foster care for animals

peapot

I'm not sure this is the forum for it, but I'm desperate for help.  My 20 year old daughter leaves for the Army December 30th.  She has 4 rats as pets, (i know it sounds weird, but they are actually a lot like hamster with tails)  She can find no one to keep them and we can't keep them at our house.  It would be for 1 month and we live in Virginia.  If anyone has an idea of where she can find help, we would greatly appreciate it.

ps123

Maybe try calling a local shelter of SPCA to see if they have any ideas.  The Richmond SPCA tel. number is 804-643-6785. They may have heard of others in this position or may know who to direct you to that can help.

 Pat

danie22

P,

Try Petfinders.com--there's many non-profit organizations I'm sure could help you.  Just search using your zip code and try contacting the close ones! 

Good luck!

LuAnnH

I'm in Ohio, have hamsters, can't imagine they are much harder.  If she were closer I would keep them if it were only for a month.

celia088

I wonder if some local elementary school would be interested in caring for them and studying them in a science class.   It might be worth a phone call to the local school.

otter

peapot, I was going to suggest that you contact the vet school in Blacksburg VA, because vet students are always looking for animals they can help ... but that is quite a distance from you if you're in Richmond.

So, I'm wondering if you could call the veterinary clinics in Richmond.  It's a big city--there should be a lot of vet clinics.  It's not unusual for them to have vet techs or other employees willing to foster animals for awhile.  And, they shouldn't shy away from "unusual" pets, like rats.  It's possible that the clinics themselves might be willing to foster the rats.

I hope you find a good foster home.

otter 

peapot

Here is the rest of the story. .  1 week bfeore she was to leave she called Richmond Animal League to see if they would take her rats.  She left a message.  The girl that called her back ending up being her cousin ( couple times removed) and she said she'd be happy to take her rats and care for them while she was gone.  The Lord works  in mysterious ways and even looks out for the smallest creatures.  My daughter is now in boot camp in SC and I've talked to her once and she's doing well.

flyrzfan

YEAh...i love a happy ending!

otter

Oh, that's terrific, peapot!  One less thing for your daughter to have to worry about...

otter 

Ka-Loni

Hi There, Oh, Just keep them there. It wont be too long. Of course, I am a animal lover.

Enjoy!

God Bless,

Kaloni