Attention all non-traditional pet lovers! A non-profit organization in Massachusetts received a boatload of pet rats in need of new homes. An individual in northeastern Massachusetts surrendered 163 ...

Before you non-rat fans stop reading, here’s a gentle reminder that, contrary to the image of dirty street animals, ...

Picture the perfect pet that checks off all the boxes: Smart, trainable, highly social, affectionate, clean, hypoallergenic. What if it has all these traits but doesn’t purr or bark, because the ...

Chloe Hedrick’s pet rat Charlotte hides in a bag July 5 in Dallas. Currently, Hedrick has seven rats that she got through DFW Rat Rescue. (Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News) DALLAS — Standing on ...

When most people think of animal shelters, dogs and cats come to mind. But at many shelters, including Marin Humane, there are lots of other critters looking for their forever homes. One of the more ...

Elsewhere in Massachusetts, Dakin Humane Society , Lowell Humane Society , Berkshire Humane Society, and the Animal Rescue ...

When Abby Chronister started college six years ago, she found herself struggling with anxiety and depression. After class, she often retreated to her bed. That’s when she adopted her first two rats, ...

Pet rats are intelligent, social, and affectionate companions that make wonderful additions to many households. Despite common misconceptions, these small rodents are clean and trainable and bond ...

Maybe a rat is right for you! Kelli Bender is the Pets Editor at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2013. Her work has previously appeared on MTV, The Frisky, Vice, and Best Friends Magazine ...