The organisers behind Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW), the UK’s largest campaign dedicated to improving guinea pigs’ welfare, have announced a wealth of initiatives around this year’s theme, Rescue & Rehome.
For 2023, it’s all about throwing the spotlight on the many guinea pigs in rescue centres in need of their forever homes, as well as touching on other key aspects of guinea pig care.
Recent data shows that following a surge in guinea pig abandonments after the pandemic, which has continued this year during the cost of living crisis, there are hundreds of guinea pigs across the UK looking for homes. Figures from the RSPCA show it had taken in 235 guinea pigs by mid-August this year, which is almost as much as the charity’s total intake (253) for the whole of 2022.
Organised by Burgess Pet Care, this year’s GPAW, which runs from 25-29 September, will share lots of helpful content on the campaign’s digital channels, including blogs and videos about guinea pigs’ welfare needs, enrichment ideas and how to bond guinea pigs, along with a dedicated rescue page and exciting competitions.
There will be free downloadable GPAW packs filled with guinea pig fun and information, including advice, a health log and useful guides to help owners set up and maintain good habits to ensure their piggies are happy and healthy.
Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB, MRCVS, Deputy Managing Director and In-house Vet at Burgess Pet Care, says: “We are so thrilled that GPAW is returning for a third year. Many more people are aware that guinea pigs have an annual campaign dedicated to championing their needs, so we’re hoping to see even more support this year.
“It’s sometimes the case that these gorgeous creatures end up in rescue centres because people don’t understand their specific welfare needs. They thrive on the company of other guinea pigs; they need plenty of space to roam, explore and forage; and, being a prey species, enrichment is really important and they need lots of little hiding places in their exercise area.
“It would be fantastic to see as many guinea pig lovers as possible getting involved and downloading GPAW packs. The more we can all understand and learn about guinea pigs, the happier and healthier they’ll be!”
Anyone interested in getting involved in this year’s campaign can sign up to receive notification of when the GPAW digital packs will be available to download here: – https://guineapigawarenessweek.com
