The RSPCA says more than 1,600 guinea pigs have been abandoned since the start of 2021 as the animal charity lends its support to Guinea Pig Awareness Week (September 23-27), in the hope of inspiring people to provide the very best care for these “incredible pets”.
This week animal welfare experts are highlighting the importance of meeting the five welfare needs of the small animal, including providing a suitable diet, to encourage responsible ownership.
Guinea pigs can make remarkable pets – with unique personalities. But like other small animals, they have complex needs and they are not easy or cheap to look after. The failure of some owners to meet their pets’ needs, as well as overbreeding, has seen animal centres inundated with unwanted animals in recent years.
After the pandemic there was a steady rise (6%) in the numbers of abandoned guinea pigs who were dealt with by the RSPCA, from 455 in 2021 to 483 last year, although numbers have fortunately dropped this year – though problems have far from abated.
In total 1,639 guinea pigs were reported abandoned to the animal charity from the start of 2021 up to the end of August 2024.
As a result, the overall intake of guinea pigs to RSPCA national animal centres* soared (by 122%) from 177 in 2021 to 253 last year – although the 198 pets arriving at centres up to the end of August this year is a drop on the same period last year (270).
With rehoming rates falling across 2021 and 2023, many RSPCA animal centres are still struggling to find accommodation for the large number of abandoned guinea pigs. But by keeping their pets in good health, the RSPCA believes some of the problems facing owners can be headed off – which, in the most extreme situations, have sadly led to people giving up or even taking reckless decisions to abandon them.
This year Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW), which runs from September 23-27, is offering advice to owners on how to provide a suitable high-fibre diet to ensure their pets are kept happy and healthy.
There are plenty of welfare and diet tips in GPAW’s downloadable pack ‘Nibble, nourish and thrive’, which emphasises the importance of feeding guinea pigs grass and hay as the largest part of their diet. Good quality dust-free hay helps them digest their food properly and prevents their teeth overgrowing.
Fresh-growing grass is much loved by guinea pigs, but they should never be given clippings from a lawnmower. And because they cannot produce vitamin C naturally they should be offered guinea pig specific pellets or nuggets rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C. Treats, such as carrots and apples, should be served only occasionally as they are high in sugar and it is important to supplement their diet with a handful of different leafy greens such as broccoli, kale and dandelion leaves every day.
Among the guinea pig abandonments the RSPCA dealt this year was the mammoth task of finding new homes for more than 100 small pets removed from a farm in the East Midlands (pictured). Staff and volunteers at the RSPCA’s Leybourne Animal Centre undertook the massive task of caring for the guinea pigs, who contracted contagious ringworm.
During January and February they were quarantined and nursed by PPE-clad Leybourne staff, who had their work cut out when the pregnant females in the initial intake gave birth to litters.
Another guinea pig abandonment generated a stir in the media. A guinea pig left at Canning Town underground station was named DiscoPig by the investigating RSPCA inspector and the adorable Abyssinian guinea pig was rehomed quickly after an appeal made headlines around the world.
The RSPCA also helped 13 guinea pigs (pictured below) who were abandoned in a basket in a lane in Cardiff in May. They were taken to a place of safety and received vet care in private boarding because they were struggling with skin infections.
RSPCA small animal welfare expert Dominika Jagoda said: “Guinea pigs are incredible pets – with unique personalities, and it’s fantastic to celebrate them this week.
“But owners also need to make sure the welfare needs of guinea pigs are catered for. Providing them with the right environment to live in and making sure that they are fed a suitable diet are both key to guinea pigs living happy and healthy lives.“Enrichment such as toys, tunnels and plenty of hiding areas should be provided to allow them to perform natural behaviours and prevent boredom.
“Owners should spend time with their guinea pigs, and learn to understand their normal behaviours so they can spot signs of stress or illness and seek veterinary attention as necessary.
“Guinea Pig Awareness Week is always a really important time for owners to help us spread these important messages!
“It’s also important to remember that guinea pigs should not live alone, but it is instead best to take on single sex groups or pairs, or a male with one or more females. The males will need neutering prior to bonding with a female to prevent overbreeding, but it is less common to neuter females as the surgery is more complex.”
GPAW educational packs can be downloaded online.
There is a wealth of information and advice on the RSPCA website to guide existing owners and anyone who may be considering adding guinea pigs to their family.
Before making a commitment to owning a guinea pig it is worth knowing that:
- They can live for five to six years and some may live longer
- Guinea pigs are active up to 20 hours per day, only sleeping for short periods
- They are highly social creatures – in the wild they live in family groups of five to 10
- They shouldn’t be kept alone – they’re happiest in pairs or small groups
- Guinea pigs need a high fibre diet – good quality hay should make up 85-90% of their daily intake – supplemented with vitamin C
