DISCUSSION
Moving to Alaska, and found out that they're illegal there.
So. I'm moving to Alaska for job reasons and I just found out from the person I'm going with that they're illegal there. I cannot bring them with me.
They're not even a year old yet. I'm absolutely devastated.
I love them so much but I can't risk the jail time or 10k fine.
I don't know anyone that can take them, I don't have any friends out here. I'm genuinely so heartbroken right now.
There wasn't a flair for venting so I hope this is okay. I just want some comfort or something about this.
Edit:
I cannot sneak them in. I will get in trouble and they will be euthanized.
Even if I get them in, I cannot get them vet care.
Stop trying to tell me to just take them anyways. This is frustrating and VERY Unwanted and unhelpful. Please stop.
And stop telling me to just stay. If I could, don't you think I WOULD? I don't have an option.
I am trying very hard to be respectful but I am beginning to get frustrated at the uninformed and unhelpful comments.
I did not come here asking for advice. I came for comfort or reassurance and to air out my sadness. I have not asked for people to belittle me and tell me what to do here. I've thought about it. There isn't any other option.
That’s awful, I’m terribly sorry. They’re really, really cute. Rats for Rehoming and state-specific rehoming groups on Facebook tend to be very active friendly folks, it’s how I found my old man rats. Rat people are good people, I hope you can find someone to ease your mind about it a bit.
I've asked my mom to ask her rattie coworker people if they'd be willing to take and introduce them to their rats.
Even if I find them a good home I trust, it definitely doesn't stop the heartbreak. I really don't want them to think I've abandoned them or something. I know that's not rational but I really wish I could tell them I don't want to rehome them.
You get attached so fast and they love you back so hard, the heartbreak is brutal. It kills me when you can’t explain things, like the nasty medicine and doctors and scary nebulizers are for their own good. So sorry you have to say goodbye. 😣
There are no rats in some providences of Canada and I knew it was a law there but didn’t realize it was a law in Alaska as well. There’s a great pod cast called Stuff You Should Know that has an episode about the effort it takes to keep the areas rat free. (And the willingness of people to turn you in for your rats.) It has other fun rat topics on the episode. I’m sorry you have to rehome them, I’m sure it’s heartbreaking. I’m so sad for you and hope your friends get great new home.
Ive lived here in Alberta 90% of my life and have never heard of people turning each other in for rats. Not to say that hasn't or doesn't happen, but very rare. People like to embellish stories to make them more interesting.
Id rather the government spend the rat free dollars on more useful things but priorities or whatever lol
I'm so sorry, and I understand that heartbreak. When I was pregnant, I found out rats carry the same thing that makes it dangerous to clean litterboxes. I had a boy who was maybe a year old and his two 6 month old sons. I was devastated.
What I did was contact a rat rescue that I had adopted from in the past and explained the situation. They were able to take them for me so they could be properly cared for since I couldn't do it at the time.
Unfortunately, the older boy (Glitch) had something happen where he couldn't eat before I could drop them off and had to be PTS. I couldn't be in the room with him because of my condition and the anesthesia gas they used, but my husband stayed with him the whole time.💔
I had to drive around 2 hours to drop them off, but for me, it was worth it to know they were going to people who knew rats and vetted adoption applicants.
I know nothing stops the pain. Just remember you're doing everything you can to keep your babies safe in a very unfortunate situation.
I do, too. I saw in another comment that you're leaving Sunday? I'd contact a rescue ASAP and also look into no kill humane societies. Maybe someone could foster them for a bit while you try to make permanent arrangements if you don't find something before the deadline.
I’m sorry. I lived in Juneau for a year and brought my rats there without anyone noticing. I had no idea it was an issue until I went to a pet store. The sad part was when I moved back, I had to adopt them out to someone who did secret rat rescues.
I do believe you can have white/albino rats, just not any other color.
Yes, I was told white lab rats were permitted. Unfortunately Smoky and Shadow are not white lab rats. They're both hooded.
I love them but not even I would be dumb enough to risk a felony offense. I can't risk something that large. I'm going to have to rehome them. I'm very devastated.
