Update: July 4, 2017. Stella’s eyes have fully recovered. There are still 2 stubborn stitches sticking around, but other than that, she has finished her medication and is ready to find a forever home with her sister Peaches.
Update: June 16, 2017. Stella’s eyes continue to have discharge and became infected. A double eye enucleation was performed. Will be available for adoption again after full recovery.

Stella is missing 1 eye and has micro-eye. She likely cannot see a thing. There is often discharge coming out of her eye socket which she will clean up handily herself. This is unfortunately a very common thing in rats with the hairless mutation. Any adopters interested in these sisters needs to be aware that there is a 50-50 chance Stella will require surgery to have her eye socket flushed and removed completely if the discharge becomes an issue in the future or if she contracts an infection. Her one remaining eye may also require enucleation, again, if it becomes infected. Surgery of this type in Ottawa would cost from $400-$800 depending on the complexity. So far, Stella has done a wonderful job keeping her eye clean herself, there is no sign of infection and she is not in any discomfort.

To inquire about adopting these lovely ladies, please contact us, or complete an adoption application. Please note, their adoption fee is $100 (see medical history above).

Juno & Freya are bonded sisters who are an estimated 12-14 months old. They were originally purchased from a pet store, and after being passed on from one relative to another, they were finally surrendered to the Ottawa Pet Rat Rescue as their latest well-intended guardian could no longer keep them.

Both girls had spent their lives in a barren Rat Resort and arrived skinny, slightly skiddish but overall healthy!

After spending only 2 nights with the rescue, they had become considerably braver and are now living with a foster parent who will be able to dote on them, continue to help them put on some weight and hopefully bring out their true personalities.

So far, Freya (right), seems to be the braver, more outgoing of the two. She stays still and doesn’t mind being picked up. Juno is slightly more wary of being held, but both girls are extremely curious and love to sniff your hands and explore.

To inquire about adopting these sweet, active ladies, please fill out an adoption application form.

Pitter and Pat are sweet, 4 month old brothers who were purchased from a pet store on a whim and unfortunately neglected for the next 3 months. Thankfully, the adults in the family eventually realized that they needed to be surrendered or rehomed.

Understandably, both boys are extremely nervous having never been handled and they will need a calm, patient family to adopt them. At the moment, they are being fostered by one of our experienced foster moms and she has slowly but steady made progress. They no longer freeze in fear at every sound and movement and have cautiously begun to approach her and even climb onto her lap if she stays still and calm.

We will continue to work hard to socialize these boys, but other than their anxiousness, they are perfectly healthy and have the most adorable, almost feminine faces!

If you are an experienced rat parent, or up for the challenge (and reward) of teaching these boys humans aren’t all so bad, then these boys are definitely perfect for you.

To inquire about adopting Pitter and Pat, please fill out an adoption application.

Meet adventurous Whisky!

This sweet, fun-loving boy was transferred to us from the SPCA Gatineau after being given only a few days to live. Unfortunately, Whisky had a serious hormone issue and was always charging around looking for someone to bite.

As soon as we received him at the Rescue, Whisky was neutered, and now 3 weeks later, he is sweet as can be, comes when called and is more than happy to be picked up and carried around.

Other male rats do still annoy him, so Whisky’s ideal home is one where he will be introduced to 2 or more girls. He can also be adopted with any of the females listed on our site.

To inquire about adopting Whisky, please fill out an adoption application.

Meet sweet, playful Sonny! Gone is the nervous, bitey boy who was surrendered to us about a month ago. Sonny would love nothing more than a bunch of lovely lady rats and a human who would like to hand-wrestle.

This boy is estimated to be 7 months old. He was rescued off Kijiji by a lovely lady who wanted to give him a better life with friends and a big cage. Unfortunately, it seemed that Sonny kept on biting his would be rescuer, and ended up being isolated in a cage alone due to the fact that she simply could not handle him.

After assessing Sonny’s behaviour, we have noticed that Sonny does tend to use his teeth, especially when nervous, but he does not actually bite down. He will nervously put his teeth on your finger, then look at you like “what are you doing?” If you simply keep your hand still and gently make an “eep” sound, he will back off immediately and switch to sniffing your hand.

Once Sonny gets to know your smell and your sound, he stops using his teeth on you altogether.

Sonny will only be adopted into a home that has existing female rats for him to become friends with. He can also be adopted with any of the other females we have listed on our website.

Please note, Sonny’s adoption fee is $60.

To inquire about adopting Sonny, please fill out an adoption application.

Meet Tolbot & Shylock, two baby baby who were born in early October 2016. These two were born and kept in a tiny hamster cage, 8″x10″ wide along with 21 other rats until they were surrendered to the Rescue.

