In this article, we’ll explore whether or not adopting a guinea pig rescue from a pet adoption organization is a good idea for prospective pet owners. We’ll discuss everything you need to know about these adorable creatures as pets and how you can adopt one and make it your own.
The picture above provides some insight into what they are like as pets. They will require a lot of cage cleaning, appropriate food, and quality bedding to remain healthy and happy. Although small, like most all house pets, they do get messy at times.
What Is a Rescue Guinea Pig?
Guinea pigs make great house pets, but often end up with pet rescue organizations. Rescuing guinea pigs is largely needed.
Families have good intentions, but soon learn that the adorable guinea pig requires more care than they anticipated. And sometimes guinea pigs are purchased with the idea that they can be snuggled and pet like a house cat.
Many guinea pigs love to cuddle, but others want to part of it. Each guinea pig is different.
A rescued guinea pig is an animal that has been saved from a bad situation and is currently being cared for and loved by a rescue organization.
Rescue and adoption groups take in guinea pigs that are no longer wanted and find them new, loving homes. You will also be able to find pet guinea pigs listed on websites such as Craigslist and other online forums where people are looking to rehome them.
What to Expect from Rescued Guinea Pigs
Pigs are intelligent, playful, affectionate creatures. They often crave human attention and can make excellent pets for the right owners.
Guinea pig lifespans are shorter than dogs, and they are small, quiet animals, making them good candidates as “starter pets” for someone looking to get their first pet.
Guinea pig rescues need a lot of attention and care, and they’re not great for households with very small kids, unless grown-ups are around most of the time. However, if you’re a responsible adult and would like to add a new piggy to the family, a guinea pig from a rescue organization may be the right fit for you.
Guinea pigs from rescues often need extra love and attention because they have been neglected or abused in the past. Bringing a neglected pig out of its shell and helping it learn to trust humans is a rewarding and challenging experience.
Guinea Pigs Characteristics
- Size: 3 – 6 pounds
- Lifespan: 5 – 8 years
- Average Price: $35 – $100
- Noise Level: Low
- Exercise Needs: Medium
- Daily Walks: Not applicable
- Veterinarian Visits: Not that frequent
Things to Consider When Adopting a Guinea Pig
Guinea Pig Age – Young pigs are more likely to be easy to train and fully housebroken. On the other hand, older pigs tend to be more set in their ways and may require additional patience when it comes to training. – Adoption fees
Adoption Fees – Exact prices vary, but they’re usually between $50 and $100. Make sure you are aware of the adoption fee before you proceed with the adoption.
Guinea Pig Health – If a pig has been rescued from a bad situation it will likely have some form of health condition. Make sure that you are prepared for this and have the funds to get your pig the necessary medical care it needs.
Piggy Personalities – You can read about different pig breeds on Guinea Pig Rescues near me and get an idea of what kind of pig you may want to adopt.
Pros of adopting a guinea pig
The little bundles of joy are just so cute. How can you not like them?
- You are helping a neglected guinea pig find a forever home.
- You are saving a pig’s life.
- Guinea pigs are notoriously difficult to sell.
- You have more control over the adoption process.
- You can find pigs with health issues (many rescues have special needs pigs).
- You can find pigs with specific personalities.
- You can adopt a pig even if they are out of season.
- You can find pigs that are not easily adoptable.
- Adopting a pig from a rescue organization is cheaper.
- You can adopt a pair of pigs.
- You can adopt a special needs pig.
Cons of adopting a guinea pig
As cute as they are, they do have some potential drawbacks.
- Some of the adoptable guinea pigs you find may have been abused or neglected. You will have to put in extra love and effort to build your pig’s trust.
- Pigs from rescues often have health issues. These can range from minor issues that are easily managed to life-threatening conditions.
- Pigs from rescues are often very shy and skittish. This can be difficult to deal with if you have other pets in the house.
- Pigs from rescues may be unsocialized. This means that they may not want to be held or cuddled.
- Some pigs from rescues may be ill or have behavior issues that need to be addressed. This can be a challenge, but you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you saved a pig’s life.
Final Words on Guinea Pigs as Pets
Owning a pig as a pet is a rewarding experience, but it’s important to choose the right pig for your lifestyle and home. If you are still looking for alternatives for your first family pet, you may enjoy our article about caring for pet hamsters.
If you’re hoping to adopt a rescued guinea pig, it’s important to remember that you’re taking on an animal that has been neglected and abused; you must be prepared to give it the love and attention it needs to heal.
Although it may be more difficult, it will be incredibly rewarding to watch your new guinea pig blossom into a happy, healthy animal and valued family member.
For some more ideas for great rescue pets, consider our blog post about popular pets for small apartments.
