March is Adopt a Guinea Pig Month

Many people aren't aware that guinea pigs are available for adoption in shelters and rescues. Most people go to the pet shop to buy a guinea pig and that's the only option they consider. A lot of people adopt their dog or cat from a shelter, but don't think about guinea pigs in shelters. If more people knew that guinea pigs were available for adoption, more people would adopt. The month of March has been designated as the month for raising awareness about guinea pigs in need of adoption.

According to the National Pet Survey prepared by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. in 2003-2004, there are 3.3 million guinea pigs in American homes. As is the case with other popular pets (dogs, cats, and rabbits), this means that many guinea pigs also end up being unwanted and left in shelters. The ASPCA declared March 2002 the first Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month to raise awareness about guinea pigs in the shelter system and to celebrate guinea pigs as pets.

Guinea pigs make wonderful pets for the right person. Many however, end up unwanted. Someone might buy a guinea pig for their child and then when the child no longer cares for the pet, they'll drop it off at the shelter. A teenager may be responsible enough to care for their cavies, but then they go off to college where they cannot keep them in the dorm room. Other people find that they are allergic to the hay that guinea pigs eat. Before you decide to adopt a pair of guinea pigs (or more), keep in mind that they can live 8+ years (with the average being around 5 to 8 with good care). Will you move to an apartment that doesn't allow pets in the next 8 years? If your child leaves for college, will you take on all aspects of guinea pig care? Are you adopting guinea pigs because your child wants them, or is the whole family interested? Can you afford to pay vet bills if your cavies should fall ill? If you will be able to make a commitment to guinea pigs for the next 8 years, adopt. If not, there are other things you can do. You can foster guinea pigs while they await adoption, volunteer at events to educate others about guinea pig care, volunteer online helping guinea pig rescues, bring food to shelter guinea pigs, and so much more.

Even if you have no desire to ever own guinea pigs (or rather, to be a cavy slave), you can help by raising awareness. If you hear people talking about buying a guinea pig, let them know about adoption. Perhaps someone you know has a single guinea pig and you can inform them that guinea pigs are social creatures, so they should consider adopting a friend for their cavy. If someone you know needs volunteer hours, suggest the nearest guinea pig rescue as a great place to volunteer. Just spreading the word greatly helps. Most people know by now that dogs and cats are in shelters. Now you know that guinea pigs are in shelters as well.

If you're looking for some great companions, perhaps guinea pigs are for you. Visit some for adoption in a shelter or rescue. Ask plenty of questions and do your research beforehand. Let others know about homeless guinea pigs as well. Do your part and spread the word!