News 12 is kicking off rat week by discussing rats as pets.

Jeannie Lockwood lives in Spuyten Duyvil, and for over a decade, she's been owning and fostering rats.

She says rats are smart, fun and great for apartment living. She calls them the perfect pets. ​

"They really are very sweet. Once you once you get over the fact that this is a rat, and we've been so programed to think negative things about them. You really do go, 'Wow, this really is just a cute, sweet little animal.'" Lockwood said.

Lockwood mentions there is a difference between feral rats and domesticated rats.

"It's kind of like the difference between wolves and dogs. Wolves are beautiful, incredible creatures, but we wouldn't want to approach one." Lockwood said.

Mainly Rat Rescue, a nonprofit organization, helps find homes for domestic rats and saves them from dangerous situations. Jessica Montano, the assistant director says rats deserve quality care.

"We really emphasize and we really vet people that you're going to have to understand that this is an animal you're going to have to spend time with every single day." Montano said.

Montano and Lockwood mention rats' lifespans are short, on average two to three years, making the time precious. They both encourage people to think differently about rats and the type of pets they can be.