Any Rat Rescue is dedicated to the memory of Gus and Walter, the first rescue rats of original rescue director Therese Hitesman, who now lives in Washington state. Someone had set two male rats free in a Glendale, Arizona park and Therese knew they would not have the instincts needed to survive. She persisted through several monsoon showers, ultimately capturing the boys and moving them safely to her home.
A group of local pet rat owners had met through an online forum for rat owners and, at Therese’s urging, ultimately decided to formalize efforts to find homes for unwanted pet rats. The group of friends joined together to form Any Rat Rescue in the spring of 2004.
Any Rat Rescue (ARR) operates as a network of foster homes throughout the Valley. ARR is incorporated in the State of Arizona and is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The rescue, which is dedicated to finding loving, forever homes for any rat in need, now facilitates adoptions for more than 150 pet rats per year.
Any Rat Rescue, a PACC911 member, is a 501(c)(3) organization, incorporated in the State of Arizona in 2004 and dedicated to finding loving, forever homes for any pet rat in need. Visit them at https://anyratrescue.org
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Topics of Interest
The Joys of Boys
We often see more male surrenders than females, and a preference for adopting girls. We love them both, but did you know this about male rats?
— Boys more recommended for kids and first timers
— Males rarely get reoccurring mammary tumors that plague females
— Boys are generally more laid-back than girls
— Males enjoy being pet and chilling in your lap
— Boys tend to stick to a smaller area when free-ranging.
— Some people don’t choose boys because of their testicles. It is possible to neuter males, but should most often done if a “teenage hormonal upheaval” causes aggression. (Not too common, but can happen)
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One Last Rat
by Any Rat Rescue Director Jenna Lillibridge
We have noticed a recent trend in families contacting us to surrender their remaining older rat after the others have passed. Regrettably, they’ve become convinced that keeping their remaining furry friend at home alone is cruel and they do not wish to get more rats
We disagree. We know that rats are mentally and physically healthier with companions, especially during their first year. However, they are incredibly “in the moment” and adaptable. Most rats respond perfectly well to living their remaining time in their home as solo rats.
Is discarding them to the unknown really in their best interests? They will go through quarantine alone, in a completely different home and cage. They will wait at a foster home for adoption, although most adopters do not want a pet who will die soon.
There is no guarantee a rat will get along with a new friend at the rescue or at an adopter’s house; if or when that may happen.
Rarely, a rat may show signs or grieving, and Any Rat Rescue will be happy to discuss options. In our opinion, the best thing for your last rat, like any family member, is staying in their home where they are most known and loved.
(Cute rats snuggle in a hammock. Photo by Noah Benson.)
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