At only 5 weeks old, they will soon be ready to find their forever homes. Right now, they are typical babies: sleeping, eating, pooping and bouncing around their cage like they have springs attached.

The ideal home for these boys would be one with a big cage they can grow into, lots of attention, and someone who is willing to take the time to socialize them into healthy, happy boys.

Please note, Tolbot and Shylock can also be adopted with their brothers, Shrew and Titus.

Meet Viola, Regan & Constance (from left to right) sisters who are an estimated 2 months old. This trio was born and kept in a tiny hamster cage, 8″x10″ wide along with 21 other rats until they were surrendered to the Rescue.

Due to their rather unfortunate start to life, these sisters are understandably still nervous about being picked up or handled. However, they are all extremely curious and gentle and with just a little time, love and care, will grow into wonderful pets!

The ideal home for these sisters would be one with a big cage they can grow into, lots of attention, and someone who is willing to take the time to socialize them into healthy, happy girls.

Meet Othello and Leontes, brothers who are an estimated 2 months old. These two were born and kept in a tiny hamster cage, 8″x10″ wide along with 21 other rats until they were surrendered to the Rescue.

Due to their rather unfortunate start to life, Othello and Leontes are understandably still nervous about being picked up or handled. However, both boys are extremely curious and gentle and with just a little time, love and care, will grow into wonderful pets!

The ideal home for these boys would be one with a big cage they can grow into, lots of attention, and someone who is willing to take the time to socialize them into healthy, happy boys.

Please note, they can also be adopted with their brothers Iago and Timon.

Meet Iago and Timon, two brothers whom we suspect are around 7 months old. These two were kept in a tiny hamster cage, 8″x10″ wide along with 21 other rats until they were surrendered to the Rescue.

Due to their rather unfortunate start to life, Iago and Timon are understandably still a little nervous about being picked up and handled. However, both are extremely curious, never bite and with just a little love and attention would make wonderful pets. Iago (black capped) is definitely the braver, more adventurous one, and if you sit patiently with him, he will climb all over you!

The ideal home for these boys would be one with a big cage they can grow into, lots of attention, and someone who is willing to take the time to socialize them into healthy, happy boys.

Meet Shrew & Titus, two baby baby who were born in early October 2016. These two were born and kept in a tiny hamster cage, 8″x10″ wide along with 21 other rats until they were surrendered to the Rescue.

At only 5 weeks old, they will soon be ready to find their forever homes. Right now, they are typical babies: sleeping, eating, pooping and bouncing around their cage like they have springs attached.

The ideal home for these boys would be one with a big cage they can grow into, lots of attention, and someone who is willing to take the time to socialize them into healthy, happy boys.

Please note, Shrew and Titus can also be adopted with their brothers, Tolbot and Shylock.

Meet Desdemona & Beatrice, two baby girls who were born in early October 2016. These two were born and kept in a tiny hamster cage, 8″x10″ wide along with 21 other rats until they were surrendered to the Rescue.

At only 5 weeks old, they will soon be ready to find their forever homes. Right now, they are typical babies: sleeping, eating, pooping and bouncing around their cage like they have springs attached.

The ideal home for these girls would be one with a big cage they can grow into, lots of attention, and someone who is willing to take the time to socialize them into healthy, happy girls.

Please note, Desdemona and Beatrice can also be adopted with their mom and sister, Ophelia and Rosalind.

Meet Innogen & Helena, two baby girls who were born in early October 2016. These two were born and kept in a tiny hamster cage, 8″x10″ wide along with 21 other rats until they were surrendered to the Rescue.

At only 5 weeks old, they will soon be ready to find their forever homes. Right now, they are typical babies: sleeping, eating, pooping and bouncing around their cage like they have springs attached.

The ideal home for these girls would be one with a big cage they can grow into, lots of attention, and someone who is willing to take the time to socialize them into healthy, happy girls.

Please note, Innogen & Helena can also be adopted with their mom and sister, Ophelia and Rosalind.

Ophelia and Rosalind are a mother daughter pair who have already been through such a horrible time in their short lives. At only 6 months old, Ophelia has already been forced to have three litters of babies. Of her first litter, we know 1 survived and is with the rescue. Of her second litter, another 5 remain alive. And of her third and final litter, all thirteen were surrendered to the Rescue.

