) cage clean, safe and secure. Buyer will not use candles, incense, air fresheners near the rat’s cage and provide a smoke free home.
-
Buyer will provide the rat(s) with nutritious proper food. They agree to feed a block/kibble diet as a base/staple of their rat(s) diet using one of these brands of food: Oxbow Essentials Adult Rat food, Mazuri Rat & Mouse food, Native Earth/Harlan Teklad/Envigo, Science Selective, Kalmbach, or other food that the Seller has agreed upon. Provide clean fresh pure water (no added extras such as but not limited to vanilla, vinegar, vitamins without Vet instruction) in a proper water bottle.
-
Buyer will always provide necessary veterinary care for the lifetime of the rat(s). Necessary care means they will seek treatment for any major injury or illness and that the rat’s quality of life will always be high. No rat will be allowed to suffer without treatment.
-
Buyer agrees that rats are highly social animal and need companionship from other rats of the same sex (or a spayed/neutered rat of the opposite sex). Buyer acknowledges that they, other people, or other species do not replace the companionship of another rat and that keeping a rat alone is neglect. Buyer agrees that if at any time they are unable to provide a cagemate for their rat they will return the rat to the Seller. Buyer agrees that they will always provide their rat(s) with a same sex or a spayed/neutered rat of the opposite sex cagemate except in these few circumstances:
-
The rat’s cagemate has recently passed and the Buyer is actively looking to purchase a new cagemate.
-
The rat or the rat’s cagemate has had an injury or is recovering from an illness, injury, or surgery and needs to be kept alone in a temporary hospital cage to recover.
-
-
Buyer agrees to never house the rat(s) in a cage or enclosure with animals of any other species.
-
Buyer is not acting as an agent for any other person or business in the purchase of the rat(s). Buyer agrees they are not purchasing said rat(s) as a gift for another person (outside of point (l) ). Buyer has given correct and truthful contact information.
-
If Buyer is purchasing rat(s) for their children they acknowledge that a pet is a huge responsibility outside of a child’s sole care. Child will mean anyone under 18 years of age. Buyer agrees that it is to be a family pet and that they, as the adult/parent, are responsible for the rat(s) care for the entirety of their life.
-
Buyer will not sell, give, release the rat(s) to a pet shop, retail store, animal testing facility, research facility, or any agents of any such business or facility. Buyer will not sell, give, release, or re-home the rat(s) to any other person for the entirety of the rat’s lifetime without written consent by the Seller.
-
In the event that the Buyer can no longer care for or provide the rat(s) a proper home, they agree to return said rat(s) to the Seller and forfeit all ownership. Returning the rat(s) will be at the Buyer’s expense and responsibility. Seller agrees to take back possession of the rat at any time.
-
Buyer acknowledges that the rat(s) are being sold under a PET ONLY/Non-Breeding contract. Buyer agrees to be responsible and never house unfixed rats of mixed genders together, never allow play dates or any interaction between males and females who are not fixed. Buyer will make absolutely sure that all cages and enclosures are absolutely secure and that rats are unable to escape and interact. Buyer acknowledges that they are responsible for all of their rats and will not allow unsupervised access to children or others who may mix the rats up.
In the event that said rat(s) are bred either on purpose or accidentally, Buyer agrees to return the rat(s) and any babies born at the Seller’s request and at the Buyer’s expense.
-
Buyer acknowledges and consents that if they break any part of this contract by breeding (on purpose or accidental pairing) or through neglect or abuse, the Seller has full discretion to share the Buyer’s name/location and all correspondence to other breeders, groups, and even publicly to warn and inform others.
-
Buyer acknowledges that the rat(s) they have received are the rat(s) they agreed to purchase. By accepting the rat the Buyer agrees that there are no obvious health issues or concerns such as no scabs, wounds, injuries, infestation, or respiratory ailments.
-
Buyer has read, understands and acknowledges the liability waiver.
5. Entire Agreement
This Agreement represents the entire agreement between the parties. Seller and Buyer have made no other agreements, promises, representations or warranties, express or implied, unless specifically stated in this Agreement.
By signing here you, the Buyer, agree that you have been informed of everything in this contract that pertains to your specific purchase on the date listed below by the Seller/Breeder (Rachelle Bish/Jellybean Rattery). You agree that you had any and all questions and concerns answered and were of sound mind at the time of signing this waiver and contract. By signing this you did not purchase under false pretenses and fully acknowledge the consequences outlined in said contract about doing so.
