top of page
ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
SECOND CHANCE HEROES
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
FOR RAT GUARDIANS
VETERINARIANS
It can be challenging to find veterinarians who treat rats. Thankfully, Richmond has a wealth of options for pet owners to receive care for exotic pets for both wellness and sick visits, in addition to 24 hour emergency care. See below for some wonderful options available to us in the Richmond community.
(804) 308-9971
10222 Staples Mill Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060
Drs Lynch and Greenwalt have seen and treated many rats throughout their careers. Drs. Lynch and Greenwalt see rats on the Glen Allen location. They have extended hours from 6-8 on Mondays and Wednesdays. They will neuter rats, but do not do spays. Locke Taylor is not technically a low-cost clinic, but is quite affordable. They accept Care Credit and will go above and beyond to help your rat as best they can. They are especially great if your rats get mites, URIs or other minor illnesses. Do not assume that because they charge less that your baby will receive lesser care! Locke Taylor has treated countless fosters and have performed MANY tumor removals and neuters for us and are very competent surgeons as well!
Drs Rice and Haile are extremely competent exotic veterinarians and have treated and saved the lives of many of the rats at SCH over the years. Their calm office and quiet music are designed to make the experience as minimally stressful for your rats as possible.
(804) 348-8808
13825 Village Mill Dr, Midlothian, VA 23114
(804) 730-8545
Dr. Ernesto is a Board-Certified Specialist from the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. He has over a decade of experience treating exotic animals ranging from rats and rabbits to tigers and invertebrates. Having studied human medicine for two years before switching to veterinary medicine, Dr. Ernesto is a wealth of information with a clear passion for taking excellent care of the beloved members of your family - of all shapes and sizes!
8310 Bell Creek Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
EMERGENCY / AFTER HOUR VETS
Most emergency veterinarians in or around Richmond do not see rats to treat, but will make an exception to euthanize, though they may not let you be present. Dogwood, VRCC, and VCC all do not treat rats. ​Pender Vet sees rats on an emergency and after hours basis in Fairfax, VA.
(703) 591-3304
4001 Legato Rd,
Fairfax, VA 22033
Stahl Exotics (SEAVS) sees rats as well. They are very knowledgable and compassionate. They do both regular visits and emergency care on Saturdays. They are also located in Fairfax.
(703) 281-3750
4105 Rust Rd,
Fairfax, VA 22030
REHOMING YOUR RATS
The decision to rehome your companion rats is an extremely difficult one to make. If you have found this page, we know hat you are an extremely caring and loving guardian who wants to ensure that your rats land in a safe, reputable place when you are no longer in a position to care for them.
As a small, foster-based rescue, Second Chance Heroes Rat Adoptions does not often have space to accept owner
surrenders, but there are other great options for rehoming your rats.
Private animal shelters are not funded by the government, and have the right to deny any animal admission. These shelters may or may not have the space or expertise to take small animals like rats or guinea pigs, but some may. Richmond Animal League is an example of a local private animal shelter.
While Second Chance Heroes is the only rat-specific animal rescue in Richmond, there are other small animal rescues in the surrounding states who may be able to assist.
Government funded shelters are required to take in animals in their municipality. Examples include Richmond Animal Care and Control, or Chesterfield Animal Services.
Facebook Groups like Richmond Rat Club can be a great resource for connecting with other local rat guardians who are looking to bring new rats into their mischief. Private rehoming helps keep rats out of the shelter system, and makes their transition to a new home faster and less stressful for them.
TIP: When rehoming your rats, it is critical to ask questions to potential adopters to make sure that they are a responsible guardian who you would feel safe sending your rats to live with.
Second Chance Heroes may be able to post a courtesy listing on our Facebook page advertising your rats for adoption. SCH will connect potential adopters directly with the guardian, but will not screen potential adopters or arrange a hand off time. We ask that you please post in at least one rehoming group before requesting a courtesy listing from SCH.
Please note that Second Chance Heroes is not always able to post courtesy listings.
bottom of page