Contents

  1. Why Pet Rats?
  2. Introductory Materials
  3. Subject Headings
  4. Seminal Works
  5. Call Numbers
  6. Handbooks, Encyclopedias, and Dictionaries
  7. Bibliographies
  8. Abstracts and Indexes
  9. Journals
  10. Government information
  11. Internet Sources
  12. Associations

Caring for Pet Rats

By Robin Sanford



Image of a rat   Journals

There are a number of publications which are either focused on rats as pets or on animal welfare. Many of these magazines can either be ordered from the publisher, or found at through a local library. If no library in your area subscribes to a title, it may be available through interlibrary loan. Publications put out by a group or association can be difficult for libraries to acquire.

  • AFRMA Chapters – Rules & Guidelines
    • Published twice a year since 1999 by the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association. This publication is available only in print, and is $7.00 for a yearly subscription for non-members, and $5.00 for members of the organization. It features rules and guidelines on how to start a chapter of AFRMA. Includes show regulations, judging order, and how to show. (See the Associations section for complete information on this group)
  • American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association Directory
    • Published once a year since 1985 by the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association. This directory is only available to members. It lists group officers, champions (rats who won competitions), trophy winners and dates, veterinarian referrals, addresses of similar clubs, upcoming show and display dates, breeders directory, stud names, pet registry names. (See the Associations section for complete information on this group)
  • American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association Show Regulations and Standards Book
    • Published twice a year since 1997 by the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association. This publication is available only in print and is $8.00 a year for non-members and free for members. It lists recognized rat and mouse standards, proposed new standards, show rules, helpful information on showing rats and mice, pictures of ideal markings. (See the Associations section for complete information on this group)
  • Rat and Mouse Tales
    • Published four times a year since 1984 by the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association, this newsletter is available only in print and is $5.00 a year for non-members and free with membership. It is the club newsletter with technical, informative, helpful as well as human interest stories, and articles about rats and mice. Librarians can find it by the ISSN: 1078-2311. (See the Associations section for complete information on this group)
  • The Rat Report: the Rat Fan Club monthly newsletter
    • Published every month since 1992 by the Rat Fan Club, this newsletter is available only in print from the club. It is available only with membership, for $25. It covers all aspects of pet rats, including care and feeding, health concerns, letters and photos from rat owners, and featured toys, games and projects. Librarians can find it using the ISSN 1069-2045. (See the Associations section for complete information on this group)
  • Advocate
    • Published four times a year by the American Humane Association, Animal Protection Division since 1952. The magazine is available in print only, for $15 a year. It informs readers of the association’s work in protecting animals. While not specifically dedicated to rats, many pet owners may find the work of this group to be of interest. Librarians can find this publication using the ISSN 1040-2225.
    • It was reviewed in the December 15, 2003 edition of Magazines for Libraries: "This magazine is a watch publication of the American Humane Association, which is concerned not only with child protection but animal protection as well. Articles cover a number of areas, including legislative watch, campaigns, and education pieces on humane work in general. Philosophical pieces on why concern for animal welfare is good for society are also included from time to time. (Philip C. Howze)"
  • Animal Action
    • Published bi-monthly by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) since 1975, this magazine is available only in print for 11 British pounds per year. The magazine is aimed at children and young adults, and details the work of the RSPCA and all aspects of animal welfare. Librarians can find the magazine by the ISSN 1354-7437.
    • It was reviewed in the December 15, 2004 issue of Magazines for Libraries: "The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ (RSPCA) magazine for members under 13, this publication is full of brightly colored articles, activities, and images aimed at entertaining young readers while informing them about animal welfare. Especially nice are the questions and answers about pet care, profiles of young people working for animal welfare causes, and section devoted to readers’ pets and artwork. It mixes household pet tips with stories about exotic animals and locales, all of which touch on RSPCA goals and campaigns. Even with its focus on Great Britain, Animal Action is recommended for elementary school classes. Make sure to have enough copies on hand for every student, since the activities sections probably will not survive multiple uses. (Cassie Wagner)"


Image of a rat   Government Information

The United States Government provides information on various topics, including caring for pets. While none of this information is devoted to just rats, general pet information is available, particularly on the topic of being ready in the case of a natural disaster.

  • Pet Items from Ready.gov
    • A government website with information on evacuation procedures in the event of an emergency. This page includes information on evacuating with your pets and a brochure to download (in both PDF format and as a text file). This site is not rat specific, but it does go beyond just cats and dogs and has a few bits of advice not in the FEMA site. The ASPCA was involved in making the brochure.
  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Information for Pet Owners
    • This page has information for all pet owners on what to do in during and after a disaster, as well as how to plan for your pet’s disaster needs and how to make shelter for your pet ahead of time. This site has some different information than the Ready.gov site, however is it mostly focused on cats and dogs, and a lot of the advice will need to be modified by responsible rat owners.
  • FEMA
    • A special site on disaster preparedness for kids. There is a section on Birds, Reptiles, and Other Pets which has a little advice on taking care of hamsters and gerbils. This advice is good for rats too. Learn how to make a Portable Pet Disaster Kit and a Pet Disaster Plan, then check out the videos of disasters and what to do when they happen.
  • The Centers for Disease Control
    • A brief fact sheet on the health benefits of having a pet, any type of pet. This page also has links to other government agencies with information on how pets improve our lives.
  • The Animal Care section of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
    • This site contains information on laws concerning animals, travel with animals, and other issues.
  • The US Postal Service
    • This site has excellent (and occasionally humorous) advice for moving with your pet. There is a section on small animals which has very good advice (the advice on pet rocks is also accurate).


Image of a rat   Page 5



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