Home | About the Show | What to Expect | Schedule | Showing Rats | Participants | FAQ | Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions |
||
| How much is the entrance fee? | ||
|
The cost of admittance depends on the location and venue. However, one thing that will remain constant is that children five and under are free. Entry fees help cover the cost of the venue, but we try to keep it affordable for everyone! |
||
| What kind of payment methods are accepted at the show? | ||
|
We take cash, credit, debit, PayPal, and Venmo. This also applies to any rat entry fees, RatsPacNW Membership fees, and any Ratapalooza merchandise you purchase. |
||
| How do I register my rats for the show? | ||
Once registration is open for an upcoming show, we will update our website and Facebook page with information. You can also go directly to our Showing Rats page to see if registration is open, read our rules and policies, learn about proper quarantine, and access our registration form. From there, you can enter any rats that you might possibly bring. You will only pay fees for the rats you actually bring to the show. Please note that only pre-registered rats will be allowed inside.  |
||
| Can I enter my rat in more than one category? | ||
Your rat may be entered into one standards category and any pet category. They cannot be entered into more than one standards category (i.e. dumbo/marked and hairless). Your rat should be entered into the category of your rat's most prominent feature. With how our score sheets work, they will be judged on all features they exhibit, so they will do better in the correct class.  |
||
| At the show, what do we do if we have a rat entered? | ||
|
Pay attention to when your class will be called. Sometimes a class may be switched, end early or go very long depending on number of entries. When your rat's class is called, put them in their show box with their entry form or entry number placed on top. DO NOT place identifying marks on your box or the sheet other than what was given to you. Once the class is finished you will be asked to collect your rat, ribbon, and score sheet. If your rat scored well, you may be asked to wait until the best of variety is judged to get them. Rats that win best of variety will then be asked to come back at the end of the judging for best of show.  |
||
| How do I quarantine my rats? What does that entail? | ||
Quarantine begins 3 weeks before the show. A quarantine start date will be provided once the show has been scheduled.  Please reference the RatsPacNW procedure page on how to properly quarantine your rats: RATSPACNW QUARANTINE PROCEDURES |
||
| Does RatsPacNW have a rat/breeder registry? | ||
No, we do not keep a formal registry in which we keep track of lineages. Tracking lineage is the breeder's job and is not something that we offer. Anyone can be a member of RatsPacNW, but that does not include endorsement of their rattery. We encourage people do their own research when looking to adopt from one. |
||
| Where do I find the show standards? | ||
Our shows are based on the RatsPacNW show standards. You can find the entire list of standards here: www.ratspacnw.org/standards  |
||
| What is a show box and how do I get one? | ||
A show box is a clear plastic cage with a snap-on lid. These are sold in many pet stores and cost between $20-$25. For adult rats, we recommend the large size box (approx. 14.5 x 8.75 x 9.75 inches) and kittens can be shown in the medium size (approx. 11.88 x 7.75 x 8.13 inches). We do not recommend wire cages be brought to the judges table for several reasons. One, we try to keep the owner of the rat anonymous, and show boxes provide that conformity. Show boxes also provide less contact between other rats, which helps prevent transfer of unknown/unseen diseases or parasites. The club will have boxes available to use, for a fee, but you are encouraged to bring your own as quantities are limited. Use an appropriate size; make sure your rat can turn around comfortably in the box, and don't keep them in the box for longer than 45 minutes. The following are some examples of what can be found online. Last updated 11/6/24. Ratapalooza is not affiliated with any of the stores linked below and does not receive compensation for any click throughs or purchases. These are just for your reference. |
||
| Exo Terra Faunarium, Plastic Reptile Terrarium, Large (Link has bulk rates!)  |
Lee's Kritter Keeper, Large (Most commonly bought)  |
Thrive Critter Reptile Tote |
Ratapalooza is presented by RatsPacNW Rat Fanciers Club. We are a 501(c)4 non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public and securing the wellbeing of rats!
© Copyright RatspacNW, 2024. Have a question? Email us at contact@ratspacnw.org