Rehoming Your Guinea Pigs

If you need to find your guinea pigs a new home here are a few things that should be considered before parting with your precious pets. However, before embarking on trying to find a new home contact the pet shop/breeder/rescue that they came from to see if they can take them back. Some rescues have clauses in the agreement/contract you are asked to sign that ask you to return them if you can no longer keep them.

  • Do not advertise your guinea as a ‘free to good home’ guinea. Ask for a minimum ‘donation or for a donation to be given to a rescue, there are lots listed here. A good way to set the donation is to ask the same as the local vet asks for a consultation fee. If someone cannot afford that would guinea get the necessary veterinary care needed?
  • Make sure the cage/living accomodation they will be in is at least 4 foot by 2 foot for 2 guineas. Many of the Nero cages are too small, the only Nero that is the right size is the Nero 4. Where possible encourage Cavy Caging for guineas living indoors. See www.guineapigcages.com
  • Ask what bedding is going to be used and explain about why shavings is a bad idea for the skin and respiratory system (not to mention the untold damage it does to the internal organs).
  • Advise on dry food that does not contain colourings, suggest suppliers that you use, maybe local or online such as www.thehayexperts.co.uk who are a one stop shop for hay and food.
  • Are the new owners prepared to pay vet bills? Tell them the price of a local consult fee.
  • Where will guinea be kept? In the late summer through to spring guineas should not be outside because of the damp and later the cold. This can lead to skin problems (fungal).
  • Are they going to be children’s pets? Adults are responsible (legally now) for the guinea pigs, not the children. What will happen when the children get bored/have other committments? Guineas live on average for 4-6 years, many live for longer than that. Can they commit to such a long term?
  • Who will look after the guineas when they go on holiday/ Boarding Piggeries get booked up and rescues are often too full to be able to take in boarders.
  • Provide a list of useful information sites such as:  www.guineapigwelfare.org.uk, www.gorgeousguineas.com etc.
  • Will the guineas be looked after at least as well as you did?

Contact your local RSPCA branch, vet or rescue who may be able to link you up with someone wishing to adopt.

Sheltie

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