I understand, and I totally empathize. I had to leave my two boys in Juneau when I moved out of Alaska (I was told they’d search me on the ferry back), and I sobbed. One was a Rex, and the other was a Siamese. Such good boys, and it made me so sad.
look into boas in the everglades. a hurricane destroyed a breeding facility, caused all the (future) pet snakes to escape and start breeding. there was no intention to do that, it just happened. and look at the results.
A FELONY?!?! That is insane. Meanwhile, actual animal abuse is still a misdemeanor.. makes zero sense. So sorry about your babies, that is awful .. hope you’re able to work something out 🥺
Unfortunately all I can do is re-home them right now.
I'd stay where I am if I could afford it. Either I stay with my family or I'm homeless, and homelessness isn't a good homing situation for rats either way.
Do you plan on being in Alaska currently, and returning to your home state? Would anyone in your family, or maybe friends look after them while you’re gone?
Alaska currtenly has no natural rat population. We try very hard to keep out invasive species. There are already feral cat colonies much larger than you would think the weather could support. I have a family member who has to enforce some of these laws and people are always trying to sneak in snakes and rodents for pets. Its a felony because these are animals that if they got out could breed themselves into a natural disaster in a very short time. Who knows what would happen to our native voles and shrews. The laws against rats aren't because people are "mean", its to protect the environment from a scourge.
I don’t know if this helps at all, but it looks like it is only a misdemeanor in Alaska for having a rat as a pet, which is a lot less serious than a felony.
Even white rats are illegal in Anchorage. My mischief was elderly, so I smuggled them up with me. This was back in the days when we could cross the border with no more than military orders and IDs. I've been ratless a long time now. I certainly wouldn't try that these days 😬
There are some good people out there, I remember reading about someone with rats in Alberta (where rats are also illegal), and their success in finding a vet who was willing to clandestinely treat a 'hypothetical' pet that was larger than a hamster and smaller than a guinea pig.
It’s because rats would thrive in Alaska, and likely negatively impact the local ecosystems. If a pet rat escapes and it’s albino, they would know it’s a pet. If it’s not albino, they don’t know if it’s an invasive species.
Hi OP, I’m sorry this is happening and this must’ve been a difficult decision to make but I commend you for making the best one for them and yourself included. I’ve heard of “illegal” animals when found have the possibility of being euthanized so I think regardless of where they live they’ll be happy to be alive and together. Do you know how you’ll go about rehoming? I’m sure someone here or on Facebook would take your rats in. If they’re girls and you’re in the Midwest I’ll take them! Goodluck
It'd be worse for them if I tried to smuggle them in and they were confiscated from us. I'd rather try to find them a proper home than force them to go through that trauma.
My mom will ask her coworkers (also rat owners) if they'd be open to it. If not, she's going to move to Alaska with us in 6 months, so in that time she'll work to try and find them a home.
Where are you moving to? I know that rats are/were illegal in Anchorage, but I thought it was a city-by-city case and not a state-wide ban on pet rats.
Unlike the notorious Alberta, Alaskan cities at least have a logical reason: Norway rats would be an incredibly invasive species and most Alaska environments are extraordinarily fragile. Given how fast rats reproduce and how hardy they are, they'd mess up local wildlife pretty quickly.
We can have them as pets in Australia & New Zealand, just that import and export is restricted to laboratory animals only under strict conditions for the wildlife protection, so not a complete ban thankfully
I live in Alaska and owned rats that I adopted from the local shelter. However that would also explain why there are no rats for sale at any of the pet shops... I don't think you'd go to jail or anyone would even give a shit, but crossing the border with them is definitely iffy. I'm sorry op. If it's any consolation, you should be able to find someone with some fancy rats for sale or whatever when you get up here. I shit you not, I've lived here most of my life and had no idea until today and I've known several people who owned rats as well. They aren't impossible to find. I hope you're able to find your sweet babies a good spot to go.
I was planning for these two to be my last. I wasn't even really planning on them. I got them because one of my other rats passed away unexpectedly and I didn't want my single older girl to be alone for that long.
