Huron Valley Rat Rescue

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Vote for HVRR!

HVRR is NOT currently accepting owner surrenders. We are at max capacity and our very limited remaining quarantine space is reserved for rats in dire need from shelters only at this time.

HVRR has many rats for adoption of all ages. Please see our list of adoptable pets to view who is currently available (more added soon as they come out of quarantine!) Please consider a donation to help out with their veterinary expenses! We could also use some more foster homes, so if you are interested in fostering some ratties and providing some needed TLC, please email!

Rattie Spotlight

18 days

HVRR has eepers! We recently had 2 litters of baby rats born at the rescue! There are a total of 28 beautiful babies, who will be ready for homes soon. They are a variety of colors and markings, and some are dumbo and hairless! Pictures will be up on Petfinder shortly!

Who We Are

Huron Valley Rat Rescue is a not-for-profit, privately-run, in-home rescue located in Ypsilanti, Michigan. We rescue and adopt out domesticated pet rats in Michigan and surrounding states. Our first priority is to assist local shelters and other small animal rescues by taking in their surrendered rats. We do take in owner surrenders as space and funds permit. HVRR does not purchase rats from pet stores, herpers, or research facilities, nor do we supply to them.

There is no surrender fee for rats, but donations are greatly appreciated. HVRR runs entirely out of personal assets and donations from the public. We hope to be applying for 501(c)3 status in the coming year. We are looking for someone to help us achieve this goal, so if you have experience in this area, please contact us!

Adopting a friend

Adopting a rat from us is not difficult. We like a chance to get to know you and to determine the right fit for your family. Adoption fee is $20/rat (unaltered rats - $10) to partially cover costs of spay/neuter and care. Rats must be adopted in pairs unless joining resident rats, as rats are highly social animals and need company. HVRR rats WILL NOT be sold as feeders, for laboratory use, or for breeding. Our rats are companion animals only.

Why Spay and Neuter?

All rats at HVRR are neutered or spayed prior to adoption, health and age permitting. We do this for several reasons, including population control. Altered rats are also far less prone to contracting reproductive cancer and mammary/pituitary tumors, both of which are extremely common in rats. Neutered males generally mark far less than intact males, and altering decreases urine odor in both sexes. Altered rats are also much less likely to fight amongst themselves. Finally, spaying and neutering our rats allows our adopters the freedom to choose either sex as a companion for current residents! For more information on spaying/neutering of rats and the associated benefits, please click here.

When you adopt from HVRR, you pay only $20 for a companion that has been assessed to the best of our ability for health and temperament, with a lifelong return policy. Most rats are already spayed/neutered for a fraction of the cost elsewhere, and all rats have been treated for parasites and given any needed veterinary care. Plus, you give a loving home to a homeless rattie, allowing us to rescue more rats in need! How can you beat that?

Come Visit Us!

Please email huronvalleyrats@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. When sending an email or leaving a voicemail message, there may be times when it can take a few days for us to get back to you due to work and other commitments. If you do not receive a reply within a week, please contact us again as we may not have received your message!

All visitors must shower, change clothes, and refrain from handling any other rats before visiting to help prevent the spread of disease.


Donate to HVRR!

Your much-appreciated donations help us to rescue more rats and provide for their care, quarantine, and veterinary costs.
HVRR Wish List!

    Rat Basics:
  • Powdercoated rat/ferret cages (small bar spacing preferred, aka Martin's Cages or the Midwest Critter Nation)
  • Replacement Ferret/Critter Nation pans (full pans or Bass pans only)
  • Bedding & litter (aspen, paper-based, pelleted newspaper or pelleted wood - no pine or cedar shavings please)
  • Food - HVRR rats eat primarily Harlan Teklad lab blocks (2014, 2016, and 2018) and/or Oxbow Regal Rat, supplemented with Suebee's Diet and various fresh foods
  • Rattie Toys/Bird Toys/Cage Accessories (store bought or homemade)
  • Super Pet Mini Comfort Station Litterpans
  • Large towels (new or very gently used, bright colors preferred)
  • Cage/shelf liners
  • Hammocks of any kind
  • Nutrical, Nutristat, or Ferretvite
  • Baby cereal and/or jars of baby food (all varieties)
  • Green Mush or similar supplements/probiotics


    • Cleaning Supplies & Maintenance Needs:
  • White vinegar
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Bleach
  • Laundry Detergent (preferably perfume/dye free)
  • Dryer sheets
  • Dish soap
  • Hand Sanitizer


    • Other Supplies Needed:
  • Revolution (selamectin)
  • Veterinary Fees - for more info on how to pay these directly to our veterinarians, email us
  • Gift Cards (Meijer, Target, Amazon, online, Pet supply stores, etc)

A Big Thank You To...

  • Dr. Mary Rupley, DVM, Dr. Stacy Weinrick, DVM, & the veterinary staff at HSHV
  • Dr. Jennifer Hynes, DVM, at Cherry Hill Animal Hospital
  • Dr. Kari Nugent, DVM, formerly of Caputo Animal Hospital
  • Chelsey Plater, of Chelsey's Cozies
  • Beth Durham & Michelle Angelico, our graphic designers
  • Our foster parents and quarantine homes
  • Our fantastic adopters!
Huron Valley Rat Rescue


Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Phone: 734 483-6063

Please contact by email if possible!

Email: huronvalleyrats@gmail.com
Click here for a list of pets at this shelter



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