Yes, we said rat shows. Surprised? Maybe a dog, horse or even cat show makes a bit more sense to you. But those who have owned pet rats know they are intelligent, trainable and fun to have around, so why not show them off? Started in 2001, RatsPacNW is a Pacific Northwest rat club that holds its rat shows right here in Thurston County.
RatsPacNW was started by LeAnn Boardman, Beth Boardman and Ashleen Jackman. Why you may ask? “I asked LeAnn this question, and her response was ‘Why? Honestly, it’s because Beth and I talked about starting a 4-H club for pocket pets and decided we would rather go big and public.,’” shares Rene White, RatsPacNW club secretary and Ratapalooza show director. She and her husband, who is club president, live in Thurston County.
“At the time the club started, there were no rat shows or rat fancy clubs in this region,” Rene continues. “Other clubs in the U.S. tended to be limited and not open to newcomers. We wanted to have more recognized rat varieties for showing, and to attend shows nearby instead of traveling to California, or the Midwest, or farther.”
At the very first show in 2001, held in Port Orchard, the attendees voted to form a Pacific Northwest rat club with their own list of rat standards and rules.
Pacific Northwest Rat Club Wants Rat Fanciers to Join in the Fun
A few years later, after more shows in Port Orchard at the Stokes Auction House, Rene says they decided to hold a show in Seattle. That was the first Ratapalooza – and it was huge. “We had over a thousand attendees the year we held it at the Seattle Center, thanks to publicity in the Seattle Times,” Rene says. “It was probably the largest rat show on the West Coast, or possibly in the U.S., at one time.”
After the success of Ratapalooza, they had rat shows in Boise, Hillsboro, Oregon, and Canada. But, just like all gatherings, COVID put a stop to them and they didn’t come back as strong.
Their first show after COVID was in 2024. “I recently took over directing them, and we now have two shows per year,” Rene says. “One in Lacey, Washington, and another in Hillsboro, Oregon.”
Rene and their husband are currently the only members in Thurston County, so they are eager to gain more. “We have members from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, and British Colombia, but most live somewhere along the I-5 corridor,” Rene says. Currently, there is about 30 members total.
Thurston County will continue to be a show hub, because as Rene explains, it’s a central point between Seattle and Portland with easy access off I-5 for their members coming from all directions.
What Happens at a Rat Show?
Ratapalooza in Thurston County takes place at the Thurston County Fairgrounds each year. They average around 300 attendees. So what exactly happens at a rat show?
Rene explains that the rat show portion of Ratapalooza is very much like a cat show. However, unlike dogs and cats, rats are not divided into breeds. Rene explains that all fancy rats – a term used to describe domesticated rats – are all the same breed: rattus norvegicus domestica. They do come in quite a few varieties that include differences in coats, ear shapes, size – there are dwarf rats – colors, manx, eye color and white marketings. “These varieties get matched to a list of standards agreed upon by our club members,” Rene shares. “There is a process to add new standards to the club. Some of that process includes providing a written proposal and proving the variety can be reproduced using pedigrees, photos, and other documentation collected by the breeder.”
At the show, RatsPacNW trained and certified show judges use scorecards to judge each rat against the standards for its variety. Winners of each round go on to a final judging for Best of Show and Reserve of Show.
They also have a pet show that is very popular. “The pet show is the more relaxed companion event to the standards show, with classes such as Best Costume, Longest Tail, Squishiest, and Best Rescue Story,” Rene explains. “At our last show, an attendee entered a rat dressed as the Pope, with a hat and cape, complete with a popemobile!” Rene explains that these contests are judged by audience applause and often invite kids from the audience to help with judging. “The pet show isn’t as much of a competition as it is a celebration of our rat companions,” Rene adds. “Everyone gets a participation ribbon because every rat and every rat lover is a winner at the pet show!”
If you are looking for a small pet with an intelligent presence, the rat maybe for you! “You can’t help but fall in love with them,” Rene says. “Each rat has a big personality wrapped in a small fuzzy package. They’re very smart and social and can learn a variety of tricks. They keep themselves clean, give kisses, cuddle you, ride your shoulder, and tickle you with their whiskers. Some people call them pocket puppies, and I think that’s a pretty accurate description.” It’s recommended to have at least two rats, as they are social animals. Rene recommends three for a nice balance.
Above all, Ratapalooza and RatsPacNW is for anyone who loves rats, whether they own one or not. They are looking for members and would love to have you! “Become a member and get involved!” says Rene. “We can always use volunteers at our events and small things like donations for our raffles. Those help us afford the venues, show ribbons, and other various supplies that make the show a success. We would love to welcome more club officers as well. The more people we have involved, the more our club can grow and diversify.”
Check out the Ratapalooza website and RatsPacNW website for upcoming news and events. You can also follow them on Facebook, RatsPacNW and Ratapalooza.
