Rat Terrier Looking At Camera

With their sharp eyes, endless curiosity, and a streak of mischief, rat terriers make life feel a little more exciting. They’re small enough to fit into city apartments, yet energetic enough for zoomies in fenced backyards. If you’re looking for a dog who balances goofiness with loyalty, a rattie will be your best choice.

These active dogs love going on adventures with their families. However, you don’t always have to plan something extraordinary to keep them happy. Even a cozy campground picnic with hours of sniff-and-explore and frisbee games will be sufficient. Luckily, North Carolina’s year-round pleasant weather means undisrupted outdoor fun at all times.

Now, let’s move on to the fun part and learn how to adopt a rat terrier in North Carolina. These dogs are adopted quickly due to their easygoing personalities, so stay alert and act fast to bring one home.

Rat Terrier Adoption in North Carolina

Meet experienced owners to know what it’s like to live with a rat terrier, and attend dog shows to watch these zoomie machines in action. When you’re sure you can handle their spunk, only then look for adoption centers in your region. A lot of them post pictures and bios of available dogs on social media platforms to connect with families easily.

When a post catches your eye, contact the given number. They’ll ask you to submit an application online for review. This is a form with questions about your daily routine, hobbies and interests, family members, and experience with small dogs. The staff uses this information to pair you with a dog that’ll be perfect for your lifestyle.

Rat terriers are curious canines with a can-do attitude. Once they set their heart on something, they won’t stop until it’s done. This could include squeezing their butts out of a loose fence or digging up your flowerbed. If you need help puppy-proofing your home, give the rescue staff a tour of your home so they can give you some tips.

Once you and your home are prepared to welcome a little dynamo, finish the paperwork and claim your pup. Before you leave the facility, get your rattie examined for skin conditions and dental issues. Also, collect all their documents so it’s easier to devise a care plan moving forward.

Other Dogs For Adoption

Adopt MeYeti

Yeti

Waterloo, IL
Breed: Rat Terrier
Sex: Female
Age: 5 yrs 6 mos
Rat Terrier On A Blue Background

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Rat Terrier in North Carolina?

Adoption centers charge a minimal fee, ranging from $135 to $350, for healthy rat terriers in North Carolina. This fee covers everything, from the price of the pup to basic services, like vaccinations and deworming. Most dogs are neutered or spayed and come with a microchip. Overall, adopting is more affordable than purchasing from a breeder.

Rat terriers are often considered low-maintenance dogs since they don’t need a lot of grooming. Even their essential supplies, like toys, a puppy pen or a crate, and dog-approved food, don’t cost too much. If you set aside a yearly budget of $1,500, you’ll be able to pay for their needs comfortably.

How Should I Train a Rat Terrier?

Rat terriers are intelligent dogs who want to make their humans happy. This makes it easy to train them. However, because they have a stubborn side, you’ll need to stay consistent and patient with your pup. Establish boundaries from day one and follow a routine to help them figure out what’s expected of them.

These munchkins love being in a stimulating environment. Give them puzzle feeders and tug toys to stay busy indoors. For backyard playtime, invest in jumping bars, tunnels, and other obstacles to make agility training exciting. Keep the sessions short, because ratties tend to overheat fast.

Although generally friendly and outgoing, rat terriers can sometimes get too suspicious of newcomers. If you host a lot of gatherings, socializing your pup early on will boost their confidence and help them stay calm around your friends. Our Building Confidence in Dogs course is a great way to introduce your little pup to some helpful self-esteem skills.

Dog Training with Dog Academy

Rat Terrier Standing

Find the Right Rat Terrier in North Carolina for You

There are plenty of rat terriers waiting for forever homes in North Carolina. All you need to do is find the one whose personality clicks with yours. Start your search early, connect with the right people, and soon enough, your rattie will be by your side, filling your days with joy.