--- title: Pet Rats While You Travel | Happy Paws Kennels url: https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/pet-rat-care-while-you-travel/ business: Happy Paws Kennels address: 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 phone: 707-678-6600 hours: drop-off and pick-up every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2:00-5:00 PM type: Dog and cat boarding kennel on about 10 country acres; caring for pets in Dixon since 1971 rates: 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026 (dogs from $52 a night, cats $35 a night) --- - [Home](https://happypawskennels.com/) - [Guides](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/) - Pet rats while you travel # Pet rats while you travel Bring your rat in a secure, covered carrier or its own cage with the usual food, tell the kennel if it lives with a cage mate, and leave a written card. Happy Paws Kennels welcomes pet rats, and the price is given when you call 707-678-6600. [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin)[Call 707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) Rats are smart, social animals that notice changes. A short, well-planned stay goes best when the cage, the bedding, the food and the cage mate are as close to home as possible. ## Rats are social, so mention the cage mate The American Veterinary Medical Association describes rats as social animals that thrive in same-sex pairs or groups, larger and easier to handle than smaller rodents, and often strongly bonded to their owners. If your rat lives with one or more cage mates, say so when you book and ask how they will stay. The AVMA says rodents introduced to a group later may fight, so bonded pairs are best kept as they are. Average rat lifespan is 2 to 4 years according to the AVMA, which is one more reason to plan a stay carefully rather than rush it. ## Cage, latches and chewing Rats need a larger cage and more attention than the smallest rodents, per the AVMA, and cages should have secure latches, because pet rodents can be expert escape artists. The AVMA also notes that rodents love to chew, so safe chewing materials matter and electrical wires should be kept away from them. Happy Paws may ask you to provide the cage for a small pet. Bring it clean, with the water bottle and food dish attached, and check the door latch twice. A familiar cage keeps the smells, hides and bedding your rat knows. ## Food, supplements and the feeding card Keep the diet the same during the stay. Pack the food your rat usually eats in a sealed bag, enough for the trip plus extra, and add any supplements. The AVMA's disaster guidance for small mammals suggests including necessary dietary supplements, extra bedding and exercise equipment. On a card, write your name and phone, the food and amount, how often the water bottle is changed, your rat's name and any quirks, such as a nervous temperament or a favorite hiding place. Mention the handling your rat is used to, because some rats are shy with strangers. ## Getting there safely Use a secure, covered carrier or cage, cover it lightly with a cloth, and keep the car cool. Never leave a rat in a parked car in Dixon summer heat. Rats are small and a car can heat quickly. Run the air conditioning before you load. Happy Paws Kennels welcomes rats along with hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs and birds. Read more on the [pet rat boarding page](https://happypawskennels.com/small-animal-boarding/rats/) and the [packing list](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/what-to-pack-for-small-pet-boarding/), or call to ask about your dates. ### Sources (checked October 19, 2026) - [AVMA: Selecting a pet rodent](https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/selecting-pet-rodent) - [AVMA Disaster Preparedness Series: Saving the Whole Family](https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/STWF_English.pdf) - [Happy Paws Kennels things to know](https://happypawskennels.com/things-to-know/) ### 2026 nightly rates - First Class kennel $72 - Business Class kennel $59 - Economy Class kennel $52 - Cat condo $35 All-inclusive: food, medications and walks. 2026 rates, effective for reservations made on or after Jan 1, 2026. [All 2026 rates](https://happypawskennels.com/rates/) ### Visit or call 6677 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620 [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) | Drop-off and pick-up, every day | 7:30 to 11:30 AM and 2:00 to 5:00 PM | | --- | --- | | Tours, every day (no appointment) | 9:00 to 11:00 AM and 2:00 to 4:00 PM | [Book a stay](https://happypawskennels.propetware.com/customerLogin) ### Related - [Pet rats](https://happypawskennels.com/small-animal-boarding/rats/) - [Small pet boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/small-animal-boarding/) - [What to pack for a small pet's stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/what-to-pack-for-small-pet-boarding/) - [Hamsters and gerbils while you travel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/hamster-and-gerbil-care-while-you-travel/) - [Guinea pigs while you travel](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/guinea-pig-care-while-you-travel/) ## Read next - [Rabbits and guinea pigs in Central Valley heat](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/rabbits-and-guinea-pigs-in-hot-weather/) - [Guinea pig food and vitamin C while you are away](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/guinea-pig-food-and-vitamin-c-while-away/) - [Getting a pet bird to boarding safely](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/small-pets/bird-carrier-and-travel-tips/) - [How much does dog boarding cost near Sacramento?](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-much-does-dog-boarding-cost/) - [Dog boarding cost per night](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-boarding-cost-per-night/) - [How to prepare your dog for boarding](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/how-to-prepare-your-dog-for-boarding/) - [Your dog's first boarding stay](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/first-time-boarding/) - [Dog boarding checklist](https://happypawskennels.com/guides/dog-boarding-checklist/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [707-678-6600](tel:+17076786600) (every day 7:30-11:30 AM and 2-5 PM) or see the [boarding FAQ](https://happypawskennels.com/faq/). ### How much does boarding a rat cost? There is no small pet price on the 2026 rate sheet. Please ask at 707-678-6600. ### Can two rats stay together? Tell the kennel when you book that your rats live together and ask how they will be housed. ### Should I bring the cage? Yes, bring your rat's own cage. The kennel may ask you to provide it. ### Are rats happier alone or in pairs? The AVMA says rats are social and thrive in same-sex pairs or groups.