163 surrendered rats seek new homes in Massachusetts

Attention all non-traditional animal lovers! A Massachusetts nonprofit received a boatload of pet rats in need of a new home.

An individual in northeastern Massachusetts abandoned 163 rats in early February. That’s nearly 60% more than the total number of rats adopted by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell (MSPCA-Angell) in 2025 alone.

“A well-meaning person found themselves in a difficult situation and we were able to help,” Mike Keiley, vice president of MSPCA-Angell’s animal protection division, said in a statement. “As a humane law enforcement agency, we want to work with people who love their animals to make sure those animals get the care they need. Sometimes that means helping with resources, other times that means facilitating a surrender, which was the case here.”

MSPCA-Angell must have needed a helping hand, too, because the sheer scale of the rat abandonment prompted the organization to seek support from adopters as well as other animal welfare organizations. Ultimately, MSPCA-Angell kept 53 rats, bringing the total number of rats the organization cares for to more than 70, or nearly 75 percent of all rats adopted out last year.

The Dakin Humane Society of Massachusetts, the Lowell Humane Society, the Berkshire Humane Society and the Animal Rescue League of Boston, as well as the SPCA of New Hampshire and the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire also took in rats during the surrender.

“Capturing so many of the same type of small animal or bird really puts a strain on resources,” Keiley said. “It focuses our attention on housing one species while we are caring for large numbers of people at the same time. This type of surrender would not be possible without the incredible support we have received from other shelters – and we hope to get a similar level of incredible support from the community!

MSPCA-Angell plans to bring the rats to its four shelters — Boston, Salem, Methuen and Centerville — despite the fact that the Salem location normally only houses cats and dogs. This surrender was so great that the organization had to use every location.

So if you’re looking for a pet rat – or just a small furry animal – now is the time to do it. Keep an eye on the websites of MSPCA-Angell, Dakin Humane, Lowell Humane, Berkshire Humane, ARL Boston, NHSPCA and ARL New Hampshire to find out where there are rats up for adoption, and stop by during operating hours to adopt your next family member.

“Rats get a bad rap, but they actually make great pets,” Keiley pointed out. “They are intelligent and clean. They also form deep bonds with their owners,” he continued. “We hope rat lovers – and anyone looking for a small, less conventional pet – will come forward and give these great animals the happy homes they deserve!” »

The best new PopSci 2025 releases

The 50 most important innovations of the year