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 soon banded together to form Any Rat Rescue.
Any Rat Rescue (ARR) operates as a network of foster homes throughout the Phoenix metro area. ARR was incorporated in the State of Arizona in 2004 and is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The rescue facilitates adoptions for approximately 200 pet rats per year. Any Rat Rescue has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (formerly Guidestar) and is an active partner of Phoenix Animal Care Coalition (PACC911), an alliance of 140 rescues and animal welfare organizations throughout the Valley of the Sun.
Any Rat Rescue is led by Director Jenna Lillibridge and Assistant Director/Adoption Coordinator Margaret Benson. Janet Cooper serves as Treasurer and Communications Coordinator. Keli Quinn manages the rescue’s social media. Any Rat Rescue’s mission is to find loving, forever homes for any pet rat in need.
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