adopt your next cavy during National Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month [source]
Welcome to National Adopt a Guinea Pig Month!
In 2002, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) declared March as “National Adopt a Rescue Guinea Pig Month”. In an effort to bring attention to the needs of homeless guinea pigs, March is a month to help spread the word about the importance of adoption vs. buying a guinea pig.
Why Do Guinea Pigs Need an Awareness Month?
Angela Mitchell of Guinea Pig Today sums it up pretty well:
There are currently thousands of homeless guinea pigs looking for a home on PetFinder, even more end up for free on sites like CraigsList where they can end up snake food, or completely abandoned outdoors where they succumb to the elements.
And there are more guinea pigs among us than you might think.
According to the 2012 U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, guinea pigs are the fifth most popular pet in the United States. And in 2007, The Pet Food Manufacturers Association ranks guinea pigs as the seventh most popular pet companion for folks living in the United Kingdom.
With popularity comes responsibility. This means choosing to adopt a rescued guinea pig instead of visiting a local pet shop to “purchase” your next pet.
Guinea Pig Rescue Myths: Busted!
National Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month
A rescued guinea pig is a happy guinea pig!
But then why do so many people still choose to purchase guinea pigs like products from a shelf? Why are some of us hesitant to seek out homeless guinea pigs at rescues and shelters?
The reasons for purchasing vs. adoption vary, but I’ve found that most fall into one of three common categories:
- Behavior and health concerns
- Wanting to get a young guinea pig
- Not knowing where to find a guinea pig rescue or shelter, or unfamiliarity with adopting from non-profit rescues
When held up to a healthy dose of reality, these reasons are a non-issue. Case in point:
- Guinea pigs at rescues are cared for by knowledgeable staff and receive proper veterinary care. They are generally healthier and better adjusted than their “big-box” counterparts.
- Rescued and shelter guinea pigs come in all ages, shapes, and sizes! A majority of rescued guinea pigs are 2 years or older, but occasionally rescues also have young guinea pigs rescued from newborn litters.
- Don’t limit your search to guinea pig specific rescues. Most large humane societies and regional rescue organizations also re-home small animals, including guinea pigs.
Where To Find Guinea Pigs to Adopt
There are countless rescues and shelters all across the world who’s primary mission it is to provide the proper care and re-homing services of abandoned, neglected, and surrendered guinea pigs.
These rescues aren’t too hard to find, either! Please use the links below to start a search for your next rescued cavy.
- Guinea Pig Finder: Adoption Directory
- Guinea Pig Rescue Directory: USA, Canada, UK, Australia
- Pet Finder: Find a Guinea Pig
Support National Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month
Join wheek.it in our pledge to end the suffering of homeless guinea pigs. Show your support of National Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month by helping to promote adoption awareness with Guinea Pig Today’s adoption press kit.
Go The Extra Mile
For this year’s National Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month, print some informational hand-outs to place in your local library, community center, and your workplace.
Together, we can make March 2013 a brighter month for homeless guinea pigs everywhere!
National Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month,
