Adopt a Guinea Pig - It's a Great Way to Acquire a Unique Pet

Lots of new guinea pig owners had no idea that you could adopt a guinea pig. As a guinea pig lover I'd like to introduce my readers to this possibility.

March is the official ASPCA adopt a guinea pig month. I like to think that any month is a good month to adopt one of these adorable, cuddly pets. You would be doing both yourself and them a favor by considering this option.

Every year many of these pets are brought to animal shelters and rescue organizations. You probably had no idea. These animals were not given up because they were problem pets. Their owners just couldn't care for them properly and had the decency to place them where they had a chance to find a loving home through an agency.

There are many advantages to adopting a guinea pig through an agency or organization.

You can be sure to get a healthy pet. The rescue organizations and animal shelters are staffed with knowledgeable individuals that  make sure each guinea pig is healthy and thriving before they are adopted.
They are able answer all your questions and help you get started in the right direction.
The pet handlers with the organization will be familiar with their individual personalities and will help you choose one that will make you a great pet.


It's not common knowledge that the influx of guinea pigs into shelters has increased every year. This presents a problem for the organizations and an opportunity for you. It's a win, win situation for all parties when they are able to place one (or two) of these wonderful pets in a good home.

Not to change the subject but as a side note guinea pigs make better pets when they have company. Consider adopting two. It isn't really any more work caring for two than it is for one and they will be much happier.

Before heading out to one of your local pet stores to purchase your new pet why not check around in your area for the possibility of adopting one. It's a worthwhile alternative to a pet shop. I'm sure your piggy will be glad you did.

Check with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for the possibility of adopting a guinea pig. They should be able to help you one way or the other. Also try the Internet for adoption resources. Use a Google search query "adopt a guinea pig sources". One of the first links that come up will have guinea pigs for adoption.

Brian M Parker has raised guinea pigs from his childhood. These wonderful creatures provide a lot of pleasure if you take the time to learn how to properly care for a happy healthy pet. Brian owns and maintains the "Happy Healthy Guinea Pig Information", website GuineaPigInformation.net. You can visit his site for a free mini-course on guinea pig information. Read more of Brian's Articles Here.

How to Adopt Guinea Pigs

Most people think that it is wiser to adopt guinea pigs than buy new ones. By adopting their pets, they could help homeless cavies in finding a new family that could love them. If you want to try adopting too, you should know about the advantages of adopting instead of buying cavies. Here are some of the reasons why it is better to visit your local rescue centers and look for your newest family member.

Why Should You Adopt?

There are many benefits in adopting guinea's from local animal shelters. Firstly, they have physically fit bodies. Unlike pet shops, animal shelters do not sacrifice the health of pets under their custody. Once you start to adopt guinea pigs, you will notice how healthier they are than cavies sold in pet shops. Credible veterinarians regularly check them in rescue centers. They are also more sociable because they are already accustomed to being held and hand fed by humans. Lastly, there is actually no risk of getting pregnant guinea pigs from rescue organizations. They store male and female cavies in separate cages to avoid unwanted numbers of piglets. Most pet shops do not observe the proper way of storing their guinea's, hence increasing chances of selling pregnant sows (female cavies).

Finding a Local Rescue Center

The first thing that you should do to adopt guinea pigs is to locate rescue organizations within your vicinity. You can do this by surfing the Internet or asking your friends who have already tried adopting pets.

Looking for Guinea Pig Breeders

Experienced breeders own strong and robust cavies. If you want to own cavies that have strong immune systems, try contacting breeders. By doing this, you will not need to include pet shops in your options.

Checking Newspaper Advertisements

Some families want to give away some of their unwanted piglets. Meanwhile, others also need to get rid of their guinea pigs due to relocation issues. Keep your eyes on newspaper advertisements and grab any opportunity of owning healthy cavies once you come across it.

Preparing an Appropriate Home Before You Adopt Guinea Pigs

The next important step is to make sure that there is still space for cages inside your home. Creating an appropriate shelter for your brand new cavies is an important task that you should do before adopting them. Remember that bigger cages would be better for them. You should also use appropriate bedding materials that are not potential threats to their health conditions. Prepare sufficient supply of hay and use it as the topmost layer of their beddings. Do not use straw and cedar shavings because these are harmful bedding materials. Add some toys that could entertain them.

Adopt Guinea Pigs and Save Lives

Every penny that you spend in rearing adopted cavies would be worth it. Once you see them grow, you will become satisfied with the results of the love you provided for cavies that were homeless before. Animal lovers like you will always be motivated by the mere thought of saving lives. This can boost your morale and help you feel fulfilled. Nothing could beat the satisfaction that you will feel from becoming the family of cavies that were previously unwanted and taken for granted.

Chris Short is a Guinea Pig enthusiast who loves to care for Guinea Pigs and enjoys sharing all his knowledge. Visit http://www.MyGuineapigSecrets.com website for even more detailed information on Adopt Guinea Pigs