This Little Piggy & Me

SO YOU'RE THINKING OF ADOPTING A GUINEA PIG!!

GOOD FOR YOU!!  But before you go any further with your good intentions, consider the following:

ADOPTING ANY ANIMAL IS
A COMMITTMENT FOR LIFE
When you bring an animal into your heart and your home, it really is no different from bringing your son or daughter home from the hospital - this beautiful, adorable and wonderful creation of God is looking to you for safety, love, shelter, food and most of all, care.  If they become sick, they expect you to take them to the doctor.  When they are hungry, you are to feed them.  When they hurt, you are to comfort them.  And when they are happy and playful, they reward you with unconditional love and devotion!!  If you are not willing to make this committment to one of our Guinea Pigs or any other animal, please DO NOT ADOPT!!

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT GUINEA PIGS?

AND HOW MUCH ARE YOU WILLING TO LEARN?
Originally, guinea pigs came from Central and South America where they were very social animals, depending upon their herd for safety and well-being.  Their ancestors, the wild cavies, are common throughout that geographical area.  They were first kept as pets by the Quechua, the original ruling class of the Incan Empire.  Guinea pigs are comical and friendly, like to be petted and cuddled, do not scratch or bite (unless provoked), and love to eat from your hand.

JUST BECAUSE GUINEA PIGS LIVE IN CAGES . . .

IT IS WRONG TO ASSUME THAT THEY REQUIRE VERY LITTLE CARE.
You cannot simply place a guinea pig in some corner of the house and expect to look after him only when you feel like it.  A guinea pig must have fresh food, hay and water every day at regular times.  He needs exercise every day.  A guinea pig's appetite causes him to produce enough waste each day to soil a large area of his cage.  Dampness is detrimental to a guinea pig, so daily cage cleaning is a must.  Guinea pigs are essentially clean animals however, and have no detectable odor if their habitats are kept clean and tidy.  Keeping your guinea pig happy and his home clean may seem like a lot of work, but when caring for your pet has become part of your everyday routine, you will find that it takes hardly any time at all.  Other family members who are sharing the guinea pig can share the chores as well.

IS A GUINEA PIG THE RIGHT PET FOR YOU?

THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS MAY HELP YOU DECIDE. 

1. Guinea Pigs are very social animals and depend totally on the herd when in the wild.  Therefore, owning only one (1) guinea pig is normally not in the animal's best interest.  They really do need to live in pairs (same-sex, of course!!)  As with anything, there are exceptions but they are few.
2. Owning a guinea pig is A COMMITTMENT FOR THE LIFE of each animal, which may be five (5) to eight (8) years.  Are you willing and able to provide proper and continuous care for your pet(s) every day of his life??
3. Are you willing to allow your pet to live in the room of your home where you spend the most awake time, so that he will not be lonely?
4. Will you feed your guinea pig a healthy, well-balanced diet?
5. Will you give your guinea pig fresh water every day?
6. Can you provide a comfortable habitat and a cozy nest box?
7. Will you remove ALL the soiled bedding from his cage EVERY DAY?
8. Can you ensure that your guinea pig will be kept away from drafts, cold, too much heat or direct sunlight, cigareete smoke, and other pets that may harm him?
9. Do you have the time to care for and give attention to your guinea pig EVERY DAY?
10. Are you willing to groom your guinea pig regularly?
11. Do you have a place in your home where you guinea pig may exercise freely?
12. Is there a reliable caregiver available if you go away on vacation and cannot take your pet with you?
13. Will you take your pet to a vet experienced in guinea pigs if he needs medical attention?
14. Pets are an ongoing expense.  Does your budget allow you to provide all the necessities that your guinea pig will require?

IF YOU COULD ANSWER YES TO THE ABOVE QUESTIONS . . .

Step 1  -  We ask that you read the following section:
                   OUR PROCESS AND CONCERNS

Step 2  -  Fill out our PRE-ADOPTION APPLICATION.  You will find a SUBMIT button at the bottom of the questionnaire.  After careful review, we will be in touch with you regarding further steps necessary toward the adoption of your own very special friend.

Step 3  -  Review our ADOPTION CONTRACT.  We want you to be aware of what we expect from you as an adoptive parent as well as what you can expect from us!