Buyer’s Signature:
________________________________________________________
Breeder’s Signature:
________________________________________________________
Liability Waiver
It is important to understand that your pet rat can be a vector for diseases. Your rat may or may not show symptoms of these diseases but can still transfer them to you. Many of these diseases do not affect a healthy human adult but for those with immuno-compromised systems, including but not limited to: children under 5, pregnant women, the elderly, those on immune-suppressant drugs, or with viral infections, rats may need to be reconsidered as pets.
I, the breeder, Rachelle Bish (Jellybean Rattery), am fully informing you, the adopter, on this date of the risks of owning pet rats, and you, the adopter, hereby accept the risks of owning pet rats and release I, the breeder, Rachelle Bish (Jellybean Rattery), of any liability associated with owning pet rats.
I do my very best to ensure the health and safety of all of my animals. I do have a proper quarantine system in place for all new animals coming into my home, though quarantine may not catch some viruses as the animal will not show symptoms. I do not visit pet stores that sell rats. I do not handle wild animals.
The nature of these viruses/bacteria and the ease in which they can be spread just from the environment, clothing, being in an area that has wild rodents, etc… means that I can not guarantee that at any moment my rats have not been infected though.
Below is a list of the zoonosis diseases and the symptoms that may be carried by pet rats.
The following was written by Desiree Moncayo from Ratology Tales https://talesoftails.wixsite.com/tale
Seoul Strain of Hantavirus
Seoul Virus is a type of hantavirus commonly associated with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome. Symptoms appear within one to two weeks and in rare cases up to 8 weeks.
Symptoms include:
Intense Headaches
Back and Abdominal Pain
Fever
Chills
Nausea
Blurred Vision
Later symptoms include low blood pressure, acute shock, vascular leakage, and acute renal failure. In rare cases, it can be fatal.
Seoul Virus is transmitted through feces, urine and saliva. The most common transmission happens when feces, urine, or saliva is dried tinto dust, the dust particles fly up and we breathe them in. Seoul Virus cannot be spread from person to person or person to rat.
To prevent infection, wear a mask and gloves when cleaning cages, do not use a vacuum or sweep dust particles into the air, spray down any bedding before moving it, wash your hands before and after handling your rat.
Rat Bite Fever (Streptobacillus moniliformis)
Rat Bite Fever or Streptobacillus moniliformis is an infectious bacteria. Contrary to its name, Rat Bite Fever is found in more than just rats: mice, hamsters and gerbils can also carry it. Symptoms appear within 3-10 days of infection but can take up to three weeks.
Symptoms include:
Fever
Vomiting
Headache
Muscle Pain
Joint Pain
Rash
In rare cases without treatment, rat bite fever can be fatal.
RBF is transmitted through a scratch or bite from a rodent, handling rodents with the disease, even if they do not bite or scratch you, and through ingesting food and water contaminated with rodent feces. It is not transmitted from person to person.
To prevent RBF, regularly wash your hands, wear protective gloves when washing cages and avoid putting your hands in your mouth when handling your rats and cleaning their cages.
Salmonellosis
Salmonellosis or salmonella is a common disease which most people associate with undercooked chicken. All common pets can carry salmonella in their digestive tract including: dogs, cats, rats, mice, rabbits, lizards and snakes. Salmonella infection can occur in humans and the animals.
Symptoms for humans include:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Fever
Abdominal Pain
For the immune-compromised, the symptoms can be life threatening.
Symptoms are rare in small animals but include diarrhea that contains mucous or blood, lethargy, and they may vomit or have a fever.
Prevention of transmission to humans includes making sure you buy animals that appear healthy, animals with severe diarrhea should be avoided. They should be bright eyed and active. Always wash hands after handling an animal and avoid eating or drinking around your pets. If you do become infected, rarely is hospitalization required, the treatment is just lots of fluids while the bacteria moves out of your systems. Symptoms should fade within 5-7 days.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacteria called leptospiria.
Symptoms include:
High fever
Headache
Chills
Muscle aches
Vomiting
Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
Red eyes
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Rash
Some infected people never show symptoms. They will become sick between 2 days to 4 weeks after exposure. If the first symptoms progress a person may experience kidney or liver failure or meningitis. The second part of the infection is called Weil’s disease.
People can become infected with leptospirosis through contact with urine or other bodily fluids (not saliva though) and through contact with water, soil or food contaminated with urine of infected animals.
Prevention of transmission includes avoiding urine of infected animals, wash your hands after handling, do not eat or drink around your pets. Be sure to vaccinate your pets against leptospirosis as well.
You agree to the risk associated with pet rats both listed above and those not listed and hereby will release Rachelle Bish (Jellybean Rattery) from any and all liability of owning a pet rat.
Buyer’s Signature:
________________________________________________________