Adopting a Piggy

Thinking about adopting a guinea pig? Well you're in the right place!

 

Here at pampered piggies we're here to help you every step of the way, from learning what they need to finding the right guinea pigs for you and your family.

Important Information

Below is everything you need to know about the adoption process with things you should first consider before adopting a piggy..or any animal.

If you wish to surrender any Piggies, please contact me.

Portrait of ginger and black boar looking curiously into the camera

Things to Consider

There are a few important things you have to know and have before you can consider taking on a Piggy.

Companionship

Guinea pigs must live with at least one other of their kind – they are herd animals and suffer without companionship.

Costs

Find a guinea pig-savvy vet, ideally an exotic vet.

Be prepared: Vet bills can be expensive – always have savings for emergencies

Never delay medical treatment due to cost.

Pets for Children?

Guinea pigs can be great family pets, but they are always the adult’s responsibility.

 

Taming takes time and patience – not all children will stay interested.

Time Commitment

Daily: Feed, clean water, spot clean, check on them.

 

Weekly: Full clean, nail trims, health checks.

 

They cannot be left alone for more than 24 hours without someone to care for them.

Space

Guinea pigs need a large, flat living area to stay physically and mentally healthy.

Adopting from me, I would require a minimum space of a 5ft hutch, 160 Ferplast or a 4x2 C&C cage.

 

Lifespan

Guinea pigs live 6-8 years on average!

 

They are long-term commitments.

 

Please plan accordingly!

Ready to Adopt?

Great! You have made it this far which hopefully means you have checked all the boxes! Now we can go through the process of finding your new furry friends and taking them home! 

 

First, read the Rehoming Policy below then follow the steps.

Step 1 - Suitability Questionnaire

First, you will have to sign our Suitability Questionnaire.

 

This is our terms and conditions, to double check you understand the responsibilities of rescuing a Guinea Pig so you and the Piggies have the best start possible.

 

Please fill this form below and we will get back to you to start the process.

 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfF_yVjGbFtHX6dmZEv66vtroc-y3OdmO1z9OQf40C-bXq5Xg/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Step 2 - Inspection

Next, I must inspect the housing they will be going into.

 

Unfortunately there is a lot of miscommunication within the guinea pig community, guinea pigs need a lot more space than people think. Most cages that pet shops sell in-store are unsuitable as they are too small.

 

This will be done through sending me photos.

 

I will stress that I will only accept a minimum of a 5ft hutch. Anything less will be declined. 

Step 3 - Selection

Now is the time to choose from what we have available! This is the time where I can tell you more about them, give you advice and answer any questions you may have.

 

Unfortunately, visiting beforehand won't be possible as they are in foster homes, therefore you will need to choose what you would want in advance.

Step 4 - Deposit

We ask for a £20 adoption fee per piggy to cover costs whilst they are with us, this money goes back into the rescue to help other piggies. The total adoption fee is £40 for a pair.

 

Neutered boars require an adoption fee of £70 to cover neutering costs.

Step 5 - Adoption

Now it's time for you to come and meet your new friends and take them home! Congratulations!

Cinder and Flame

Zack and Jack

Boars - 4 Years

Hampshire

Jack is very confident, he is always the first to grab any veggies coming his way! Zack loves to snuggle in his little hideout like a little squirrel! They have never fought, they get on so well, such lovely boys.

Loki and Ralph

Boars - 1 Years

Essex

Albert and Arthur 

Boars - 1 Years

Hampshire

Albert and Arthur are gradually gaining more confidence. Arthur is the most outgoing of the pair but Albert is the most inquistive with what is going on. Both are happy for cuddles, although Albert has a shorter attention span. They enjoy a selection of vegetables but love grass the most.

Boars - 1 year

Hampshire

Cinder and Flame are adventurous and confident little boars that love to roam and talk to each other all day long. From day one they would wheek loudly at the rustling sound of the hay bag and Flame would dive straight into the pile of hay. Cinder is the first to collect incoming veggies and will have the human hold and rotate them as necessary, sharing food, especially cucumber, is of course out of the question. Both piggies are quite relaxed and are fond their little siestas that break up the day.

Basil - Reserved 

Neutered boar - 3 years 

Hampshire

Patsy and Iris - Reserved

Sows - 1 year

Bluey and Bingo - Reserved

Boars - 2 years

Bluey and Bingo are developing into real characters. They get very excited at the sound of the fridge opening and are quick to climb up for food. They can often be heard squabbling/chatting over carrots or celery but seem to eat almost anything. They like being on the grass and having a cuddle but are not keen on being picked up.

Piggies Who Have Already Found Their Forever Home

Below are the piggies we have placed into new families through Pampered Piggies

FAQ

Have some questions about adopting Guinea Pigs? Here are some answers for some of the ones we get asked the most!

Where can I adopt guinea pigs in Hampshire?

Obviously Pampered Piggies! But there are a few other rescues around. We jsut recommend only going to rescues and not stores because there are lots of Piggies that need homes, and a lot of the times pet stores, especially large scale ones, don't treat them the best.

Are guinea pigs good pets for children?

Guinea pigs can be lovely family pets, but they are always the adult’s responsibility. They need daily feeding, water, cleaning, health checks, gentle handling, companionship and vet care when needed. Children can be involved, but an adult should always oversee their welfare.

How do I adopt a guinea pig from Pampered Piggies?

The adoption process starts with a suitability questionnaire, followed by a housing inspection using photos of your setup. Once approved, you can choose from the guinea pigs currently available, pay the adoption fee and arrange collection. This helps make sure every piggy goes to a safe, suitable home.

How much does it cost to adopt a guinea pig?

Pampered Piggies currently asks for a £20 adoption fee per piggy, which is £40 for a pair. Neutered boars currently have a £70 adoption fee to help cover neutering costs. Adoption fees go back into the rescue to support the care of other guinea pigs whilst they wait for their forever home.

Can I adopt just one guinea pig?

Guinea pigs are social animals and should live with at least one other friendly guinea pig unless a vet or qualified behaviourist advises otherwise. Because of this, Pampered Piggies focuses on companionship and suitable pairings rather than sending guinea pigs to live alone.

Can I visit the guinea pigs before adopting?

Pampered Piggies explains that visits before adoption are not usually possible because many of the guinea pigs are cared for in foster homes. Instead, you can choose from the piggies currently available and ask questions about their personalities, needs and suitability before adoption.

Can I surrender my guinea pig to Pampered Piggies?

If you need to surrender a guinea pig, contact Pampered Piggies directly to discuss your situation. Rescue spaces can be limited, so it is best to provide as much information as possible, including age, sex, health, current housing, behaviour and whether they live alone or with another piggy.

What size cage or hutch do I need before adopting?

Pampered Piggies requires a minimum 5ft hutch for adoption. Wider welfare guidance also recommends plenty of flat space, with Woodgreen listing 5ft x 2ft as an ideal minimum hutch or indoor cage size for a pair of guinea pigs, plus a larger run for exercise.

What's the difference between Boars and Sows

Boars tend to be more confident than Sows, so they tend to be better for first time Guinea pig carers with kids. However, its harder to grow a heard with all boars as they will fight each other if there are more than two, which is where Sows are better.

Why adopt guinea pigs from a rescue instead of buying?

Adopting from a rescue gives guinea pigs a second chance and helps reduce the number of unwanted piggies needing homes. Pampered Piggies has helped over 300 guinea pigs find new homes and uses adoption checks to make sure each piggy goes to a suitable, welfare-focused setup.