Rats are great pets for those who want a furry friend but may not have enough space for a dog or cat. Domestic rats in particular can be friendly, calm, and can bond emotionally with their owners.

Frankie Floridia is used to getting calls about all sorts of animal rescue situations: a kitten stuck in a storm drain, a raccoon with a jar on its head, a deer tangled in a hammock. “We respond to ...

The earliest documented evidence of domesticated rats originates from Japan and dates back to the Edo period (1603 to 1868). The tradition of keeping fancy rats may have originated in Japan, but pet ...

Pet rats are smart, affectionate, and highly social animals that make rewarding companions. But before bringing one home, it’s natural to wonder: How long do pet rats live? While they don’t have the ...

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 ...

Dear Pet Talk: I’m not allowed to have a cat or a dog but my parents will let me have a smaller pet, like a gerbil, hamster, or even a mouse. What do you recommend? Animal Lover Dear Animal Lover: ...

Having survived centuries of bad reputation, rats are finally getting the praise they deserve. Smart, friendly and playful, rats are superb pets for people of all ages. RATS: THE GREAT UNDERRATED PET ...