Clarity the HeroRAT & Humane Design: A Trailblazing Partnership with APOPO

Clarity the HeroRAT & Humane Design: A Trailblazing Partnership with APOPO

At Trailblazing Tails, we’ve always believed that gear should do more—for the dog, the handler, and the mission. But we never imagined our leashes would end up supporting a 3-pound hero named Clarity.

When we were contacted by APOPO, an international nonprofit that trains southern giant pouched rats—affectionately known as HeroRATs—we were both honored and intrigued. These remarkable animals are trained to save lives and protect ecosystems. From detecting landmines to diagnosing tuberculosis and sniffing out trafficked wildlife products, their noses are changing the world.

Clarity is one of those heroes. Now retired from scent detection, she serves as an educational ambassador, helping zoo visitors across the country understand the power of positive training, scent work, and species compassion.

🐀 Mission: Gear Fit for a Hero

Clarity may be small, but her needs are anything but simple. Unlike dogs, HeroRATs have extremely delicate spines, fast and flexible bodies, and very specific handling requirements. APOPO needed a leash that was:

• Ultra-lightweight
• Safe and chew-resistant
• Easy to clean
• Professional and public-ready

“It is not easy to source custom-sized gear for a three-pound rat,” APOPO shared. “We required a lightweight, rat-safe product that could withstand some chewing, keep up with rat agility, and be publicly presentable.”

They reached out to Trailblazing Tails—and we got to work.

🎥 Watch Clarity in Action

This wasn’t about scaling down our Little Dog leash. It was about designing with purpose—honoring Clarity’s unique body and the mission she represents.

We collaborated closely with APOPO to custom-tailor leads that were feather-light, yet strong enough to withstand activity and public use. We reduced hardware weight, fine-tuned the build, and ensured everything aligned with our fear-free handling principles.

“Trailblazing Tails was able to not only provide us with incredibly strong, easy-to-clean, professional-looking leashes, but also customized our order to make the leads even more lightweight.”

🧪 Built for the Mission, Trusted by Heroes

Clarity’s leash and short lead aren’t just functional—they’re tools of connection and safety. Whether she’s demonstrating her skills or meeting the public, the gear needs to keep up with her—and it does.

“The leash and the short lead have quickly become our go-to leads for both personal pets and the U.S. HeroRATs.”

🎥 Watch the leash and handle test

We’re proud that our Portland-made gear is helping elevate this important work—and proving that the right tools make all the difference, no matter the species.

🧡 Purpose Meets Precision

Clarity isn’t just a rat on a leash—she’s a trailblazer. She represents innovation, education, and cross-species understanding. She’s showing the world what animals can do when we train with kindness and equip them thoughtfully.

“We would recommend Trailblazing Tails to anyone looking for well-designed, locally owned and produced fear-free handling products.”

To Clarity, APOPO, and all the humans helping animals change lives—we’re proud to be part of your journey.