More Guinea Pigs are Going into Care in the UK, RSPCA Warns

People need to understand guinea pigs better, says the RSPCA, which has seen a 40% increase in the number of guinea pigs going into care at their national centres. 

Two guinea pigs at the RSPCA's West Hatch Animal Centre near Taunton, England. Photo: RSPCA.

By Zazie Todd, PhD

Guinea pigs make amazing pets because they are fun, social creatures. But some guinea pigs in the UK are having a hard time, with the RSPCA seeing a 40% increase in the numbers of guinea pigs going into care in their national centres. The figures have been released for the UK’s Guinea Pig Awareness Week which runs from 20-24 October. The week is a national campaign aimed at increasing awareness of these lovely pets.

RSPCA figures show that up until the end of September this year, 373 guinea pigs were reported abandoned, an increase of 34% on last year. And a total of 287 were taken in to RSPCA national centres in England and Wales, 81 more than in the same period last year.

There are several reasons for this increase, according to the RSPCA. They include the cost of living crisis, the over breeding of guinea pigs, and people’s lack of awareness about what guinea pigs need.

Abandoned guinea pigs

Among the cases investigated by the RSPCA this year were two guinea pigs who were found abandoned in an unzipped pet carrier, hidden in a nature reserve in Kent. One was elderly and unresponsive. A vet made the difficult decision to put him to sleep to end his suffering. The other, now named Hedwig (pictured), was rescued and successfully rehomed by the charity.

Hedwig the guinea pig. Photo: RSPCA.

RSPCA Inspector Kirsten Ormerod, who led the investigation, said: 

“Abandonment is a terribly cruel way to treat defenceless animals. These guinea pigs were left to fend for themselves in a public place, exposed to all kinds of dangers. It’s heartbreaking that one couldn’t be saved, but ending his pain was the kindest option.”

Back in June, five guinea pigs were discovered dumped in a nappy box at a cemetery in Herne Bay. In May more than 100 guinea pigs were removed from the same property and were taken into animal centres across the country.

The charity is urging members of the public to take any found or abandoned guinea pigs to the nearest veterinary practice so they can receive immediate care.

What guinea pigs need

Guinea Pig Awareness Week highlights the five key welfare needs of guinea pigs: environment, diet, behaviour, companionship, and health. This year’s focus is on ensuring guinea pigs are kept comfortable, receive proper care, and are given the companionship they need to thrive.

Guinea pigs are social creatures and cannot be kept on their own. In the wild, they live in groups of 5 to 10. So if you want a guinea pig as a pet, you need at least two of them.

Dr Sam Gaines, Head of Companion Animals at the RSPCA said: 

“Guinea pigs have amazing and unique personalities and can make wonderful pets - it's fantastic to celebrate them during Guinea Pig Awareness Week.

“But it’s also vital that owners understand and meet their welfare needs. Providing a suitable environment, the right diet, and opportunities to express natural behaviours is key to ensuring their wellbeing.

“Enrichment - such as toys, tunnels and plenty of hiding places - helps prevent boredom. Because guinea pigs are prey animals, they’re often subtle in how they show pain or distress, so owners should be familiar with their normal behaviours in order to spot when something isn’t right.”

Sam added that companionship is often overlooked: 

“Guinea pigs should never live alone. Ideally, they should be kept in single-sex pairs or groups, or a neutered male with one or more females. Neutering males is strongly advised before housing them with females to prevent breeding. Female neutering is possible but more complex.”

As prey animals, guinea pigs can be cautious. Their response to a threat is to freeze, after which they might run to a burrow or other safe place. It’s important to provide burrows, tunnels, and other places to hide in their environment.

Guinea pigs Rafaello and Ferrero. Photo: RSPCA

Consider getting guinea pigs from the RSPCA

As they deal with the influx of guinea pigs, the RSPCA would like people to know that they can adopt guinea pigs (and other animals, including rabbits) from their centres and branches.

Among the guinea pigs currently in RSPCA care and looking for a new home are eight-year-old Raffaello and four-year-old Ferrero (pictured above) at the RSPCA's Bryn-y-Maen Animal Centre - a bonded pair removed from unsuitable accommodation in very poor condition.

Also at the centre is five month old Enzo (pictured below). The RSPCA say that he is a little on the shy side, but is growing in confidence daily. He is inquisitive and loves to explore his surroundings, and seek out tasty treats! He is seeking a new home with a group of guinea pigs to bond with.

Enzo the guinea pig under a shelter. Guinea pigs need to have burrows and shelters. Photo: RSPCA

Guinea pig facts

• Guinea pigs typically live for 5 or 6 years, but some live for much longer
• Guinea pigs are active for up to 20 hours a day. They only sleep for short periods.
• Guinea pigs are highly social creatures and should never be kept alone. Companionship is essential for their mental wellbeing.
• High-quality hay should make up 85-90% of guinea pigs’ diet, alongside fresh vegetables and food supplemented with vitamin C.
• Guinea pigs don’t have the enzyme that synthesizes vitamin C and can only store it for short times, which is why their diet needs to be supplemented with it.
• Hay and/or grass is essential to help wear guinea pigs’ teeth down, because their teeth grow all the time.
• In the wild, their territory can cover 1500 square meters.

Guinea Pig Awareness Week 

Guinea Pig Awareness Week is organized by Burgess Excel and supported by 5 UK animal welfare charities: RSPCA, Wood Green, Blue Cross, Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, and Guinea Pig Welfare UK.  

You can get the RSPCA’s guide to how to take care of your guinea pigs here.  

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