Rats sometimes get a bad rap. People think of rats as only the disease-carrying rodents that populate sewers and dumps. But these are not the kind of rats that we, or Harry Potter's friends, are talking about. We're talking about domestic rats, which are very clean and intelligent and make wonderful pets for kids of all ages. Be careful though when adding these pets to your household if you already have dogs or cats. Some dogs and cats will leave the rodent alone, but some will try to kill it. Keeping the rodent in a secure cage or in a separate, closed room will often (but not always) suffice.

Rats, like all rodents, like to chew, so they need to be housed in a cage that is chew–resistant, like an aquarium. They require special bedding of hardwood shavings or shredded paper. Don't use cedar shavings, as they can cause upper respiratory problems. Rats enjoy a diverse diet of foods like bananas, fresh greens, and other fruits and vegetables. Also healthy cereal, dry oats, popcorn, and even pasta can be offered occasionally as a treat.

Because rats are so clever, they require lots of activities to keep them happy. Cardboard wrapping tubes and ventilated plastic balls are wonderful toys that will stimulate your rat's brain. Rats can also be trained to do a variety of tricks - just like a pet dog - by using sunflower seeds as rewards. For more information on setting up a domestic rat home, call your local humane society.

Toads

In the Harry Potter movies, Trevor the Toad is a companion to Hogwarts student Neville Longbottom. Neville has a hard time keeping track of his toad, who obviously likes to jump out of sight whenever he gets the chance – toads will do that, you know. While Trevor the Toad is portrayed as Neville's companion in the movie, toads are best left to their natural habitat and do not make good companion animals. If you are interested in observing a frog or toad in the wild, you might be able to attract one to your yard, depending on where you live. Frogs and toads need a water source and a safe and secure place in which to crawl and hide. Some pet stores carry "toad domes" that provide a closed space for them to sit in.

Frogs and toads don't make good pets, though. First, many kids think they can keep a frog or toad alive by feeding it grass or leaves. But, in fact, these animals will only eat live food that moves. That means you would have to catch its dinner or buy insects, like crickets, for it to eat.

Second, some frogs and toads are protected under the Endangered Species Act. It could be against the law for you to bother certain frogs and toads and attempt to keep them in captivity. Check local and state laws and the Endangered Species Act to make sure you are not bothering an animal that may be close to extinction.

Look for American Humane's review of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in the upcoming weeks. And, for more information about American Humane's work in the film and television industry, visit www.ahafilm.org.

As a nonprofit organization, American Humane relies on public donations to further its mission to protect children and animals from abuse. If you would like more information on how you can help, please visit www.americanhumane.org/give.