The Rat Retreat

The Rat Retreat, Inc, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, was founded in Boise and nurtured through the love and dedication of Dawn Burke. After years of commitment to the cause, The Rat Retreat, Inc. has established a global footprint - helping rats and educating the public from Idaho to Wisconsin to Ireland and Singapore.

The Rat Retreat currently operates two sanctuaries in private homes and a network of foster homes in multiple states where care is provided for domestic rats who have been abandoned, bred as "feeder" or lab rats, advertised for adoption or re-homing, or have owners who are no longer able/willing to care for them.

In addition to food, shelter and medical treatment, the animals receive nurturing attention in a home with maximum human interaction and an abundance of space for housing and play. We aim to give the rats in our care the highest quality life possible and our volunteers are vital in achieving this.

By volunteering you will have the opportunity to earn service hours and add valuable experience to your resume and successful volunteers will be eligible for reference letters for employment and school. Not only do the rats benefit, but our volunteers do as well!

We are excited to hear from you and discover how you can play a part in our growing organization!