With one week to go, the organisers behind Guinea Pig Awareness Week, or GPAW, the UK’s largest campaign dedicated to improving guinea pigs’ welfare, is back for its fourth fantastic year, with an amazing launch of piggy-powered activities at Hog Springs – a Wild West-themed guinea pig village located within Northumberland Zoo.
Led by small pet experts Burgess Pet Care and supported by animal charities Blue Cross, the RSPCA, Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare and Woodgreen Pets Charity, this year’s GPAW will take place from 23-27 September. The campaign aims to ensure the nation’s guinea pigs are provided with the essential care they need to support their wellbeing, health and happiness.
This year’s theme is Nibble, Nourish, Thrive, and will shine a spotlight on the importance of guinea pigs’ diets, as well as highlighting other key aspects of guinea pig care.
Hog Springs is a wonderful, purpose-built space that was created to rehome a group of guinea pigs from local charity Gertie’s Lonely Guinea Pig Rescue. It has lots of intriguing places for curious cavies to hang out including The Pig Inn Saloon, The Old Mine and some recently added wild western hills. It’s home to around 20 guinea pigs including Mississippi, Ramona and Calamity Jane – the most confident of the group.
In the run up to GPAW and throughout the week, there will be lots of great content all about guinea pigs’ welfare, especially their diet. Owners can get involved by visiting the GPAW website, and downloading a free GPAW pack filled with loads of guinea pig fun and information, including a ‘How to Get Involved’ guide, posters, activity sheet featuring word search and colouring-in section, and the Perfect Piggies Programme.
There’s plenty to get involved in online with Excel guinea pigs Berry and Bramble over on the GPAW Facebook page and GPAW Instagram @GuineaPigAwarenessWeek. They’ll be lots of top tips, fascinating facts and, of course, see lots of super cute piggy photos! Also keep a look out for some great competitions.
Dr Suzanne Moyes MVB, MRCVS, deputy managing director and in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, says: “We’re so excited to see the return of GPAW for a fourth year and to launch this year’s campaign at Hog Springs, a fabulous set-up where guinea pigs’ welfare is of paramount importance and the rehomed guinea pig group is thriving.
“GPAW really matters because despite their popularity, guinea pigs are among the most misunderstood pets in the UK. A lack of knowledge means that their welfare – including their diet – is often overlooked. For example, without essential fibre, guinea pigs’ teeth can become overgrown, so it’s important they can munch on plenty of quality feeding hay to help keep their ever-growing teeth in good shape.”
