Adopters happy with former laboratory rats

Adopters of former laboratory rats are positive about the adoption process and the rats they have taken into their homes. This emerged from a survey conducted among people who adopted rats through the Utrecht Animal Welfare Body over the past two years.

At the end of last year, the Utrecht Animal Welfare Body sent out a survey, which was completed by around 58 per cent of the adopters of lab rats. 75% of respondents indicated that they had a very positive experience of the process of registering, arranging a meeting and receiving the animals. Almost 95% also indicated that the information they received was just right. The majority of respondents experienced the initial period after adoption as ‘very good to good, as expected’, and more than half said that the rats were ‘very tame’ to ‘manageable and tame’. A small number of rats were a bit skittish and fearful at first, but for most of them this improved significantly over time. A number of respondents indicated that there were health problems, such as tumours, respiratory problems and epilepsy. These health problems also occur in other domesticated rats.

Several adopters said that they consider the adoption program very important and that they would adopt again in the future. “I am very grateful for this opportunity to get to know my ladies, and would like to adopt more rats in the future to offer them a good life”, was one of the responses. "I think this program is incredibly important. Rats are so intelligent. They bring energy into the home, are neither too hyper nor too quiet, demand attention and give attention, and are there for you when you come home. I hope this program never goes away”, said another. “It went really well. The animals were very sweet, the process went smoothly, and I was able to enjoy them until their old age. It was a perfect match”, was another sentiment.

Adopt ex-lab rats

Rats that have been used for behavioural research are regularly made available for adoption. These rats have had little ‘discomfort’ and are well socialised, making them eligible for adoption. Would you like to give a few ex-lab rats the chance of a good life? Send an email to adoptie.ivd@uu.nl. We will be happy to provide you with more information.