LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — Looking for a furry friend? The Department of Psychology at Millersville University has 16 female rats up for adoption.
The rodents were subjects in behavioral studies during the spring semester. They are now looking for a good home and are described as friendly and well-tempered.
The department has been able to find homes for the rats over the past couple of years and hopes the trend will continue.
"We feel like they have done their duty, they have had an entire career as lab rats. Now, it's time for them to get their version of Florida," said associate professor of psychology Kelly Banna.
"After the last batch, I adopted two of them and now they're my pets. They're really great pets, like little puppies. They can learn their names, learn routine[s], so they're very fun pets," said Olivia Kraynak, a junior at Millersville and lab assistant.
The department prefers potential adopters will take in two or more rats since they are social creatures.
The rats are said to be highly trainable and work great as pets.
Those who are interested should note the proper care and set-up that rats require, the school said. The psychology department has provided a webpage full of tips and tricks for rat care basics, including average costs of necessary materials and the importance of making sure the rats stay stimulated and socialized.
Some of these necessary arrangements include a cage large enough to accommodate the rats and give them space and exercise equipment, adequate pet bedding, an understanding of how to keep the rats clean and healthy, plenty of toys and more, the university said.
Additionally, rats can be litter-trained with time and patience from the owner, so a litter box is also recommended.
Those interested in adoption should be sure to read the webpage to understand everything that can help give these rats the best homes possible.
Applications will be reviewed by the director of the Psychology Department Animal Laboratory. Each potential owner will be contacted after applications are reviewed, and from there they must provide a veterinary or other professional reference.
Adoption applications can be found here.