This model expresses cre-recombinase under the control of the endogenous solute carrier family 32 member 1 (Vgat) promoter enabling specific expression in Vgat positive GABAergic neurons. This model possesses a targeted insertion of (IRES)-cre immediately after the translational stop in the open reading frame of the Vgat gene. The Vgat-Cre rat is useful for applications requiring tissue specific expression, including optogenetics and breeding with transgenic floxed lines.