I don’t know about you, but when I think about rescue animals, guinea pigs are not the first animals that come to my mind! I know the rescues that get the most attention are those involving abused dogs or stray cats. I’ve heard of horse rescues and bunny rescues. When you think about it, I guess there is a need for guinea pig rescues too.
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Guinea pig purchases are often impulse buys
When people adopt a guinea pig, it is usually from a pet store. They probably don’t do a lot of research before buying a guinea pig either. I’m sure a lot of purchases are impulse buys. The last time we got gerbils (3 years ago), we weren’t planning on getting three of them, but there were three of them together in a cage. We couldn’t bear to leave one alone, so we got all three. Impulse buy. I know when I’m out buying dog or cat food, I always walk past the small mammals and birds just to get to the food aisle. The guinea pigs are usually front and center, and that makes you notice them. They are cute.
Impulse buys are not a good idea when it comes to a living thing. You haven’t thought about what you’re getting into. I’m sure you might read the card attached to the cages, but that’s probably about all the research that goes into purchasing a guinea pig. You don’t think about the long term commitment or the amount of money you’ll spend over the years that you have your guinea pig.
About guinea pigs
Guinea pigs can live up to ten years. That is a long term commitment. If you have an eight year old begging for one, you’ve got to decide if you want to be the one to take care of it when your child loses interest in it. That’s bound to happen. These guys make messes, and while cleaning the cage may be something your eight year old can do, it doesn’t mean they will do it when they are in those hormonal tween and teen years.
Speaking of cages, they need a fairly large one. It should be at least 30″ x 36″ for one guinea pig. They need bedding and that bedding is what makes the mess. If you don’t clean it regularly, it’s going to be stinky too! And don’t ever put your guinea pig in a glass aquarium. It is not designed for that at all!
Your guinea pig is going to need toys and tubes or houses to hide in in their cage. Did you know that their teeth are always growing? That means they need things like untreated wood to chew on to keep them the right length. All of these are extra expenses that you don’t think of when you make an impulse purchase.
They obviously are going to need food and water too. Is your child going to remember to feed them? What about vacations? You’ll have to have someone pet sit, just like you’d have to with a cat or dog. Guinea pigs need a food that is made just for them because they require some nutrients that other small mammals might not. They also need timothy hay to keep them healthy.
Why you should adopt and not shop
Most of the guinea pigs that are impulse buys are going to end up someplace like craigslist or at a shelter. At least half of them that end up at shelters are owner surrenders. Hundreds are surrendered to shelters each year. How sad! These little guys need homes just like the shelter cats, dogs, and bunnies need homes. If you are looking for a guinea pig, be sure to check your local shelters before running to the pet store. Since March is Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month, this would be the perfect time to adopt.
Please remind your friends that any pet isn’t meant to be an impulse buy! They take care just like any other pet.
Have you ever had a guinea pig? What was its name? Remember, adopt, don’t shop!
Awww, I think guinea pigs are so cute. I hope lots of them get adopted this month!
They are!
Oh my goodness. I can see why people sometimes purchase a guinea pig as an impulse purchase, they are too stinkin cute. I hope you are able to get some awareness about this cause out on social media. If my grandson decides he wants one we will definitely adopt and now shop.
Thanks! Yes, definitely call the shelters. Too many animals get stuck there because of impulse buys!
Impulse purchased can really be difficult especially if your haven’t planned you itinerary. It’s really important to plan your activities to save on time and expenses.
Definitely! It is never good to buy on an impulse.
Guinea pigs are one pet we never allowed our children to have. One of my kids did have one in a classroom one time and we had to take turns taking care of it on the weekend. Call me a bad mom I just didn’t want to deal with cleaning out the cage all the time.
I don’t blame you! Unless the child is going to take care of it as long as it is alive, they don’t need it!
In the city my daughter went to college in, there was an animal rescue that only did small animals like guinea pigs and hamsters. They were big on promoting adopt a rescued guinea pig month.
That is awesome! I love it when people get involved in rescues.
My sister had two guinea pigs when we were kids. I am so not a fan. My girls have asked for them, but my answer is always no. I can’t do it.
Good idea! If they aren’t going to take care of them themselves, then nope! They can get them when they move out.
We have had many guinea pigs over the years. My oldest daughter got one for her seventh birthday. Her adorable CottonBALL lived about 4 years and then both girls wanted guinea pigs so I got them each one. What a great pet they are and so sweet. Easy and low maintenance. I never had issue with guinea pigs. I think it is great advice though to check shelters.
That is great! They really are so adorable.
I will admit that they are way too adorable. But I am not a rodent fan. lol. I did the hamster phase, but can’t go bigger. My son loves to visit shelters and help animals waiting to be rescued.
That’s a great way for him to get his animal fix 🙂 Visiting shelters is really important! Those pets need constant socialization.
I’ve never had a guinea pig at all. My niece has one now. I always prefer adopting over purchasing if possible.
Yes, all those abandoned pets need homes!
This post brought back so many memories of my childhood. Me and my elder male cousin had 4 guinea pigs. Oh did they multiply! And they were always eating. We fed them wild grass and vegetable peels and its gone in minutes. Guinea pigs are a lot of work, so if you decide to adopt, you must be really ready to take on the responsibility of caring for them. We had to give all our guinea pigs away when we moved house.
I’m sure they were a lot of work having 4! You do need to do your research. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Awww i have always wanted a guinea pig!! When the time comes that I finally get a pet I definitely want to adopt 🙂
That’s awesome!
They’re too adorable, I’m pretty sure that my kids will love to adopt. I will also share this.
Great! Be sure to call all the local shelters.
My sister really want a guinea pig, I will tell her about this news.
Great! I hope she finds one at a shelter.
I so didn’t know this was a thing. Yet I totally get it and understand the need for such a thing. They look so cute.
I think that’s why most people get them from pet stores.
I had no idea this was in March! We had a guinea pig for years and adore it so much. They are the cutest and sweetest little creatures.
Yes! I love that there are ways to celebrate all little creatures.
I had no idea that this was a thing in March. My friend had a guinea pig when we were kids. I have fond memories of that little guy. I am totally going to share this post with others.
Thanks! I appreciate it 🙂
I had no idea there were guinea pig rescues up for adoption! As a kid, I always wanted a guinea pig, but my parents got me a gerbil instead. lol
Probably because they knew gerbils were easier lol!
Aww guinea pigs are so cute! The seem like a lot of work. I’ll stick with my dogs, lol.
Yes, I think dogs might be less work lol.
A friend of mine has some guinea pigs and she loves them. My grandson is allergic to dogs I wonder if he would be OK with guinea pigs.
You could always go to the shelter and let him interact with them. I’ll bet his doctor could tell you if guinea pigs ever cause allergic reactions too.