Thinking of adding a furry friend to your family? March is Adopt a Guinea Pig month, so it’s the perfect time to consider making these adorable animals the newest additions to your family – plus, we’re offering 50% off guinea pig adoption fees all month long!  

Guinea pigs, also known as cavies, are friendly and affectionate animals that can live for 4 to 8 years and have unique personalities that will quickly win you over. Their squeaks and chirps are sure to melt your heart, while their playful natures will provide hours of joy and entertainment. But before you take the leap, here are some things to keep in mind while you prepare to adopt a guinea pig.  

Choosing Your Guinea Pig 

Every guinea pig has a unique personality, so it’s important to interact with a few guinea pigs before adopting one. If you’re looking for a more relaxed guinea pig, you may want to consider adopting an older cavy that may already be trained and is used to human companionship. Younger guinea pigs may quire more patience and training, but they’re more likely to be full of energy and ready to play.  

Guinea pigs are naturally social animals and benefit from companionship, so adopting a pair of bonded guinea pigs, or adopting another guinea pig to bond with your current guinea pig, so that they’ll always have a companion, is a great option. 

Preparing Your Home

Guinea pigs require a clean, safe, and comfortable environment to thrive. You’ll need to create a space for your guinea pig in your home, such as a cage or a pen. The cage should be big enough for your guinea pig to move around comfortably, and it should be lined with bedding such as aspen wood shavings, recycled newspaper bedding, wood stove pellets, or hemp bedding. Never use pine or cedar shavings, corn cob bedding, regular newspaper, or clay/clumping kitty litter, as these products can be toxic to guinea pigs.  

Guinea pigs are social animals and love to play and explore. They need toys and activities to keep them entertained, such as tunnels, chew toys, and hiding spots. It’s also important safety-proof your home for your guinea pig. Guinea pigs do not have the ability to vomit, so anything they ingest must pass through their entire system. Be sure to provide safe food and toys and keep them away from potential hazards such as houseplants, wires, cords, loose carpet strands, and rubber bands. 

Caring for Your Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs require basic care to stay healthy and happy. You’ll need to provide your guinea pig with fresh food and water daily, as well as a balanced diet that includes hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables. You’ll also need to clean their cage regularly to keep it free from waste and odors. 

It’s important to keep an eye on your guinea pig’s health and well-being. Since guinea pigs are prey animals, they tend to hide their illnesses, so it’s important to schedule regular check-ups with a veterinarian who is experienced in treating guinea pigs. 

 Adopting a guinea pig is a rewarding experience that can bring joy and companionship to your life. To view a list of guinea pigs available for adoption at Toronto Humane Society, click here. With a little bit of preparation and care, you’ll be able to provide your guinea pig with a happy and healthy life for years to come.