Ophelia’s days of getting pregnant, giving birth and nursing babies over and over again are finally over. Despite everything she has been through, this tiny mother is quite friendly. She enjoys her freedom, and would do best where she has a large area to roam and explore. She will needs lots of love, good nutrition and someone who is willing to give her some extra care in order for her body to recover from the stress of repetitive breeding. Ophelia is still a little underweight, and her hair is thin and missing in a few places. But don’t let her haggard looks put you off! Given some rich foods and time to recover, she is going to be a beautiful girl.

Rosalind is one of her 5 week old daughters. These two must be adopted together, and preferably, into an existing colony of rats, or with 2 other babies from her litter.

These two sweet girls come from vastly different backgrounds, however, it seems that fate wanted them to meet and become best friends. Major Hill was a stray abandoned at Major Hill Park in Downtown Ottawa. You can read all about her dramatic rescue on our Facebook Page as well as her progress as she healed and became a slightly nervous, but totally sweet girl that she is now.

Kearnel was simply unwanted after a family had her for about 8 months. She was given away to a neighbour who thankfully was a friend and long-time adopter of the Rescue. Despite clearly being neglected due to her physical condition when she was surrendered, Kearnel is still the friendliest, most social rat you will ever meet! She loves to say “hi” to her foster family, and is incredibly gentle. Kearnel and Major Hill clearly take a lot of comfort from each other and after just one week together, are now tightly bonded.

To inquire about adopting these two beautiful ladies, please fill out an adoption application form.

Wesley & Peter may look identical, but they certainly are very different personality-wise.

Peter absolutely loves to play, and even just the slightest tussle of his head or tickle on his shoulders will send him into a bouncing, running frenzy. Wesley on the other hand, is like the much more mature, calm older brother (he is older… but just by a month). He prefers to lay down in a comfy location and observe the world from there.

Both boys get extremely excited about food, licking your fingers, potentially being let out to play anytime you even get near the cage.

Due to their origins, both boys need a little bit of time before they are willing to trust strangers they have never met before. But don’t let that put you off! Earn their trust for 20 minutes, and they will be happily greeting you for the rest of their lives!

To inquire about these two sweet albinos, please fill out an adoption application. Please note, Wesley & Peter Pan prefer be adopted with their brothers, Flynn Rider & John Smith. The adoption fee for Peter Pan & Wesley is $80.

Stuart & Charlie are brothers who didn’t have a great start to life. Unfortunately, they were both kept in the barest of cages, living on pine bedding, eating what looked like a mix of guinea pig pellets and bird seeds.

Stuart came in with a respiratory infection as well as a bizarre skin condition that looked slightly infected.

After 3 weeks of medication, as well as now being on proper bedding and quality food, Stuart’s fur has completely grown back. Both boys are now a healthy weight and have beautiful shiny blue coats.

Despite their rough start, Stuart is – amazingly – one of the friendliest, most social rats you will ever meet. He absolutely just begs to be picked up and practically rolls over when you give him cheek rubs.

His brother Charlie is slightly more reserved. He’s not used to being picked up, and thus will try to squirm away sometimes, but his foster mom is working on this, and every day there are improvements. Once they are out of their cage, both boys are go go GO!

To inquire about these two boys, please fill out an adoption application.

Can you tell these two extremely bonded girls are sisters?

Ella and Spirit are never far from each other, whether awake, or sleeping. Both girls are extremely friendly and outgoing and would make wonderful pets for anyone who would enjoy spending time with a pair of lively girls. They love to explore and sometimes… they make a mess while going about their antics. Neither are very interested in cuddling, but they love to run all around and over their humans and are not hand-shy at all.

If you have a warm place in your heart for a pair of beautiful girls, please fill out an adoption application!

Meet brothers, Danny and Bailey. You won’t find a more friendly, more outgoing pair anywhere!

As you can see from their photo, they are always fighting for affection and it is pretty much a race to the door any time you walk by. There is nothing cuter than the way they perk up and come running out from their various play areas to come meet you at the door!

Danny is currently on antibiotics for a severe Respiratory and Urinary Tract Infection. He seems to have responded to the medication well and has finally put on some weight. However, since his infection was left untreated for so long, we will be looking for a family who will be able to continue this course of medication for another month and potentially even long term as this may become a chronic issue. Both boys are about 1 year old.

If you are looking for a pair of licky, bouncy boys, look no further! Please fill out an adoption application to inquire about adopting Danny and Bailey.

p.s. these two boys can also be adopted with their older brothers, Jack and Gus.

Jack and Alex are two brothers who came from a negligent family. They meant well, but unfortunately failed to provide for these two boys. They arrived at the rescue skinny, skiddish and visibly on edge, even with each other.

