I posted a while back about the various sizes of Rat terriers.  I finally decided to go through and adopt one.  I will be adopting Linus from the Ratbones site and should be picking him up Wednesday.

I now have a few questions regarding what to do after picking him up.  I know they come with a wellness certificate from a vet but should I carry him to a vet immediately after picking him up?  If I don't have to do it immediately how long should I wait before carrying him?  I know after his first visit everything should be on the regular schedule after that but I'm not sure if a visit is need immediately if he comes from a reputable adoption agency with a wellness certificate.

Thanks for your help.

First off, CONGRATULATIONS on your new Rattie-to-be, and "THANK YOU" for rescuing him!!!

If he has been vet-checked and has all his shots and vaccinations etc etc, you should probably just set up a vet app't with your own vet at your earliest convenience, just so they can have him and all his files in their records in case you would ever have to take him there unexpectdly for some reason.  If you take him just for a 'check up' and no shots are involved, it might make his trip to the vet's office a more pleasant experience, too.  Will he already be neutered when you get him?  I got my little guy Bo from a shelter, and he wasn't neutered yet--I had to set up an app't with my vet for that.

Welcome to the group, and we sure would like to know more about your new addition to your family!

Congradulations!! Soooooooooo what happens after you adopt, well no more sleeping in, guard all food and drinks with your life, get ready to stumble over the little white body constantly at your feet, your house turns into a dog race track, your bed no longer belongs to you and you will surely step on toys everywhere you walk. That being said you will also find the best buddy to cuddle up with, you will have constant entertainment and laughter in your life along with unconditional love and the feeling of saving a life you will never replace. That is what happens after you adopt.

Seriously, I would take Linus right to the vet as well. Just to get him accquaited and even if he is up to date on his shots he may need some preventative care..ie heartworm pill (which my dogs take every month) if you are in a warm climate flea protection and even maybe a nail trim

I can't wait to see pics!! Congradulations again!!

Congratulations on your decision and acceptance to adopt Linus!  Can't wait to see pics!  30-35 lbs. is a big guy..........maybe some Decker Giant Rat Terrier in his ancestry? You're gonna love that dog!  Ratties are a barrel of laughs everyday!  Such funny little (or not so little ) dogs.

How exciting for both of you, he probably doesn't want to go in his crate cause he wants to be close to you to and check out his new home!  It's going to be lots of work but so worth it. Best of Luck to you!!