The Cost of Buying a Pet Rat

First things first, it’s important to research how much a pet rat costs. The price can vary depending on where you buy it from, but it’s always important to purchase a rat from a reputable seller, so research is your friend! The average cost of a pet rat in the UK can be from £10 to £30, and that price is dependent on a few factors:

1.      The breed of the rat:

Like most pets, certain breeds can be more expensive than others. This can be due to a variety of reasons, due to unique features, the rarity of the breed or their size.

2.      Where you’re buying it from

Whether it’s a specialist shop, a breeder, or you’re rescuing one from an animal shelter, the costs through any route will vary.

3.      If you’re buying a pair

Some specialists sell rats in pairs because they’re social creatures who thrive with company. This means you can pick up two fur babies for a lower price! Even if you end up purchasing the one rat, it’s highly recommended to give them a companion.

It’s important to always buy from a reputable seller. Those who follow ethical practices and care to ensure their rats are well-looked after and bred responsibly are considered generally safe to buy from. From specialist pet shops to breeders or rescue centers, there’s numerous places you can buy or adopt a pet rat in the UK. You can ask the seller to provide a full vet history to verify their legitimacy and to confirm their animals are being seen.

Setting up your pet rat can be costly. From choosing their cage to buying all their feeding accessories and enrichment for their new home, kitting out your rat’s set-up does require some financial commitment!

Here’s our handy checklist of what you’ll need to buy for your new pet rat:

1.      A cage – look for a large size so your rat has room to roam, and go for horizontal bars so they can enjoy some climbing! This will most likely be your most expensive purchase.

2.      Solid flooring – wire flooring can hurt their little feet, so installing some proper flooring allows them to roam freely.

3.      Bedding – avoid pine and cedar bedding as they can be harmful! Paper-based is best.

4.      Enrichment opportunities – such as hideouts and igloos or a digging box (a box filled with shredded paper).

5.      Toys – Chew toys are essential for gnawing and nibbling to keep their teeth healthy.

6.      Hammocks and ropes

7.      Water bottle – never a bowl as rats knock these over and they make a mess.

8.      Food dish – something weighty so they can’t knock it over.

9.      Food & treats – a combination of fresh fruit and veggies as snacks and pellets for their mealtimes.

10. Litter & tray – look for paper pellets in a tray.

With any pet, the cost of owning one isn’t just the upfront purchase. Pets are a lifelong commitment, and a constant financial responsibility. From food and housing to health care and toys, to give your rat a happy and healthy life, it’s important to support them with everything they need no matter the cost.

Your ongoing monthly costs will include your rat’s food and treats, any new toys to add to their cage, and relevant vet bills such as insurance, medication or treatment. Consider this the minimum you’ll need to spend on your new fur baby.

The upfront cost of a rat does make them fairly affordable pets. They typically have a shorter lifespan than dogs for example, living for just 2 to 3 years which makes them less of a financial commitment. Your main consideration will be for occasional expensive vet bills for any appointments or health concerns that may result in frequent trips. Rats are sociable creatures, and buying them in pairs is recommended to keep them happy and avoid loneliness. This will mean double the feeding and medical costs, and opting for a cage that’s big enough for them both. They need room to roam and explore, so the bigger cage, the better.

It’s always important to consider the financial impact of owning a pet, even one as relatively low cost as a rat! For a happy, healthy rat, investment in their home, environment and enrichment opportunities are super important. And a happy rat is likely to have a companion, so that’s technically double the costs. Learn more about caring for your new pet rat here.

 For more advice on caring for your pet, or shopping for your new fur baby, visit your local Jollyes store or have a dig around online.