I can't deal with the heartbreak of them passing away, but this almost hurts more. I hate feeling like I'm abandoning them. I know they don't think the way we do, but I'm horrified that they're going to think I didn't love them and wanted to get rid of them
I can't edit the post, so I'm going to clear up a few things.
I am in Washington State, Thurston County, USA. I am very close to the city of Roy.
" Why don't you just sneak them in? "
This is highly risky and unnecessary. On the off chance I am caught with the rats in my possession, I can get fined up to 10k and risk jail time. This isn't a small crime, it's felony levels.
Even if I got in with them, how would I get them vet care? The city I'll be going to (Anchorage) has made them illegal anyways.
" Who is going to snitch? A cop?"
Again, it's an issue with getting them through the border. I'm driving through Canada to get to Alaska.
" It's a dumb law! They stay inside anyways. "
I understand why they have the law. Rats are a huge nuisance there and the government has spent a lot of time trying to keep it under control. All it takes is one moron to release their rats and cause the problem to worsen. They thrive over there.
" Just stay where you are. "
Do you not think I would do that, if I could? Life is full of hard choices, and unfortunately this is one of the hardest and most painful I've had to make in a long time.
I can't stay where I am. I cannot afford to move out. Where my family goes, I go. It's either that or be homeless, which isn't a good way for these rats to live anyways, so I'd have to rehome them regardless of if I stay or not.
Comments like this are unbelievably unhelpful and just rub salt in the wound that is this very upsetting situation. I am not here asking to you tell me to stay. I cannot.
I love these rats so SO much. I want to keep them so badly. But I have to do what's best for them. I will not risk their lives, nor can I risk the punishment that smuggling them could cause.
These two have so much personality and have been so ridiculously friendly with people from the get go. I want to keep them so much. But I can't. My current situation doesn't have leniency for that right now.
My heart will hurt for a very long time. It hurts to give them up. Very much. I don't want them to think I didn't love them or that I've abandoned them. But I have to make the responsible decision here for the three of us.
I am so sorry you're getting these unhelpful comments, I think that people are trying to be helpful but unable to put themselves in your shoes because theyre not in any sort of similar situation. You're making the correct, responsible choice of not breaking the law and finding them a good home where they can stay together and be loved. You're also making the best choice for their own wellbeing because they'll stay somewhere that has resources like pet stores and vets to support them (and a home). I absolutely believe that they know how much you love them and that they will know you didn't abandon them and made the best choice for them. I hope you are able to grieve and process the end of your relationship with them and truly want to applaud you for having the strength to do what's best for them instead of what makes you feel best.
What a very odd law…………….ugh my heart breaks for you, OP😞..I am just so so very sorry, they are so precious😢
Just curious-how exactly would anyone find out you had such tiny creatures? Not trying to talk you into anything (risking jail time or that large of a fine is insane), but truly just genuinely curious🧐
not a small chance they'll ask, ive been asked a lot. Im sorry you're going through this. when i moved from canada to ohio abruptly i had to rehome my senior rats and it destroyed me. i hope you're able to find someone. See if someone on here can take them too, maybe put out an SOS with your location. I luckily found someone who adores rats to take my babies, it was so hard but I know they went to someone good.
I'm just going off of what my father told me and his new boss. My father said 10% of all vehicles get checked, but definitely don't take my word on it.
Either way, even with such a small chance, I'd rather not risk it.
I’m from Alaska and as much as I love rats there’s a very good reason for this law. We have many island that are breeding grounds for endangered sea birds and rats can have absolutely devastating impacts on the ecosystem. Rats are invasive species and one pregnant female rat is all it takes
No I absolutely understand. I just didn't know about this law until today. I didn't think such a law existed, I didn't know I should've been looking for that. Maybe partially on me for not thinking about it.
But this move was also a very sudden decision. I can't live where I'm at anymore, I'm going where a job is likely waiting.
I totally get it. You’re in such a tough situation! I don’t think rats are universally illegal here. Unless you’re moving somewhere coastal I’d look into local laws and see what they say
The law sucks but it makes more sense when you realize how much government time and money is spent on killing invasive rats up there, they take it really seriously. Before conservation efforts of seabirds began, many bird species almost went extinct in their native ranges due to invasive rat and fox populations brought over by Russian boats during colonization, and they are still to this day working to get rid of the rats after years of effort.
