All About Me & My Ratty-related Goals

My name is Becky, I'm 30 and live in Pullman, Washington.  I've owned rats since I was a young teen and started careful selective breeding in August of 2005.  I also often take in and work to rehome rescued rats, both from local sources and from other organizations partnering with RatsPacNW.

I am a proud member and certified rat judge for RatsPacNW, the northwest's only showing club.  I am also a member of the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association, International Foundation for Animal Welfare, the Humane Society, ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society and Farm Sanctuary.  I've worked as an animal care technician, veterinary assistant and humane society volunteer, and I care deeply for animals of all kinds.

Breeding rats is a serious hobby for me; it costs much more to participate in and care for my colony of rats than I earn from adopting out baby rats.  I do it because I love rats, enjoy studying their behavior, biology and genetics, and love introducing other people to them.  I have owned and handled a WIDE variety of animals, but have a special passion for rats;  they are smart like dogs, clean like cats, and amazingly social. Once you own a rat, you'll never go back!

I select rats for my breeding colony based on their personalities (I look for outgoing, goofy and explorative ratties who enjoy handling), intelligence and drive to be with people. I believe in fit, athletic and active rats that are fun to play with and watch, as well as cuddle.  Excellent health is a must of course, and I select the healthiest and longest lived rats in my colony to expand my lines.  The average lifespan in my colony is consistantly increasing and I look forward to 'creating' a longer lived pet.  I partner with several other breeders in the Northwest and we work together to improve the pets we produce; the overall mission is to create the perfect pet!  I take great pride in my babies and carefully record their family histories; my rats are pedigreed and many carry show titles (meaning they are basically the same quality among rats, as an AKC purebred show dog is among canines).