The Alexandria Animal Welfare League has been overrun but a veritable vermintide as it seeks to find a new home for five spicy rats.

“Anise, Basil, Nutmeg, Paprika and Saffron may sound spicy, but these ladies are the sweetest rats in town,” said Gina Hardter, spokesperson for the AWLA.

The rats came into the shelter last week and are all seeking new homes. Though they can be adopted individually, they are social animals who might be best adopted in pairs or more.

“Rats are social creatures who love the company of other animals (especially rats) as well as humans,” Hardter said. “Many would love to cuddle with you on the couch or hang out in your pocket with some rat-friendly treats. Our rats would be happy to be adopted in pairs or even more at a time.”

Rats are highly intelligent animals and Hardter said they can be trained to do tricks and learn new skills.

Though the ladies are part of the same crew, Hardter said they each have very distinct personalities.

“All our rats are female,” Hardter said. “In their friend group, Anise is the social one (she loves to meet new people); Basil is the tough one who looks out for all her sisters; Paprika is the “mom” rat who makes sure everyone is being well-groomed and polite; Nutmeg is the spontaneous one (you never know what she’ll do next!); and Saffron is the funny one – just watch her whiskers twitch at a good joke.”

For those hoping to meet the rascally rodents, appointments for visit can be scheduled online for either virtual or in-person meetings.