Here we can see, “6 Places to Adopt Guinea Pigs and Other Pocket Pets”
Adoption of animals saves lives. According to the American Pet Products Association, 36 percent of dogs and 43 percent of cats are adopted from an animal shelter or rescue. These good pets are given a second chance at life, but what about their smaller counterparts?
Most people think of pet businesses when considering adding a ferret, chinchilla, guinea pig, rabbit, hamster, gerbil, mouse, or rat to their family. They are unaware that many animal shelters accept pocket pets and that there are numerous other adoption options.
Local Animal Sanctuaries
The SPCA and other local animal shelters rescue and rehome unwanted or otherwise homeless guinea pigs. These critters are known as “pocket pets” because of their small size, and you’ll find that many animal sanctuaries offer pocket pet services. Unfortunately, these services are required since many people adopt cavies on the spur of the moment, figuring they require little care. Even though these pets are low-maintenance, you must be willing to devote time and effort to keep them healthy and happy.
Take your time and look at all available possibilities when adopting guinea pigs from an animal sanctuary. You may want to come back several times to evaluate which one appears to be the best fit for you and your home. It’s also a good idea to visit a few different sanctuaries before deciding.
Many animal shelters require home visits before releasing guinea pigs to new owners, so be prepared. Prepare a space for your new pet before adopting one, keeping this in mind. Make sure you have a peaceful, secure space in your home and all of the required supplies. A spacious cage with a low roof or lid, a specific guinea pig water bottle, newspaper, fresh hay for the bottom, and a variety of dry and fresh food are among the items required.
Independent, Local Guinea Pig “Helpers”
Because many local sanctuaries and shelters do not take guinea pigs, private individuals frequently rescue, nurture, and find new homes for them. These guinea pig “assistants” are usually highly knowledgeable about caring for these fuzzy little rodents, making them excellent places to learn about the ins and outs of guinea pig care. At the same time, you can feel good about yourself for assisting in the rescue and rehoming of a helpless, homeless animal.
These volunteers function as foster homes for abandoned guinea pigs, providing them with food, shelter, and love until they find a permanent home. However, be sure you’re dealing with a legitimate foster care organization rather than a guinea pig “farm,” where these animals are routinely raised for profit by unscrupulous persons. Finding many young guinea pigs for adoption simultaneously and being charged high adoption fees are red flags. Look elsewhere if you’re asked to pay more than $40.
Small Animal Rescue Organizations
Non-profit groups that specialize in rehoming tiny animals like guinea pigs are reasonably easy to discover in many places. To avoid accidentally adopting from a breeder, it’s critical to conduct your research on any organization you’re contemplating. Online search portals like www.petfinder.com are a fantastic method to identify a trustworthy local small animal rescue organization.
Small animal rescue organizations, like independent guinea pig helpers, are usually staffed by people who have a lot of experience with these animals. Guinea pigs, for example, like having a low roof over their heads due to their propensity to be careful of birds and other predators, and you can typically pick out valuable ideas about caring for your new pet. Small animal rescue organizations work hard to keep the guinea pigs healthy and happy, and they know how to sex them to avoid unwanted litter properly. Adopting a guinea pig from this organization might cost anything from $10 to $35.
Facilities for Animal Control
A local animal control facility, such as a humane society or shelter run by a local city or other municipality, is another area to look for guinea pigs for adoption. Guinea pigs are commonly spotted in these locations after their owners abruptly decide not to keep them. They’re also occasionally discovered on the street or in the wild and brought in by concerned citizens.
You can spare a guinea pig from being euthanized by adopting it from a local animal control agency. Because such facilities usually don’t have much additional space, pocket pets like this can only be kept for a limited amount of time. Furthermore, personnel doesn’t always know about these types of animals or how to care for them, so you’re unlikely to get much assistance in this area. As a result, before attempting to adopt a guinea pig from this type of institution, educate yourself on the ins and outs of guinea pig care.
Classified Ads on the Internet
If you’re having trouble finding guinea pigs in local shelters and other places, try Craigslist and other online ads sites. People who urgently need to rehome these animals frequently use such websites to find new homes as soon as feasible. As an added benefit, many people are happy to throw in cages, water bottles, and other supplies, so you might be able to save some money if you go this route.
Even though such sites’ terms of service prohibit breeders and sales, it’s pretty uncommon for people to try nevertheless. As a result, it’s critical to conduct due diligence before advancing. Be wary of sellers with multiple little guinea pigs of the same age, and stay away from merchants that charge more than $40 per pet. These are warning signs that something isn’t quite right, and you should look into other options.
Pet Stores
Local pet stores in many regions accept discarded guinea pigs, assisting their owners in finding new homes for their former pets. If you’re thinking about getting one from a pet store, look for one locally owned and operated first. Even if they don’t have any guinea pigs for adoption right now, such establishments often have connections in the local community and may be able to assist you in finding them.
When it comes to adopting a guinea pig, smaller pet stores are preferable, but chain stores are sometimes the only alternative. These cuddly, multicolored rodents are occasionally available for adoption at Petco and PetSmart. They usually have all of the things you need, including cages, litter, and food, as an additional bonus. If the previous owner left supplies with the pet, they might throw them in for free. A guinea pig can cost anywhere from $10 to $40 at a local pet store, and you can generally pick one out and take it home the same day.
User Questions
Can you carry a guinea pig in your pocket?
Companion animals such as hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, and ferrets are commonly referred to as pocket pets since they may fit in your pocket, lap, or even cupped in your hand.
How much do 2 guinea pigs cost?
Guinea pigs range in price from $10 to $40, and you’ll need at least two. Pet shelters have many guinea pigs looking for homes, so if at all feasible, get your critters from there.
What are pocket pets called?
Guinea pigs, hamsters, hedgehogs, mice, rats, gerbils, chinchillas, and sugar gliders are examples of pocket pets. These adorable little creatures require particular care, so learning more about them before adopting one into your house is essential for their health and happiness.
Do guinea pigs like to be cuddled?
A healthy guinea pig is a contented guinea pig, and contented guinea pigs enjoy cuddling. Grooming your guinea pig regularly is a fantastic method to monitor its health, and, of course, it aids in developing that all-important link.
Is it true that guinea pigs sneeze?
Yes, guinea pigs do sneeze, and it sounds pretty similar to a human sneeze – just quieter, kinder, and cuter! You could be anxious when you hear your piglet sneeze for the first time, thinking it’s a sign that they’re sick.
Conclusion
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