About Us
Welcome to Ratbone Rat Terrier Rescue, where our mission is to provide a safe haven for Rat Terriers in need. We are dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming these wonderful dogs, ensuring they find loving families.
About Us
Ratbone Rat Terrier Rescue was started in December of 2024 as a continuation of the original Ratbone Rescues started by Caroline W. back in the 1990s. The rescue has now been turned over to a new board of directors and primarily operates in the state of Florida. We do have volunteers located in other states but most of our pups are in Florida.
We are a very small rescue and we have less than 5 primary volunteers. This means that your responses may be delayed because we all have full time jobs and dedicate our remaining time to rescue.
We welcome volunteers for processing applications or even to fostering. Please use this link to fill out our application form and make sure in the comments you put that you are applying to volunteer.
Where our dogs come from
Most of our dogs are rescued from various locations in South Florida as well as high kill shelters all over Florida. Some we get from southern states like GA, S.C. NC. There is also a dog “dump” site called the Redlands in South Florida that we rescue numerous dogs from. Many dogs come to us from horrible conditions. The dogs have never seen love and need time and patience to adjust.
When you get home with your new Rattie
Just like children or adults in new environments or situations, dogs need time to adjust to new people and surroundings. This is often referred to as decompression. The rule for this time frame is the 3-3-3 rule. When you adopt, foster, or are a new pet parent, it’s especially important to consider.
3-3-3 RULE
3 days for initial decompression
3 weeks to learn the routines of your household
3 months to start to feel relaxed and at home
Their life, from their perspective, has likely been turned upside down, and if they are coming from a shelter, this may not be the first time recently. Although your first instinct may be to smother them with love and affection, the best course of action is to give them some space and let them come to you. Although every dog and every situation is different, it may take more or less time.
Adopt a Rattie
