Rats

rats

Did you know rats make surprisingly affectionate pets? If you're thinking of bringing home a pet rat, here's what you need to know.

Health

Rats that are bred especially as pets are safe to keep and should be free of disease. But common conditions may affect your rats from time to time. Your veterinarian will help you keep your pet rats healthy through regular check-ups. Common illnesses that often affect pet rats include:

  • Infectious respiratory disease
  • Tumors
  • Gastrointestinal illness
  • Dental problems

Your veterinary team can diagnose illness in rats, and we'll do all we can to get your furry friend feeling like himself again.

Care

Rats are social creatures, meaning they enjoy the company of other rats. Unfortunately, they're also aggressive breeders. It's best to keep your rats in same-sex pairs. This prevents breeding, yet provides the company your rat needs to stay happy and well.

Your pet rats will need a suitable habitat. This should be a wire enclosure that's large enough to give them adequate room to run and scurry. Rats enjoy toys, too. A simple hammock made from a washcloth or a small cardboard box with bedding material is ideal to keep your rats entertained.

At the bottom of your rat's enclosure, you'll need to spread small animal litter that's had the dust extracted. This will help to absorb the ammonia smell from rat urine. Keep your rat enclosure in a room that offers a comfortable temperature year-round, as these pets are sensitive to extremes of cold and heat.

Feeding

Rats enjoy a variety of foods, including meats and vegetables. An ideal diet includes such offerings as:

  • Commercial rat food
  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Seeds
  • Nuts
  • Grains
  • Protein, such as dry dog food

Your pet rats will need plenty of fresh water. This should be provided via a hanging water bottle inside the enclosure. If you're unsure what to feed your pet rats, our veterinary team is happy to provide recommendations.

Training

Pet rats can learn many tricks, especially if trained young. These may include coming when called, standing on command, shaking hands, and more. Use gentle treatment and lots of love when training your rat to do tricks, and use food and snacks as positive reinforcement. Train your rat when he's hungry so he has more incentive to learn.

Location

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Office Hours

We are CLOSED all MAJOR HOLIDAYS

Monday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonial

  • "We bring both our girls Ava and Nellie. Our latest visit was due to a limping issue after a visit to a dog park with Nellie (Greyhound and Healer mix). Staff was very kind and gentle with Nellie who is timid with strangers. In the end Nellie thanked both the vet and tech by licking their hands. Great team go see this vet office."
    Joy M.
  • "Dr. Sutton and the loving staff at Union Animal Hospital are amazing! They've taken wonderful care of my dog's since they were puppies. We've added 2 more dog's to our pack, a rescue and a re-home, after my Springer passed this spring. Dr. Sutton and here staff are so good with dog's they don't even mind going for their visits. Thanks Doc!"
    Mike P.
  • "Every visit has been wonderful. I feel like they pay attention to every detail and always ask if we have any more questions. I feel safe leaving my dogs in their care."
    Lisa S.
  • "Union Animal Hospital is the best place! The first time visit was great even during the Pandemic, the techs are wonderful and friendly. Best of all is that they are definitely affordable compared to the rest of the clinics in Spokane."
    Lori J.
  • "The most caring and compassionate animal hospital and veterinary clinic I've found in Spokane. Everyone is so nice and they are outstanding with my 11 year old Pomeranian. I've been searching for a while to find a new Veterinary clinic to take my Pomeranian. I'm so happy to have finally found a place with such caring people whom I can trust to care for my dog and give me all the information I need. They even gave me a print out estimate for everything. They are a bit more expensive than some other places I've researched but with the quality of care they give in my opinion it's well worth the few extra dollars. Thank you guys for treating us so well."
    Amber M.
  • "Our fist time having a pet emergency and Union Animal Hospital took us in right away and helped our Fur baby get better again. We won't go anywhere else, good prices and amazing staff, this is the spot if you care and love your animals take them here to be treated with the utmost respect and quality. LOTS IF LOVE TO YOU GUYS FOR BEING THERE FOR OUR FAMILY"
    Elizabeth R.
  • "Had a great first experience! Dr Sutton was great!"
    Debra R.