Rainbow Rat Refuge is a domestic rat rescue based out of Nogojiwanong/Peterborough, Ontario. Our rescue is a registered non-profit organization that opened in the summer of 2021. We are small-scale, volunteer-run, and foster-based. We are based out of Nogojiwanong/Peterborough, with our Foster Families located within a 1.5hr radius.
OUR VISION Our vision is to better the lives of rats and those who love them via preventative and responsive initiatives that promote the wellbeing of rats and reduce barriers to animal companionship.
OUR MISSION
Relieve overwhelm of frontline animal welfare organizations, and respond to crises by providing foster-based sanctuary for rats in need of a safe place to land
Action creative solutions to improving the lives of rats who are not in our care, and their families, such as through our Sharing Shelf, payment plans, and sliding scales
Provide Partnered Adoptions to enable people who’ve been under-resourced/have low-income to start and/or continue caring for rats
Educate and share learnings freely to reduce the overpopulation, mistreatment, and neglect of rats, while reducing stigma of under resourced families.
OUR CORE VALUES Integrity and Excellence - Practice and promotion of high standards in the care of animals, and innovation in reducing barriers to animal companionship Compassion and Community - Combined preventative and responsive approach with systems-level, and individualized supports and initiatives, and service navigation as relates to the companionship of rats Collaborationand Solidarity - Mutual support and shared responsibility with frontline animal welfare organizations, small businesses, grassroots and anti-oppressive movements, and community Learning and Transparency - With, for and from the wider community. Welcoming and offering to those we are in close relationship with (program participants), and the public, while showing a demonstrated commitment to continuous refinement in ourselves Sustainability and Dependability - Striving to be a trusted, steady presence by ensuring programming is sustainable, and that we can show up with flexibility and stability in place We provide refuge to domestic rats in need, with most of our intakes currently coming from other overwhelmed rescues and shelters throughout Ontario and Quebec. We rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome through our Foster Program. Rats who are less adoptable may become permanent residents and live out their lives in the comfort of their Foster Family’s company.
CONNECTION We work to provide ongoing support for our Foster and Adoptive Families to help make the connections lasting ones. Collaboration with other rescues and shelters, and the sharing of knowledge with and from the wider community is a vital part of our preventative efforts. It is our hope that this work will become obsolete in the future.
Let's work together to make this happen! Reach out with any questions or concerns and check out our website to see how you can support us. Please also interact with us social media - and share!