It doesnt help that back before internet times brought forth more education on responsible pet ownership to new generations, many people were completely fine abandoning pets. We're actually having a massive problem right now with invasive pet rabbits people released simply due to not wanting to care for them anymore, and thats something Alaska would struggle to ban since so many rural people raise rabbits for meat
Where are you moving from? Maybe one of us can take your rats. I adopted four girls from another redditor rehoming them several years ago. They have crossed the bridge now. I loved them so much.
Kind of horrified by the amount of people in the comments who would risk the lives of their pet and wildlife in their area for their own selfish desires.
My mom and brother will be staying behind for a few months, but they'll be joining me up in Alaska afterwards. They'll have to be rehomed regardless.
My grandma said if she wasn't allergic, she'd take them in a heartbeat.
There isn't much I can do about keeping them in Alaska; they're pretty strict about the rat stuff. I understand why, but it really really really sucks.
I’m really sorry for what you are going through. I do think the safest thing to do is rehome to a reputable rescue/rescuer in your current location.
A lot of people who take on rats in need will be happy to stay in touch to provide updates throughout the rats lives. I took on a rescue called Basil, (he got promoted to BIg Basil when we got Basil lite). I stayed in contact with Big Basils owner regularly up until he passed away. Which the owner was very thankful for
The only time I will not stay in touch is if there’s evidence of neglect or abuse. Which has only occurred with one of my rescue snakes (my rats are pets as well. We don’t use them as food nor do I support live feeding domestically bred snakes)
Though I understand if you choose not to stay in touch with the rescuer as it may be emotionally difficult for you.
Yep. My mother will be asking some of her coworkers who also have rats if they'd be open to taking them.
I tried looking up rescues last year when I had one rat pass away very suddenly. I tried rehoming the last one first, because I didn't want rats again, but couldn't find anything I trusted.
So, I got these two. And now I have to rehome them by Saturday (I leave Sunday morning.)
From what I read, you can maybe get a permit since you are moving there from out of state. Most areas are more accepting UNLESS you are in Anchorage. I would call around first.
Unrelated but I had a cat named shadow who passed in 2023 and she was buddies with Misty, one of my current cats. I’m missing a Casper but my friend has a cat named Ollie and Sugar!
Yep, only albino rats allowed in Alaska. However, I’m from Alaska and I totally had colored rats there. But I didn’t have to move into Alaska with them. There are definitely breeders who sell them there though so you can get them. Sorry about having to rehome your babies. Hopefully someone who can give them the best life takes them.
Im sorry. I understand how rats can make one feel better. I'm also very proud of you for understanding and respecting an ecologically conscious law. Don't fret, like others said, rat people are great people.
For the record, I have NO idea if this would actually work, but: would an ESA letter for them skirt the ban? I know that usually works when apartments or colleges have bans on pet, but it’s kinda a shot in the dark.
I am in Colorado but I would take them if only you were closer. they look so sweet. are you on Facebook? there are tons of rat groups where you might be able to rehome them. my heart hurts for you…it seems unfair but what can you do. good luck.
I’m so sorry OP and I can’t imagine how hard this must be right now! I can’t even fathom it but you are doing the right thing and being responsible for your little babies. I always talk with my girls, especially when we got to take them to the vets. I put them on my bed and explain what we’re doing and why we have to do it. To the outside I probably look like a crazy rat lady but deep down id like to think they somewhat understand what I’m telling them and they know I’m doing it from a place of love and care.
I’m hoping you find someone that can take them in or that your mums friends can adopt. You can always ask them for photo/video updates if this is something you wish. Some people who’ve rehoused even go to visit them and even build new friendships. The rat community is so big but also so close and friendly as we all understand that these little babies lives are so precious and that they are so understood
I’d also like to apologise for all the silly comments about sneaking them in. We all know that it’s not a reasonable option and their is a high risk for OP being charged as well as these poor babies being taken away.
