by Daria Filimonova

In October 2023, Haley and her daughter Hanna, then eight years old, embarked on a journey to become small animal owners. Haley says that Hanna really wanted a small pet, and when they began researching different options for their family, they discovered that rats would be a perfect addition. The family had no prior experience with rat ownership, but after reading how sweet and intelligent rats can be, they made their decision.

Rattie Ratz came up in a Google search, and Haley and Hanna decided to adopt from the rescue instead of searching for a breeder—adopt, don’t shop! The decision to adopt from a rescue proved to be a good one, as Rattie Ratz offers a plethora of resources and provides invaluable knowledge for new rat owners.

Haley and Hanna attended the monthly Rattie Ratz adoption event held at Pet Food Express, and quickly fell in love with both the rats and the rescue volunteers. Hanna and her family welcomed three rats into their home: Dora, Piper, and Lucy. Lucy, the mother of Dora and Piper, quickly became a beloved member of the family alongside her daughters. Haley and Hanna described the adoption process as smooth and well-supported–– after they filled out an adoption application, things were set in motion to ensure they were matched with rats that would be a good fit for their family. The foster mom of Dora, Piper, and Lucy provided photos and videos of the girls to help ensure that they would be matched with a good forever home.

At first, Dora and Lucy were outgoing and ready to explore, while Piper was shy and hesitant. Hanna helped Piper build confidence by taking time each day to make sure everyone was happy and comfortable. With patience and daily interaction, Piper became just as curious as her sister and mother.

Hanna is now ten years old, and the primary caretaker of her rats. With her love and care, the girls are thriving in their home. Hanna says the girls are very much loved, and that having pet rats is rewarding because of how fun and smart they are.

When asked to describe their personalities, Hanna writes:
“Dora is very adventurous and curious. Lucy is calmer and is just always happy. Piper is a little bit of pepper—haha! She is fast and wants to explore everything in her sight. She is also the first to take two treats.”

Additionally, Hanna and Haley mention that having pet rats has become an interesting topic of conversation, likely because rats are often misunderstood. Many people are surprised to learn what affectionate and wonderful pets they make.

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According to Hanna and Haley, the best part of having pet rats is their companionship. “[They’re] always happy to see us. They’re small but mighty in their presence in our family!”

When asked about the hardships of rat ownership, Hanna does say that keeping their enclosure clean and enriching their environment with toys and activities can be a challenge!

For anyone considering adopting pet rats, Hanna and Haley offer simple but important advice:

• Dedicate time to them daily––Rats thrive on social interaction and need consistent engagement.
• Be patient––It can take a few months for new rats to fully settle into their routine and trust their owners.
• Keep their habitat entertaining––A clean and stimulating environment is essential for their well-being.

For those willing to put in the effort, pet rats make wonderful companions, proving that even the smallest creatures can bring immense joy and love into a home. Thank you to Haley and Hanna for sharing their adoption story with us, and providing such a happy update on Dora, Piper, and Lucy!

If you would like to know more about Rattie Ratz Rescue you can visit their Facebook page. If you are interested in adoptable rats or volunteering for Rattie Ratz Rescue you can visit their website: www.rattieratz.com.

Check out more animal rescue stories in our Pet Perspective section & watch for more stories from Rattie Ratz every month. You can also keep up with our pet articles by joining our KRL Facebook group. Advertise in KRL and 10% of your advertising fees can go to Rattie Ratz.