What is NIRO?

NIRO is a nationally recognized organization of passionate individuals fueled by the need to educate the public about the merits of rats as companion animals and improving the lives of rats everywhere. As a whole we are dedicated to encouraging proper care and enrichment, improving the overall animal through careful and responsible breeding, supporting and promoting reputable rescues, and sharing ideas with others in order to broaden the collective knowledge of all fanciers. 

 Our roots began in northern Illinois but we are interested in serving the rat community not only for Illinois and not only for the Midwestern region, but all of North America and beyond. Education is the goal and being involved in all areas of the rat community is our chosen path. We are busy setting up the building blocks towards a brighter future for rats everywhere. 

 Won't you join us in the adventure?

 Visit the Interact page and you will find our ever-growing Forum where people can chit-chat and ask questions. Also on that page you will find information about our weekly NIRO Rat Chats hosted every Wednesday by our very own Dee Hale.

 The Articles section displays written articles by our members. This section is still in the growing stages and we hope to have it filled with quality information as we go along.

 Our Membership section is a detailed page listing our Board as well as various information about our club and how and why you might wish to join.

Special Interest is an up and coming section dedicated to listing things of special interest to our members as well as to the public. We will have interviews, rescue support, events schedule, fund raisers and much more. 

 Show Division is an area devoted to our interest in rat shows. The breeders involved in our club and our show affiliate RFL are dedicated to breeding the "best of the best" and continuously improving our breeding animals. Here you will find information relating to our past shows, plans for future shows, and a complete description for our United Rat Standards.