Why is there a rescue for guinea pigs?

Sadly there are literally thousands of unwanted animals in the UK. Guinea pigs, like any other pet fall into these figures ending up in rescue centres through no fault of their own.  The RSPCA have had to prioritise their work and focus on taking in animals who are sick, injured, neglected or victims of cruelty. They therefore no longer take in stray animals and are not always able to take in unwanted animals. They refer people with stray or unwanted animals to independent animal welfare organisations like this rescue. This means that the rescue has seen an increase in the number of people making contact with the rescue for help with stray and unwanted guinea pigs. Guinea pigs come into the rescue for many reasons, some of the most common reasons include:

• Neglect
• Cruel treatment
• Abandonment
• Boredom
• Changes in circumstances
• Allergies
• Accidental litters
• Boar fall outs

Why should I adopt a guinea pig from the rescue?

There are more guinea pigs needing homes than there are good homes being offered. North East Guinea Pig Rescue has a No Kill Policy and will never put to sleep a healthy guinea pig. All guineas will remain at the rescue until a good home is found.  However it is acknowledged that many healthy guinea pigs are put to sleep as there are not enough homes for them all. Some rescue organisations do put to sleep animals that they are unable to rehome and some owners have their healthy guinea pigs put to sleep when they have exhausted all options and can find no alternative accommodation for them. Some owners may resort to abandonment in these circumstances, which often has a similar outcome for the guinea.

By choosing to adopt from the rescue and not buying a guinea pig from a pet shop you are helping to reduce the cycle of guinea pigs being bred for profit to supply guinea pigs to pet stores, which when bought are just replaced by ‘new stock’. The conditions under which these guinea pigs are bred is often less than adequate..  By adopting from rescue you are offering an unwanted guinea pig the chance of a loving home for life, supporting the continued work of the rescue, and freeing up a space in the rescue for another needy guinea pig.

As well as this there are also many other reasons to adopt from the rescue:

• You will be given accurate and important advice on the care your guinea pig requires
• Your guinea pig will be correctly sexed
• You can view the conditions the guinea pigs are living in and the care they are receiving at the rescue
• All guinea pigs are health checked and given preventative treatment for parasites
• I know the guineas pigs well and can guide you in which guinea pigs would fit best with your family
• I will happily give you support and advice if you are adopting a guinea pig to bond with your existing guinea pig (s)
• I will be available to give you advice and support following adoption for the life of your adopted guinea pig
• If for any reason you are unable to care for your adopted guinea pig it can come back to the rescue for rehoming

Adopters often feel a sense of satisfaction and joy that they have taken on a rescue guinea pig. They find it hugely rewarding. They feel  satisfaction from taking on a guinea pig needing a home and from supporting the rescue and enabling other guinea pigs in need to come into the rescue

Why does the rescue as for an adoption donation?

The rescue is completely self-funded and receives no funding from other organisations. Any donations received help towards the continued running of the rescue. All donations are put back into the rescue and used to purchase supplies for the guinea pigs including hay, straw, nuggets and fresh fruit and vegetables. It is also used to cover veterinary bills for the guinea pigs, pay for neutering and also for mite treatment. The rescue does have several very kind foster carers who look after some of the rescue guinea pigs in their homes. Like me, fosterers receive no money for the time they dedicate to the rescue and care of the guinea pigs. We all volunteer our time to help the guinea pigs in need.