Both boys have now been with their foster mom for a month, and their transformation has been amazing! You almost cannot recognize them anymore. Gone are the scared, wary boys who arrived, instead, these boys are now relaxed, eager to socialize and very easy to handle. Of course, building confidence in previously neglected rats is always going to be an ongoing project, but with the love and care they are currently receiving, they just need a home that can provide consistency and unwavering love. As of Jan. 2017, they are an estimated 14-17 months old.

To inquire about adopting Jack and Alex, please fill out an adoption application.

Meet brothers Gus and Jack. Even though they showed up covered in fleas with extremely thin, sparse fur, these boys were friendly as ever and always ready to give kisses.

At 20-22 months old, they aren’t exactly young, but don’t let their age put you off. These boys are still full of energy and have so much love to give. Jack (left) has an old eye injury that has left a white film over his eye. It does not bother him at all and he does not require any special treatment or care. Jack absolutely loves to give kisses and is probably one of the easiest to pick up and cuddle. He just relaxes his whole body and is content to be carried around.

Gus is a little bit more active, and loves to sniff things and explore. He’s easy to pick up as well, but is a little more restless in your arms. Both boys are absolutely bonded to each other and spend a LOT of time cuddling with each other and grooming each other. Quite often, Jack ends up on his back, belly up, feet in the air while Gus uses his chest as a pillow. Yes, they sleep like this and it is the sweetest thing you will ever see.

These older boys are looking for a family who understands what their needs are right now and what their needs will be in 4-6 months. Please feel free to contact us to discuss adopting these boys, or if you are an experienced rat-parent who is ready to dive in, please fill out an adoption application.

p.s. these boys can also be adopted with their younger brothers Danny and Bailey.

Meet Celeste and Diana, both so sweet and curious and just joyous to have a second chance.

These sisters were surrendered by a well-meaning person who unfortunately found herself unable to keep her pet rats. After spending a few weeks with our experienced foster mom, both are now extremely outgoing and can’t wait to climb onto your shoulders or hands. They love to interact with their humans and you can bet on them to be right there at the door any time you walk by.

Celeste is a very pretty grey and white colour and is slightly more outgoing than her sister. Diana absolutely loves her hammocks and will often be found lounging in them, completely awake, but just happy to be suspended in the air, looking down.

Both girls are estimated to be about 8-9 months old. They are very good with their litter box and so far, hasn’t chewed up any hammocks!

To inquire about adopting this bonded pair, please fill out an adoption application.

Lilia & Shelby are adorable baby sisters who really don’t need an introduction. Their mother was left to fend for herself on the streets, but was thankfully captured and brought to the rescue before she gave birth.

They are typical friendly, bouncy babies, and are looking for a wonderful home, together!

Please note, although they are tiny and cute now, please only apply to adopt if you are looking to commit to their happiness and well-being for the next 2.5-3 years.

If you’re ready to dive into rat parent-hood, please fill out our adoption application form.
Please note, Lilia & Shelby can also be adopted with Annabelle & Gwen.

Gwen and Annabelle are a sweet mother-daughter pair with very similar personalities despite how different they look. Gwen was left to fend for herself on the streets, but was thankfully captured and brought to the rescue before she gave birth. Annabelle was born at the Rescue, and her carefree attitude simply can’t be dampened.

They are typical friendly, bouncy females, and are looking for a wonderful home, together!

If you’re ready to dive into rat parent-hood, please fill out our adoption application form.

Please note, Gwen and Annabelle can be adopted with Lilia & Shelby.

Joy and Molly are almost opposites of each other.

Joy is a little crazy, super outgoing, brave like she’s 7 feet tall (even though she’s actually tiny, even for a young female rat!) and is the most vocal rat we have ever heard in our 4 years as a rescue. She takes every opportunity to escape, and hands? Hands are just platforms, to be used at leisure when adventure is on the horizon! We seriously can’t say enough wonderful things about the busy-bee that is Joy. Oh, and did we mention, she’s a bit of a drama queen. Any time her foster-sister Molly even approaches her for some gentle grooming, Joy shrieks like she’s being attacked (she’s not…). She always succumbs to the grooming, and we’re pretty positive she enjoys it, because Molly is absolutely a gentle older sister.

Molly is quiet, cautious, and definitely not adventurous. She’s nervous about hands and being handled in general, but she is very curious, and once she gets to know you, she will always come up to the door to say “hi”. There’s something very serene and calm about Molly which makes us believe she may be a little bit older.

Both girls are an estimated 7 months to 1 year old.

Joy currently has 4 bald patches because she had 4 nasty abscesses that had to be cleaned surgically. But she has recovered 100%, and soon, her fur will be completely grown back.

To inquire about these sweet, fun girls, please fill out an adoption application.