Breed Guides

Responsible Rat Terrier Adoption Checklist

Questions to ask a rescue or breeder, the health tests to look for, the paperwork to take home, and the red flags to walk away from.

By Rat Terrier Advice Team Updated 4 min read

Black-and-white photo, taken from above, of a Rat Terrier standing alone on bare ground and looking away
Photo: Antoine Pouligny on Unsplash

Whether you adopt from a rescue or buy from a breeder, the goal is the same: a healthy, well-started dog from people who put the dog’s welfare first. That takes questions, paperwork, and a willingness to walk away. This checklist covers what to ask, what to see, and the warning signs that should end the conversation.

The essentials

  • Meet the dog, and for a puppy, meet the mother, where the dog actually lives.
  • Ask a breeder for health test results on both parents.
  • Get everything in writing: contract, health records, return policy.
  • Never buy from a pet store, a parking lot, or a website that ships puppies sight unseen.
  • A good source will ask you as many questions as you ask them.

Adopting from a rescue or shelter

Rat Terriers and Rat Terrier mixes turn up in rescue regularly, including through breed-specific groups such as New Rattitude and Ratbone Rescues in the United States. Adult dogs come with a known size and a temperament someone has already observed.

Questions to ask

  • What do you know about this dog’s history?
  • How does it behave with other dogs, cats and children? Has that been observed, or is it a guess?
  • Is it house trained and crate trained?
  • How does it cope when left alone?
  • What veterinary care has it had? Vaccines, spay or neuter, heartworm test, microchip?
  • Are there any known medical or behavior issues?
  • What is your return policy if it does not work out?

Fostered dogs are a real advantage: the foster carer can tell you what the dog is like in a home, not just a kennel.

Buying from a breeder

The Rat Terrier Club of America, the AKC parent club for the breed, publishes guidance on finding a Rat Terrier. A responsible breeder breeds rarely, knows the pedigrees, and will take a dog back at any point in its life.

Health testing to ask about

The AKC lists these as the tests recommended by the national breed club. Ask to see the certificates for both parents, or look the dogs up in the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals database.

  • Patella evaluation
  • Hip evaluation
  • Cardiac exam
  • Primary lens luxation (PLL) DNA test

Questions to ask

  • Can I visit and meet the mother, and the father if he is on site?
  • Where are the puppies raised, and what have they been exposed to so far?
  • How old will the puppy be when it comes home? Reputable breeders generally keep puppies until at least eight weeks.
  • What vaccinations and worming has the puppy had, and has a vet examined the litter?
  • What are the parents like to live with?
  • Do you provide a written contract and health guarantee?
  • Will you take the dog back if I cannot keep it?

What a good breeder asks you

Expect questions about your home, your working hours, your experience, and other pets. Being interviewed is a good sign.

Red flags

Warning sign Why it matters
You cannot visit, or are asked to meet somewhere neutral You cannot see the conditions the dogs live in
Several breeds for sale, puppies always available Typical of high-volume commercial breeding
No health test results, or “the vet says they are healthy” A vet check is not the same as breed-specific screening
Puppies offered younger than eight weeks Too young to leave the litter
Pressure to pay a deposit today, or payment by wire or gift card Common in scams
No contract and no take-back policy No commitment to the dog’s future
Dirty conditions, fearful or sickly dogs Poor welfare and poor early socialization

Paperwork to take home

  • Signed contract or adoption agreement.
  • Vaccination and worming record.
  • Microchip number and how to transfer the registration.
  • Copies of the parents’ health test results (breeder).
  • Registration papers, if applicable.
  • Feeding instructions and a few days’ supply of the current food.

First steps after you bring your dog home

  • Book a vet visit within the first few days.
  • Update the microchip registration with your details.
  • Keep the first week quiet, and follow our guide to the first 30 days.

Not sure the breed fits your life yet? Read Is a Rat Terrier right for you? first. The interactive checklist below lets you tick items off as you go.

Sources

Interactive tool

Adoption / Breeder Checklist

Avoid puppy mills. Get the questions to ask, health tests to verify, contract checklist, and red-flag list.

We support rescues and ethical breeders. This site does not promote puppy-mill or commercial-pet-store sourcing. Always verify health testing and contract terms.

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