Association of Colorado Rat Enthusiasts (ACRE)

Colorado Rat Club Promoting Responsible Handling of Rats Through Ethical Breeding & Care.

Breeder Members Code:

I understand that a violation of this code of ethics may result in disciplinary action according to ACRE’s bylaws. Association of Colorado Rat Enthusiasts (ACRE) is a club and as such is not a “rat policing” organization. Members should be individuals exhibiting a common interest in the rat fancy and who share the same goals and objectives. These are contained in our Code of Ethics, which does not list all required behaviors, etc., as such a listing would be both burdensome and unenforceable. We are a very hospitable group and membership is open to ethical rat owners and breeders. But we do not support, promote or advertise anyone that is known to be dishonest in our community. We are here to help build a strong relationship with each other and educate the public, so we expect our friends to be trustworthy to make this community work. As you know membership is open to everyone, but we do expect certain ethics to be upheld.

  • I will seek popper veterinary care when needed for all rats in my care.
  • I will not sell/place rats that I know to be ill, and will seek veterinary care as appropriate for such animals before placements are made.
  • I will not breed males or females before they are physically mature and can be assessed as worthy of being bred, taking into consideration temperament, type, pedigree and health.
  • I understand that ACRE does not promote or allow the inhumane killing of any animal.
  • I agree to keep accurate records to the best of my ability regarding the health and pedigrees of my animals, and will fully disclose all such relevant information when placing said rat.
  • I am responsible for directly qualifying those who would buy/own a pup from my breeding or a rat I am seeking to place. I will NOT sell to pet stores, at swap meets or auctions, or to individuals who use live feeders or breed feeder rats. I can however adopt my rats out at ACRE events using my strict adoption contract as per ACRE rules for selling at ACRE events.
  • When placing rats, I will employ an “Adoption Agreement” that will be signed by both parties (adopter and breeder) and kept on record. I will work on breeding for the betterment of rats, by working with rats that are from well known healthy stock.
  • I will provide my animals with a clean environment and healthy living conditions with appropriate caging for a rat and I will use bedding that is safe for fancy rats. I will feed my rats the healthiest food I can provide them with.
  • I will work towards the betterment of club to the best of my ability and I will encourage others to do likewise. I will not breed unethically, or act in any dishonest way towards other members of this group or to anyone else in the rat community. I understand that as a breeder more is expected of me because I am looked up to in the rat community.
  • I will act in a professional manner towards the other ACRE members and board members.
  • As a member of ACRE I am aware that I represent the club and the fancy rat. I understand that substantive actions in violation of this Code of Ethics or actions consistently contrary to the support of the club and the fancy rat may result in suspension or expulsion from the club, according to ACRE and the Bylaws.
  • I understand that I will follow the club by-laws and code of ethics once I obtain membership.


Non Breeder Members Code:


I understand that a violation of this code of ethics may result in disciplinary action according to ACRE’s bylaws. Association of Colorado Rat Enthusiasts (ACRE) is a club and as such is not a “rat policing” organization. Members should be individuals exhibiting a common interest in the rat fancy and who share the same goals and objectives. These are contained in our Code of Ethics, which does not list all required behaviors, etc., as such a listing would be both burdensome and unenforceable.

  • I will seek veterinary care as appropriate for all of the animals I keep.
  • I will provide my animals with a clean environment and healthy living conditions. This includes feeding my rats the healthiest food I can provide them with.
  • I will not breed animals just for fun or just to see what happens. Even if I want offspring from my beloved pet.
  • I agree to update the breeder of my rats on all health issues. In this way I can help promote healthy breeding of rats.
  • I will work towards the betterment of the club and encourage others to do likewise.
  • As a member of the club I am aware that I represent the club and the fancy rat. I understand that substantive actions in violation of this code of ethics or actions consistently contrary to the support of the club and the fancy rat may result in suspension or expulsion from the club, according to ACRE and the Bylaws.
  • I understand that I will follow the club by-laws and code of ethics once I obtain membership.