Sometimes life throws circumstances at you that you can’t possibly prepare yourself for. In some cases, it results in having to make the heartbreaking, grueling decision of re-homing your guinea pig.
No matter what the circumstances, we know that you can’t have come to this decision lightly, and we’d like to give advice on how to go about this process.
Rehoming guinea pigs
There are a few options that you’re able to consider when rehoming your guinea pig or guinea pigs. The viability of these options will vary depending on your individual circumstances and accessibility to resources around where you live! Choose the option that is best for your and your piggies, because in the end, your goal is to give them a new home that is safe and healthy for them.
A family member or a friend
This is probably your easiest and most immediately available option! Reach out to your friends and family members to see if there is anyone that is willing to and able to take in your guinea pigs. This is probably the easiest option for you emotionally as well, because you might even be able to visit the piggies from time to time.
If your loved ones want to take in your guinea pigs, but are inexperienced at caring for them, you should make sure that they are fully aware of what they are deciding to take on. Make sure they understand the level of care, time, attention that is required of taking care of piggies, especially if any of them have any special medical conditions that require extra time and dedication. This includes things like infections, whether they’re respiratory, fungal, urinary, or otherwise.
Teach them how to cut their nails, how to groom them overall, how to clean their cage, and all the other parts that come along with owning guinea pigs. It’s also important that you tell your loved one what kind of quirks and habits your guinea pigs may have. Not every guinea pig is the same, so if one of your piggies has a particular behavior in certain situations, make sure it’s known.
If you’re absolutely sure, and they’re absolutely sure that they’re able to take this task on, then you’re good to go. Make sure that you also teach them how to bond with the guinea pigs, and remind them that it will take time for the piggies to adjust to a new environment, and new people, and that it won’t be completely easy at first!
Guinea pig rescue centers
The easiest way to find a rescue near you is to pull up your search engine of choice and type in “guinea pig rescue near me” and look for the closest locations. Read through their website information to make sure that they’re not only a good rescue, but one that is the best fit for your situation.
Not all rescues are the same, and some require appointments to be made in order to surrender your guinea pigs to them, or some won’t be taking in any at all depending on when you’re looking to do it. Many rescues run purely on donations, so they might not be fully equipped to take in guinea pigs at will.
There is most likely going to be a waitlist type of situation, so you won’t be able to surrender your piggies right away. This is due to the influx of guinea pigs being given up, and the lack of funds and staffing or volunteers that it takes to care for the guinea pigs.
For example, the Southern California Guinea Pig Rescue says they are “experiencing crisis levels of unwanted guinea pigs.” Because of this, they’re not able to take in every single guinea pig that they get asked to. As an organization, they’ve stated that they’re prioritizing certain situations, which they refer to as “life or death guinea pigs” when it comes to chronically ill guinea pigs, guinea pigs that have been abandoned in unsafe and life–threatening circumstances.
The Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue also requires an application process before they are able to take in your guinea pigs, and it’s extensive! It will ask different kinds of questions about your piggies so they are aware of your guinea pig’s entire history, and they will also ask why you are surrendering your guinea pig.
They also can’t take guinea pigs in at will and it depends on the population of their rescue at the time. Most of the time, they will only be able to take guinea pigs in once some have been adopted and they have the space.
One last thing…
If rehoming your guinea pigs isn’t something that needs to be done absolutely immediately, we recommend seeing if there is absolutely anything within your power that you can do to change the situation so you don’t have to rehome your guinea pigs. This is just to make sure that you have exhausted all of your options before you have to let them go!
If there’s absolutely nothing else that you can do, then we wish you luck in rehoming your guinea pigs, and we hope that they are able to live happy and healthy lives with their new piggy parents and new family!
11 comments
Hello!! Our ginea pig its sad we would like to put him a best position to grow up
I’m sorry to hear that you need to rehome your guinea pigs. While I can’t directly help you find a new home for them, I can provide some guidance on how to go about it.
Reach out to local guinea pig rescues or shelters: Contact guinea pig-specific rescues or animal shelters in your area. They may be able to help find a suitable home for your guinea pigs or provide guidance on rehoming.
Advertise responsibly: Utilize online platforms, social media groups, and community bulletin boards to advertise your guinea pigs. Be honest about the reason for rehoming and provide information about their personalities, care requirements, and any supplies or accessories you’re willing to include.
Network within your community: Inform friends, family, coworkers, and local pet communities about your need to rehome the guinea pigs. They might know someone who is interested in adopting or be able to share your message with others.
Screen potential adopters: When communicating with potential adopters, ask them about their experience with guinea pigs and their knowledge of their care needs. Ensure they have a suitable environment for the guinea pigs and are committed to providing them with love, attention, and proper care.
Follow a safe adoption process: Once you’ve found potential adopters, arrange meetings to introduce them to the guinea pigs. Observe their interaction to ensure it’s positive and that they are comfortable handling and caring for the animals. Consider asking for references or conducting home visits to ensure the guinea pigs will be going to a safe and caring environment.
Remember, it’s essential to find a forever home for your guinea pigs where they will be loved and cared for. Taking the time to find the right adopter will help ensure their well-being and happiness.
i I’ve been doing lots of research for several weeks sadly we are needing to Rehome our 2 male Guinea pigs we’ve have them from birth they are so friendly and love cuddles and attention.
My son whose they belong to has become extremely allergic to hay I’ve tried switching brands to all different types of medicines nothing seems to work. We really want them to go to a forever loving home can you help please.
Many thanks
I have a lot going on and in need of immediate rehoming for my Guinea pig .
Good Afternoon
My name is Thais Grinberg, I live in Weston Florida
A year and half ago ,I bought in a pet shop, here in Weston
I fell in love with her, we call her Daisy. After two months , what was my surprise
She gave birth to two girls, her names are Ginger and Bread.
Since then I’ve been taking very good care of them, they’re strong and healthy . but they
demand a lot of work, and a lot of expense, because they eat a lot e , and their cages are dirty
all the time.
I do love them, but I am really at my limit, it’s a lot of work to keep their cage clean
They don’t interact much, they just scream for food.
It is not my nature to give up on anything but I feel that I am not able to take care of them
as they deserve.
I would like to know if there is any place that could adopt them?
Someone who took good care of them, like I do