Shipping Statement of the MN Rat Connection

I prefer not to ship due to the expense. I don't want to discourage people from trading, buying and exchanging rats but show them Love by sending them safely on their journey. The average cost for shipping and health certificates is $140.00.

I travel frequently and go 2 times a year to IL specifically for the RMCA Rat & Mouse Show. Also the IRMD (International Rat and Mouse Directory) is quite vast and most people can find a local breeder.

I figure there's a way to work it out but shipping by air will be considered from serious inquiries.

~The Following is Adapted from the Maplewood Rattery~

Shipping Statement of Maplewood Rattery

Please be aware that shipping is not cheap! I only use Delta Air Cargo, Delta DASH, US Airways Cargo, Contintental Airways Cargo, and Continental Quikpak. Shipping costs start at $90.00 plus health certificate and carrier cage.

So you're looking at spending at least $140.00 just on shipping and handling, plus the cost of the actual animals (which will depend on how many rats and what kind you are ordering). Air Cargo is the only safe way to ship live warm-blooded animals.

There are other breeders who offer shipping via USPS claiming it is safe and reliable. Let me assure you... IT IS NOT! It is against USPS regulations to ship live warm blooded mammals. You can call you local post office to verify this.

Breeders who disguise thier shipments as "Reptiles" or "Ducklings" to pass inspection are committing mail fraud which is a federal offense! Yes, it is very inexpensive to ship this way, but it is also a posing a great risk to the animal's health and well being. Animals that are illegally shipped through the USPS are not given adequate care, are often left on the runway in the sun, or in a cold room as they await transport.

Animals can die from the heat in a parked car, even with the windows down...they are subjected to 10 times the heat and isolation during shipping and could easily die. On top of the fact that USPS shipping of rodents is illegal, it is also in USPS policy to destroy any package containing animals that are found to be shipped against regulation, and/or packages containing dead animals (even though the rest are alive).

Do you really want to risk the lives of your pets this way?
If so, then you are not someone I would choose to do business with.

Air Cargo is the only safe means to ship live warm-blooded animals. It is expensive in some circumstances, but if you are ordering many animals, or would like to split the cost with someone in your area you can really cut costs that way.

Keep in mind that if you are in the Mid-Atlantic area, I am willing to travel to shows or a short distance to deliver for a much lesser fee than shipping. Something can usually be arranged so just ask :) ~ CG