To care for a pet rat, you should provide a proper cage with plenty of space for them to move around, add bedding for nesting, offer a balanced diet including fresh fruits and vegetables, provide fresh water daily, supply chew toys for dental health, handle them gently and regularly for socialization, and take them to the vet for check-ups and vaccinations. Additionally, rats are social animals, so it's best to keep them in pairs or small groups for companionship.