These small animals we too often forget: meeting the association Au Bazar des NAC

When we talk about the sensitive issue of animal abandonment, the images that most often come to mind are usually those of dogs and cats.

Yet every year, many other animals are also abandoned, given up, neglected or entrusted to associations. Rabbits, guinea pigs, pet rats, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, birds and even reptiles are among these companions grouped together in France under the term NAC, short for “Nouveaux Animaux de Compagnie”, meaning new companion animals.

Less visible in the media, rarely, if ever, included in awareness campaigns and often affected by many misconceptions, they are nevertheless sentient beings with their own needs.

It is precisely for them that associations such as Au Bazar des NAC work every day.

Through its rescues, foster families and adoptions, this association reminds us of a reality that is sometimes forgotten: behind every small animal lies a story that deserves to be heard.

NAC: animals that are still too often misunderstood

The paradox of NAC is that they are both very popular and still widely misunderstood.

How many rabbits are bought with the idea that they will live in a cage and require little attention? How many guinea pigs are given to children without their real needs being understood? How many pet rats still suffer from prejudice, even though they are among the most intelligent and affectionate companion animals?

Very often, abandonment does not come from a lack of affection, but rather from a gap between the image people had of the animal and the reality of its needs.

Did you know that a rabbit can live for more than ten years? That a guinea pig needs companionship and space? Or that a ferret requires time, attention and a secure environment? Even the smallest rodents need care, a suitable habitat and genuine commitment from their owner.

When an adoption takes place without enough preparation, disappointment can sometimes lead to separation.

This is where specialised associations play an essential role.

An association created to offer them a second chance

Au Bazar des NAC is a national animal protection association entirely dedicated to NAC, and has now been working for 21 years to help these animals that are still too often forgotten.

Its aim is simple in principle, but immense in practice: to take in abandoned animals or animals in difficulty, provide them with the care they need and help them find a new home suited to their needs.

Unlike the traditional image we may sometimes have of a shelter, the association does not operate from a structure open to the public. The animals are cared for through a network of foster families.

The animals are housed temporarily in homes where they can be observed, cared for and supported before their final adoption.

This organisation has a valuable advantage: it makes it possible to get to know each animal better, including its character, habits, possible difficulties and the conditions in which it will truly be able to thrive.

Adoption is therefore not simply about finding an available home. Above all, it is about finding the home that will genuinely suit the animal.

Behind every post, there is a real story

When browsing the adoption notices and updates published by the association, one thing quickly becomes clear: behind every photo, there is a story.

It may be a rabbit abandoned after a move, guinea pigs given up because their owner can no longer care for them, an unexpected litter requiring urgent support, or an animal rescued from unsuitable living conditions.

Each post tells far more than a simple search for an adopter.

The animals are never presented as interchangeable beings. Each one has its own identity, its own story and its own specific needs.

This approach reminds us of an obvious truth that is sometimes forgotten: whether dog, cat, rabbit or pet rat, every animal deserves to be considered as an individual in its own right.

The essential role of foster families

We often talk about adoptions, but much less often about the work that takes place before them.

Yet foster families are one of the most important pillars in the protection system for NAC.

They temporarily open their homes to animals that need stability, care and observation.

They also allow the association to better understand the behaviour of each animal in its care. Is it sociable with its own kind? Is it comfortable around humans? Does it need a quiet environment, or on the contrary a very present family?

All this information is valuable in building lasting adoptions.

Being a foster family is not simply about housing an animal for a few weeks. It means actively taking part in its recovery and future integration into a new home.

Some animals, because they are too old, too fragile, too ill or too unstable to be offered for adoption, also join the association’s “ark”. They remain there until the end of their lives, with the care and attention they need.

Adopting a NAC: much more than love at first sight

Faced with an adorable rabbit, a young guinea pig or a curious rat coming over to make contact, it is easy to fall in love quickly. But specialised associations regularly remind us that a successful adoption cannot be based on emotion alone.

It also requires information, anticipation and an honest reflection on what bringing an animal into everyday life really means.

The space required, food, veterinary care, expected expenses, absences, holidays and the animal’s lifespan are all questions that deserve to be considered before any adoption.

Adoption conditions and fees also help to frame this process: they remind us that welcoming an animal is a real commitment, one that means preparing its habitat, veterinary care and daily routine before it arrives.

The aim is not to discourage future adopters. Quite the opposite: the more carefully an adoption is considered, the more likely it is to become a beautiful story, both for the animal and for its future family.

How can you help without necessarily adopting?

Not everyone can welcome an animal into their home.

But that does not mean it is impossible to help.

Associations such as Au Bazar des NAC regularly need foster families, volunteers, transport helpers, financial donations or equipment. The association also offers a pet-sitting service, provided by volunteer members, whose income helps fund its main mission: rescuing abandoned NAC and offering them a second chance.

Sharing a post can also have a real impact. A notice seen by the right person at the right time can sometimes change an animal’s fate.

Animal protection often relies on many small gestures which, when added together, can save lives.

And perhaps that is what Au Bazar des NAC reminds us of best: even the smallest animals deserve to be seen, understood and cared for seriously.

At Merlin&Cie, we also wanted to make our own small contribution. By using the code BAZAR-DES-NAC when you shop with us, 5% of your order amount is donated to the association Au Bazar des NAC, helping to support the care of these animals who also deserve a second chance.