Don't Forget About Guinea Pigs in the Shelters This Summer!
By Pigglies
@Pigglies (9329)
United States
July 12, 2007 9:45pm CST
If you're looking to adopt a pair of guinea pigs, don't overlook the ones in the shelters. There are a lot in the summer because of students going off to college, teachers dumping classroom pets, people going on vacation, etc. If you're thinking about getting some guinea pigs for yourself, check out the guinea pigs in shelters first.
See www.petfinder.com or www.petharbor.com to search shelter guinea pigs. And for care information, check out www.guinealynx.info
By the way, the 3 cute babies in the photo... all from a shelter. And currently up for adoption. So yes, you can find young ones in the shelter too and of just about any breed (name a breed and I've seen it in the shelter).
1 person likes this
2 responses
@freak369 (5113)
• United States
13 Jul 07
I saw some on PetFinder but they are all 50miles or more away - in a way that makes me happy because that means that there aren't any local ones waiting for homes. We just lost one so when I'm done walking around crying like a babbling idiot, we are going to look for a female or fixed male.
1 person likes this
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
13 Jul 07
Be careful though judging distances on Petfinder. The distance given is just where the main organization is centered. The group I foster for has foster homes that go many miles from their central location. And I know a lot of groups also run transports frequently through different areas if needed. I'd definitely recommend asking where a pig is fostered if you find one you're interested in but might be too far, and then if it ends up being too far, checking to see what locations they'll be going to for adoption days or other events.
So sorry to hear that you lost one.
1 person likes this
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
13 Jul 07
I've found that guinea pigs don't do too bad with car rides. Rabbits aren't as good, but with guinea pigs I can just toss in some veggies and they'll often eat the whole way home from the shelter. Any trip under an hour seems to be well tolerated, but I've sent pigs off on long road trips before if there were good adopters elsewhere. I just wouldn't take them flying, although... I guess that some people do that and it works. I always make sure they're transported by car (air conditioned).
@freak369 (5113)
• United States
13 Jul 07
I'm still a bit blue about it but I know he's somewhere with lots of other piggies and an endless supply of veggies and cardboard boxes lol. I am going to email a few of the places that had listings, I don't mind driving to get them but I worry about them getting stressed out - being removed from a familiar place then being in a pet carrier, they are under enough stress already, no need to make it worse.
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
13 Jul 07
This is really good information for those that want a guinea pig..I am not looking for one but if anyone asks me where to get one I will make sure to tell them...
1 person likes this
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
13 Jul 07
That's actually a very good thing to be doing and helps the cause a lot. A lot of people don't even realize that guinea pigs are in animal shelters, so having people who know and can spread the word helps a lot. Even if the people spreading the word don't have/want guinea pigs. So thanks for helping!
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
13 Jul 07
You are very welcome..Actually I did not know this..but now that I do I will make sure and pass it on..They need loving homes too and they are cute...
