MSPCA-Angell seeks homes for 163 surrendered rats

The animal shelter is caring for dozens of rats after one of the largest rodent surrenders in years.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The MSPCA-Angell animal shelter in Boston is seeking homes for over 70 rats after 163 rodents were surrendered from a home in Essex County last month. The organization kept 53 rats for adoption and coordinated with other shelters across Massachusetts and New Hampshire to find homes for the rest. This is one of the largest rat surrenders the MSPCA-Angell has seen in at least five years.

Why it matters

While wild rats in Boston have a negative reputation, domesticated pet rats can actually make great companions due to their intelligence, cleanliness, and social nature. The MSPCA-Angell is hoping to find loving homes for these rats and change the stigma around them.

The details

After taking in the 163 rats, the MSPCA-Angell kept 53 for adoption at their four adoption centers in Boston, Methuen, Salem, and Centerville on Cape Cod. The organization also coordinated with other shelters like the Dakin Humane Society, Lowell Humane Society, Berkshire Humane Society, Animal Rescue League of Boston, New Hampshire SPCA, and Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire to find homes for the remaining rats. This surrender is nearly three times the total number of rats the MSPCA-Angell adopted out last year.

  • The rats were removed from a home in Essex County last month.
  • The MSPCA-Angell is currently caring for over 70 rats from the surrender.

The players

MSPCA-Angell

An animal shelter in Boston that is caring for dozens of rats after one of the largest rodent surrenders it has seen in years.

Mike Keiley

The Vice President of the MSPCA-Angell's Animal Protection Division.

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What they’re saying

“This is the largest surrender of its kind we've seen in at least five years. A well-meaning person got into a tough spot, and we were able to help.”

— Mike Keiley, Vice President of the MSPCA-Angell's Animal Protection Division (boston.com)

“We're hoping that rat lovers — and anyone looking for a less conventional small pet — comes out and gives these great animals the happy homes they deserve.”

— Mike Keiley, Vice President of the MSPCA-Angell's Animal Protection Division (boston.com)

What’s next

The MSPCA-Angell is encouraging potential adopters to visit their adoption centers to meet the rats and provide them with loving homes.

The takeaway

This large rat surrender highlights the need for more awareness and acceptance of domesticated rats as suitable pets. The MSPCA-Angell's efforts to find homes for these intelligent and social animals can help change the negative stigma surrounding rats and promote responsible pet ownership.