They're cute, clever, clean, and affectionate. But rats have been unfairly maligned by centuries of bad press.
So it might surprise you to learn they make really awesome pets.
What they lack in size, they make up for in personality, cosying up to and happily interacting with their human companions – because they're more sociable than other critters of their size, such as hamsters.
The Surrey Animal Resource Centre – formerly known as the Surrey Animal Shelter – currently has 28 domestic rats up for adoption. They were abandoned at the counter by a member of the public.
They're all juvenile to young adults, making them the perfect age to adapt to a loving new home. The abandoned rats range from hooded "fancy rats" to semi-hairless varieties.
Rats respond well to positive reinforcement-based training, and can be turned into affectionate pets.
To adopt, call 604-502-6093.
Adoption hours are daily from noon to 5 p.m. The Surrey Animal Resource Centre is located at 6706 152 Street, and moves to 17910 Colebrook Road in Cloverdale in December.