To think pet rats don't belong in coffee shops?

[Rowena191]

I was a bit gobsmacked today in the queue in a coffee shop. The young woman in front of me was wearing a baby sling and out crawled a pet rat, which ran up and down her arm and had a good sniff about. It didn't poo, wee, bite anyone or run on the counter tops. But all the same I felt creeped out. Rats are not what I am expecting in an establishment serving food. I didn't say anything as frankly I was too shocked.

Was I being unreasonable and pet rats are fine? (I do think pet rats are fine if kept in your own home.) Should I have said something to her? Should I have complained to the manager? Plenty of people bring in dogs after all.

...

I think that's amazing and I would love to see a pet rat out and about! I can understand your views though so don't think you necessarily are being unreasonable.

Prefer that to dogs.

I would find that unacceptable

She can hardly leave it outside tethered to the railings.

Not that you can do that with dogs, nowadays

Wouldn't bother me at all, but I had pet rats. The tame ones are clean creatures.

She could just leave it at home ...

No animals should be in coffee shops rats, dogs or otherwise.

Eh. I see what you mean, and lots of people don’t like rats.

But I used to take my hedgehog to work with me on the train sometimes, so I’d be a hypocrite to complain! If they rat was under control, and behaving, I don’t think I could be too bothered about it

Another preferring a rat in arms to a dog

No pets belong in cafes. It’s time people left them at home if they plan to go to and eat out.

Really hate this trend of brining pets everywhere these days.

Blimey!! Intrigued as to know where you live - I’m guessing Brighton or Bristol - somewhere a bit bohemian.

I thought it was going to be a cafe with a resident pet rat, like the gerbil in Fleabag—disappointed.

I'm not really a fan of pets in public indoor spaces, but I think that a pet rat in a sling is probably better than a dog.

I used to have a pet rat but definitely would not take one to a cafe, unless it was in a cage. But i prefer a rat in a cafe to a dog. I remember going to a cafe once and seeing bits of dog hair stuck to the top of the ketchup bottle.

This (assistance dogs aside obviously). I love pets and have pets myself but I do not want to sit in a cafe or restaurant next to dogs or whatever else.

I would hate it and think rats are vile. I wouldn't complain to anyone as I don't think it is a hazard, just unpleasant to me personally.
I would object if it was being allowed to run over the tables or seating, but it doesn't sound like that was happening.

Yeah ok, as if that happened.

I don't think I'd be bothered as long as it stayed with her. A man brings a ferret to our local Cafe Nero and my only reaction was wanting to say hello to it.

But I am an animal lover and fine with dogs in cafes.

I'd prefer that to a cat which walk along the counter tops and tables. Gross.

I would have ran out in hysterics. I have a rat phobia and I never open my windows in case one comes in. I keep a heavy weight on my toilet seat just I in case one comes up the toilet.

Submerging them in salt water seems a bit extreme!

I would have loved it but how could she be sure it wouldn't escape?!

lol

Did it have 'assistance rat' on its harness!

Jesus christ.

Nah, they are adorable🥹