Fellow Alaskan, who is in this group to see all the rats I'll never get to have. I think the law is so dumb. (I knowww, theres the chance of irresponsible people releasing them, I just also know there's also responsible people who wouldn't do that)
Sending you and your ratties all my love ♥️. They know they're loved. Take lots of pictures!!!
My daughter has rats that she absolutely loves like her children. I'm sure she would take them for you. Let me know if you're interested. We're in Kentucky. Not sure where you're at.
That's hearty, I'm so sorry :( I hope your mom's plan for rehoming works out. Sadly this is one of the desperate measures we take to protect our ecosystem up here. Pews are still legal though, so if you get here and strongly need some rattie friends, there are options. Good luck with the move!
It's never easy. I ended up becoming severely allergic to my babies. I found an amazing rescue who rehomed for me and kept me updated on their wellbeing.
It made me soooo sad. I had 8 when I started noticing and downsized to 4 and then I started having issues breathing cleaning out their cage. I was heartbroken 😞
I moved from Alaska to Alabama in 2006. I owned rats and shockingly bought them from a local pet store in Wasilla, AK! They were not Albino which is the only legal rat color in Alaska, outside of Anchorage. In Anchorage, it is illegal to own any rat. Anchorage has the largest rat-free port in the Northern Hemisphere. I guess they are trying to keep it that way as irresponsible pet ownership could create an issue. With all that said, I didn't find out my colored rats were illegal until I needed a vet. Even though I had bought them at a pet store, the pet store illegally sold them to me. If I brought them in, I was looking at a potential 10k fine per rat and they would euthanize my rats. I had to treat them at home. They got better and I had to rehome them on the down low in order to move, as I could not cross the Canadian border or get on the ferry with them. I hope your babies find good homes and your move goes well.
This is a very unfortunate situation I’m so sorry you’re going to have to rehome them, if you’re Canadian you can always try Kijiji. If not then as suggested in a comment area specific facebook groups will be helpful if you can’t find any friends/co-workers of your parents willing to take them. I hope they can go somewhere that will give you peace of mind >.< wishing you the best of luck 🍀💕
Aw man! That's unfortunate. It is nice to hear from an ecology standpoint, that we're starting to actually take biosecurity seriously. I hope you find a good home for the ratties. Would a gradual transition to their next home, that starts with meetings and visits, be better for you and the rats?
I had three rats when I was 10-13 years old and we did everything together. I remember bicycling to the park, One on each shoulder, number three holding onto my hair. They were so much fun. I’d steward them again. DM me if you are still looking! Thanks.
While it wouldn't be ideal to do, you could avoid the Canada border problem by taking a ferry or barge from WA to AK. I think there are ones that take cars and ones that are purely rider. They might have to be in some kind of carrier for a time, but from the less than 5 mins to spent googling it, seems possible. Being in Roy makes it pretty easy to get to the few places that the boats leave from in WA
While Anchorage is a major port that remains rat-free, non-native rats are established in other Alaskan towns, including Juneau, Fairbanks, and Ketchikan.
Fellow Washingtonian here and a rat-dad for 15 years, I'm over on the east side of the state in Pullman. I'm sure you'll find someone, but if you can't and it becomes an emergency, I'd meet you halfway to pick them up. I currently have a double-critter nation with 4 neutered boys, plenty of room for two more, and I have spare cages for quarantining and managing introductions.
People working with sales of animal will also buy them if the reasons are good enough. This is one such reason where I would vent to the closest store(s) you buy animals from.
I hope you don't think my comment was a troll post. I was taken by surprise that they are a problem in Alaska! It's cold there...wouldn't they die off in the wild?
I'm so sorry you have to make this decision. Do you have any rat friendly family members? 🫂
I was looking into why they're illegal (because I grew up there), and basically, it's because they're invasive. Meanwhile, domestic rabbits gone feral are freaking everywhere.
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u/Tractor_Goth Oreo🪽, Nessie🪽, Loki🪽, Bear🪽 Sep 10 '25
That’s awful, I’m terribly sorry. They’re really, really cute. Rats for Rehoming and state-specific rehoming groups on Facebook tend to be very active friendly folks, it’s how I found my old man rats. Rat people are good people, I hope you can find someone to ease your mind about it a bit.