NERS Longevity awards
Our Longevity award scheme was set up in 2005 to reward rats that live well beyond an average lifespan. The average lifespan of a pet rat in the UK is between 22 and 24 months. This information is based on two surveys. The first was taken from lifespan data as published in ProRatA - the NFRS magazine - over a number of years. The second was taken from information supplied by members of the Fancy Rats Forum and is under review. In view of these surveys and records kept by breeders, NERS set the age that a rat must reach to be awarded a Longevity award at 28 months.
Increasing numbers of applications for the NLA scheme then prompted us to rethink the way in which we rewarded longevity, especially as a number of applications were for rats well over the stated 28 months. As a result, in 2010 we added a range of rewards in an attempt to ensure that breeders (and owners) continue attempting to 'raise the bar' in terms of health and longevity, to the benefit of everyone in the fancy.
A NERS member owning a rat reaching an age of 28, 32, 36, or 40 months may apply for a Longevity award for that rat as follows:
| Age |
Award |
| 28 months |
Bronze Longevity award |
| 32 months |
Silver Longevity award |
| 36 months |
Gold Longevity award |
| 40 months |
Platinum Longevity award |
The application for a Longevity award can be made from the day the rat reaches 28 months up until 6 months after the rat dies. Multiple awards may be claimed as the rat reaches the milestones. A printed certificate will be produced only for the highest attained award a rat reaches.
If the rat is still alive at time of application, the award will be announced in Rattitude, on the members' forum, and in the Hall of fame section on the website. Where a date of death is given, the award will be announced as above, and a printed award certificate will be produced and posted out (or presented at our next show).
Rats awarded a NERS Longevity award may have their names suffixed with NLA28, NLA32, NLA36, NLA40.
Applying for a NERS Longevity award
If you would like to apply for a NERS Longevity award, please use the online form.
Alternatively, email the Award Scheme co-ordinator at awardscheme@neratsociety.co.uk. Please include your full name and address and the following information:
- Rat name
- Date of birth (can be approximate)
- Date of death (if posthumous)
- Origin - breeder's name (if known) or rescue, petshop etc.
If your rat is from a breeder, please also include the following (if known):
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