Rattie Ratz: Rescue, Resource, and Referral is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the fancy rat (also known as the domestic rat or pet rat). It is based in Woodside, California.[citation needed] It was founded in 1998 and incorporated in 2001.[2]
 A common hooded fancy rat | |
| 94-3400283[1] | |
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| Website | www |
History
editRattie Ratz was founded by college student Diane Weikal in the San Francisco Bay Area. Wanting a small pet for a small room, she went to the local Humane Society looking for a puppy and instead discovered the fancy rat.[3] She soon found herself taking in rats in need, and Rattie Ratz began. Today Rattie Ratz is one of the largest rescue organizations dedicated specifically to rats.[citation needed] It has a network of foster homes which care for the rats until a permanent owner (also known as a "forever home") can be found. As a non-profit organization, Rattie Ratz depends on individual donations and voluntary foster homes to care for rats in transition.
Mission
editRattie Ratz states their mission is "to improve the lives of domestic pet rats and their guardians by promoting value and respect for all animal life."[4] They strive to educate the public and to place pet rats into loving homes. The organization is "dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of domestic pet rats in Northern California."[5]
Function
editRattie Ratz works by taking in surrendered or seized pet rats from shelters such as Humane Society facilities. In some cases, Rattie Ratz will accept private surrenders. One major way Rattie Ratz helps in animal rescues is during hoarding cases, when numerous animals being kept in inhumane conditions are seized by authorities. After such a seizure, a humane organization or county shelter can find itself dealing with 1,000 rats from one home.[6] Rescue groups like Rattie Ratz then step in and take in as many rats as they can handle and work to find homes.[7]
The rat is an animal with a bad reputation. Wild rats do not make good pets, but the fancy rat has been bred for that specific purpose for many years.[8] Rattie Ratz works to educate the public through events like The Wonderful World of Rats.[9] Education of the public includes pet rat care, health, and behavior.[10]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Rattie Ratz Form 990 2002". ProPublica. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 14 September 2017.
- ^ "Rattie Ratz". California Corporation Search. California Secretary of State. Archived from the original on 2 April 2010. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
- ^ "Rodent-rescue operation has tough job". Oakland Tribune. October 23, 2002. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
- ^ "Our Mission". Rattieratz.com. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- ^ "Rattie Ratz: Rescue, Resource and Referral". Rattie Ratz website. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
- ^ Fimrite, Peter (June 24, 2006). "Reclusive rat owner fit profile of hoarder". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- ^ "Rat lovers join forces in animal rescue". Sacramento Bee. May 13, 2003. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
- ^ Mitchell, Eileen (November 1, 2008). "Rattie Ratz group matches rats with owners". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved December 15, 2012.
- ^ "Rattie Ratz teams with PHS/SPCA". San Francisco Examiner. March 20, 2007. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
- ^ Greene, Jessica (April 4, 2009). "Learn the Ropes of Owning Rats Today". NBC Bay Area. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
Additional sources
edit- "Rat-lovers unite for fest, Rodents with no taint of gutter or sewer find welcoming homes". San Jose Mercury News. April 3, 2006. Retrieved December 15, 2012. (subscription required)
- Moberly, Greg (June 19, 2005). "Rattie Ratz 'squeaks up' for rodents". Times-Herald. Retrieved December 15, 2012. Quote: "Wilson runs a local branch of a rat rescue organization, known as Rattie Ratz, from her Benicia home. Rattie Ratz is a 7-year-old nonprofit organization that ..." (subscription required)