Rat Rescue


The other day one of my Facebook friends who spends far too much time sharing pictures of cute dogs about to lose their lease at the animal shelter took it to a new level when she shared a rat rescue site and appeared to be considering its merits for her own good works. At first glance, the Facebook page appeared to be a spoof and I thought, boy, Carole’s really been snookered now. When I read on I began to have a nagging suspicion that this was for real. I clicked, I drilled down and I read on.

There are several rat rescue organizations throughout the United states, probably one near you but not to worry, transport can be arranged. Something like the underground train for slaves, er I mean rats has been put in place. I was amazed by the number of rat rescue sites I found and plagued (sorry) by all the questions they raise. Is there a rat pound somewhere I don't know about? I suppose there might be exterminators providing the "pets" who advertise themselves as "no kill." I had some bees removed from my attic by just such an outfit. That was slightly more understandable to me. There is a bee shortage. Then, I discovered that the rescue rats were sourced from pets found abandoned. Apparently these are pets who were dumped by their inhumane owners and it does make you feel bad.

Rescue stories often involve heroic removal of pets from deplorable conditions. I can’t help wondering just how deplorable conditions would have to get to be unfit for a rat. I had a rat living in between my garbage compactor and kitchen cabinetry for several weeks doing quite well, thank you very much, judging from his size. Still this crawl space seemed pretty claustrophobic and it was the rat’s choice.

A couple more things to think about before you rush out to adopt. The rats must be adopted in pairs because they are social animals. Perhaps, judging by the numbers in need, you should ask, if they spay and/or neuter these rats before adopting them out? They claim to socialize the rats before they leave foster care but how do you really know? Are mice available as well? What might the penalty be if you take a bunch on the pretext of adoption and feed them to your snake?

A $10.00 adoption fee is requested but not required. I can’t speak to just how costly it is to run a rat rescue operation. Star’s Rat Rescue solicits donations and sells merchandise to raise money (picture rat hammocks and tee shirts). If you provide a temporary foster home until a furever home is found, your costs can be subsidized by the lead organization.

Perhaps, as my friend Julie suggested, it is time for a new rescue organization for people in dire straits but this time founded by rats. No orphans, just slovenly housekeepers, good cooks, and maybe the occasional teenager. I can already imagine the descriptions and pictures of successful rescues. Sponsors anyone? Did you know that humans make particularly good house pets and frequently provide their own houses?


My friend Anne suggested that we grab a currently unclaimed idea. We will report back after we investigate no kill bug killers, I mean removers. The slogans are not hard to imagine. Send a termite to a better place. And cockroach motel could take on a new meaning. Business or 501(c), I wonder?

All things considered, the "available" rats pictured are kind of cute but I suspect they may be mice posing as rats.