Debbie Ducommun, known to many as 'The Rat Lady', is internationally recognized as an expert on domestic rats. She founded The Rat Fan Club in 1992 and since then has published the club's monthly newsletter, 'the Rat Report.' She has also worked in the animal care industry as a veterinary assistant, dog obedience instructor, manager of an animal shelter, and manager of the rat laboratory at California State University at Chico. She graduated from CSU, Chico in 1980 with honors and a bachelor of arts degree in Animal Behavior, and has also completed graduate classes in nutrition.

Ducommun has had numerous articles published in national animal magazines and since 1997 has written a column on small animals for 'Pet Business' magazine. Ducommun is author of the book Rats! A Fun and Care Book published by Bowtie Press in 1998. In 1995 she wrote the 'Rat Health Care' booklet, which is in its 6th edition and has sold over 4,000 copies.

Ducommun continues to expand her knowledge of rats on a daily basis. She lives in Chico, CA with her husband and 23 rats. She manages The Rat Fan Club website below and can be reached by email at ratlady@ratfanclub.org