Adoption Policy and Application Form
How to adopt ?
1:Read our adoption policy
2:If you can comply with our requirements please complete the application form.
3: We will get back to you ASAP.
Adoption policy 2024
Its great you have reached this page that means your interested in adoption but, i just want you to think carefully about a few things before we go any further.
Why are there so many unwanted Guinea Pigs ??
People buy them for the wrong reasons - common example is pressure by children.
People experiment with breeding and it gets out of hand.
Home and family circumstances can change - house move,rented accomodation.
People cannot afford to keep them anymore - Redundancy / unemployment/ health
People did not research fully what was involved with owning Guinea Pigs.
People buy new pets or their existing pets wont accept new arrivals !!
Thats just a few REAL reasons, here are some we have also dealt with:
"The kids have lost interest"
"Its too cold to go out and feed them"
" I never wanted them it was the kids who bugged me"
" Kids are older now and have lost interest"
"Since the new puppy came along i cant cope with Guinea Pigs too"
" I am struggling with a new baby and Guinea Pigs "
" They were a gift but i dont like them"
" Cant afford it now, what with our new kitten and all"
" They squeak and make funny noises "............ yes i know.
Now we know life does change and who knows whats around the corner, but it seriously pays to do your homework and have a really good think before taking on Guinea Pigs or any pet.
Its a long term committment 4 to 8 years.
When considering adoption please think about :)
Time you have to give
Love you have to share
Space you have to care
Thank you
Helen
Our adoption Policy 2024 :
Adoption donation : £20 per Guinea Pig
Neutered single boar: £80 this is a donation towards our surgical costs.
We only rehome single Guinea Pigs to live with an existing companion.
We do not rehome Guinea Pigs to live with rabbits.
All our guinea pigs are re-homed on the basis that they are not to be used for breeding.
All adoptions are considered on an individual basis by the rescue manager whose decision is FINAL.
2: Existing pets:
- Think carefully how your exisiting pets will accept new family members, this mainly refers to dogs and cats.
- Owners should never leave their Guinea Pigs unsupervised around other animals.
- Always use a fully covered run to avoid pets accessing your Guinea Pigs.
4: Accommodation
- If you live in a rented property please check your landlords pet policy, a major reason for surrendering is change of home not allowing pets.
- We only rehome indoor Guinea Pigs to SMOKE FREE homes - see web link page for information why.
- We do not rehome to free range garden set up's.
- We do not rehome Guinea Pigs to live outside in the elements all year round.
- Guinea Pigs will be listed as either requiring INDOOR or SEASONAL accommodation.
Seasonal accomodation definition:
- 5ft x 2ft min length hutch with fox proof mesh.The most important aspect of choosing a hutch is floor space excluding any ramps or runs.
- Can be in a sheltered area during warmer months (April to September) must move inside during colder months (October to March) eg: garage/shed/outhouse with light and form of heating ( not used for car storage ) evidence of this area needs to be available at the time of adoption.
- Double hutches must have ramp safety adaptations.
- Waterproof and windproof cover when outside.
- Outdoor run must be fully covered with a mesh roof.
Ramp safety
Guinea Pigs are more likely to use ramps if they feel safe, so putting adaptations on your ramp is advisable and prevents falling injuries young Guinea Pigs especially like to run around !
A ramp entrance can be protected by putting wooden edges around the opening, sides on the ramp itself ( many come with already) and you can purchase fleece liners for truly pampered piggies.
Examples of seasonal 5ft x 2ft hutches we accept. Chartwell - Home & Roost Bluebell / Foxglove - PAH
The hutch types in the picture above are not accepted. Although they look attractive in a garden setting they do not offer adequate space for Guinea Pigs. The actual hutch section (excluding any attached run )is very small, if the weather is wet / cold and the Guinea Pigs decline to come out and use the run,they have little space to exercise.
Buy a good quality minimum 5ft x 2ft hutch excluding attached run to ensure adequate living quarters.
Indoor Accomodation:
140cm minimum indoor cage or C & C 5 x 2 minimum.
Xxx Site update in progress xxx
Extra info to be added
140cm indoor cage
C&C set up with loft.
5:Diet
- Daily : Fresh hay available all the time
- Fresh vegetables selection daily
- Fresh water daily
- You will find lot's of dietary information on our webs link page including low calcium diet advice.
6: Vets & Health
You agree to register your Guinea Pigs with a small animal vet.
7: Love & Toys
Guinea Pigs need regular enrichment and exercise and an indoor / outdoor run of some type.
8:Parental responsibility
- Guinea pigs can live for 4 to 8 years.
- Please don't adopt Guinea Pigs for children unless you are the willing primary carer and will nurture their interest.
- We love it when people tell us they have been researching and thinking about Guinea Pigs for several months, take your time and make the right decision for your family.
9: Schools
We do not rehome to schools or care settings.
Please visit our web link page to read our article on this.
10: If your circumstances change
If your circumstances change and, you can no longer keep your adopted Guinea Pigs please just contact us.