Adopting from the Rescue

Adopt

If you are looking for a specific age or gender of piggy not shown here, please still contact me, as I may have some not yet listed or I can add you to a contact list to hear about any that come in.

If you are interested in adoption, please drop me a message using the form below. Please include details of your cage/hutch and if you currently have any guinea pigs. If you are yet to purchase your set up, I can advise on the best options.

If you have a single Guinea Pig in need of a friend and there are single piggies available here, I can offer a “piggy play date” to see if the two are compatible. This is subject to a £10 deposit to reserve your time slot. Please ask for more details.

If your adoption doesn’t work out for whatever reason, I ask that they are returned to me rather than rehomed elsewhere.

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Which guinea pigs are right for me?

Boars or sows? You may notice that we, as with many rescues across the country, have many more boars (male Guinea Pigs) than sows (female Guinea Pigs). One of the reasons for this is that boars have a bit of a bad reputation that’s completely undeserved!

Boars are not as a rule any messier, smellier or noisier than sows. Many people are concerned about fighting with boars. It does happen, when two personalities clash (sows can and do fight too!) however, you will greatly reduce the risk of that occurring by choosing an already bonded pair from a rescue and providing them with the correct space and plenty of enrichment. Boars often have great personalities!

If you are wanting to adopt a pair, I would urge you to consider boars! However, boars (mostly) can only be kept in pairs so if you would like a larger group, or would like the option to add more in the future, then you’ll want to go for sows.

Housing Recommendations

Please note these are my personal recommendations and I’m not being compensated in any way.

These are the recommendations for a pair of Guinea Pigs, some individuals may have more specific housing needs which will be explained. If you have a larger group in mind, please do get in touch to discuss housing needs.

What To Avoid

Above are examples of cages that are commonly sold in pet shops, but in reality they are not suitable as a permanent home for a pair of Guinea Pigs. They do not provide enough space for the Guinea Pigs to run around and exhibit natural behaviours. In addition, pairs are far, far more likely to fight in such a small set up. As an owner, you would need to clean the cage a huge amount to keep it hygienic, and also you wouldn’t be getting the most out of your Guinea Pigs. With nothing else to do, they would likely spend their time lying about…anyone who says that Guinea Pigs are boring pets has likely only seen them in a tiny cage!

Making Sure You're Ready to Adopt

Here’s a more in-depth look at factors I take into account when considering adoption application:

* The size requirements apply even for baby Guinea pigs. They also apply if you already have a Guinea Pig and you are looking for a companion - even if you have previously kept a pair in that space and they didn’t fight.

* Outdoor set ups are accepted: on the condition they are secure from predators, sheltered from the elements and insulated. I also ask you to seriously consider how much time you will realistically spend with the piggies if they are outside - remember you will need to go out in all weathers to care for them.

* I will allow adoptions if you own other pets. In the case of dogs and cats you will need to ensure that the Guinea pigs can be kept safe. I recommend not only a secure enclosure but also that the Guinea pigs are kept in a separate space behind a closed door. I will not rehome Guinea Pigs to live with rabbits, or to have “play dates” with rabbits. Guinea Pigs can easily become injured by a kick from a rabbit, and rabbits can pass on deadly diseases to Guinea Pigs.

* You can adopt if you have young children. I personally believe it’s really beneficial for children to enjoy pets! However, you as an adult are ultimately responsible for the care of the animals and not the child. If I believe a child will be solely responsible for the welfare of the animals, I will have to say no. Children must always be supervised when handling and cleaning out. I don’t recommend baby Guinea Pigs for young children with no experience of handling - they are very fast and wiggly!

* I will not rehome a single Guinea pig to live alone. If you would like to adopt a single Guinea Pig to be a companion to yours, I will support with bonding. But, I cannot guarantee success - they all have their own personalities!

* I will not rehome boars to live in groups of more than two. The fallout rate for anything more than a pair is around 80%. Whilst I know some people have managed it very successfully, it’s the exception rather than the norm.

* Many landlords have a no pets policy. If you live in rented accommodation, please ensure you have the full permission of your landlord. If you are on a short-term lease, please consider if you will be able to find pet-friendly accommodation again in the future if needs be.

* When you adopt, you are agreeing to provide the Guinea Pigs with the diet they require (unlimited hay and fresh water, daily vegetables and nuggets) and you are also responsible for ensuring they receive veterinary care when needed. Guinea Pigs are prey animals and will often hide their illnesses and go downhill very quickly, so prompt action is needed. I recommend putting money aside each month in case of unexpected vets bills.