Advice needed - What would you do?

[Hanwombat]

Basically I brought a guinea pig named Lentil from a place last Saturday. I didn't have the intension of buying one but when I saw him I felt a bit sorry as hes about 6 months old and all the others were 8 weeks and I didnt think many people would want a pig so big.

I brought him home and noticed a small bald patch on his back and also his ears are very crusty and extremely waxy.

I am taking him to the vets on thursday to see whether he has mange or ear mites and I emailed the place I got him from and they said that they wouldn't pay for vet fees if I took him, but if I returned him they would take him to their vets and it obviously wouldnt cost.

BUT

I wouldn't be able to take him until saturday (I am going there on saturday anyways to buy hermit crabs) and the vet wouldn't be able to see him until Monday.

AND

If the vet saw him Monday and he was fine, I wouldn't be able to collect him until the following Saturday as the place closes at 6pm on weekdays and I wouldn't get there until about 6:30pm.

So he'd be stuck there for atleast a week and if he needed treatment they wouldn't give him back until he is fully recovered which could take weeks!?

I dont know what to do, I will probs just end up taking him to the vets myself as I dont want to leave him there for atleast a week.

I just want people's thoughts.

Thanks

 

[TwoPiggies]

Hmmmm tricky situation.

I would try and get them to give you the money back after you have been to the vets by providing them with teh reciept. The reason I say this is that firstly they should have health checked him before you took him home. Also explain to them that it makes sense for you to take him as he will be seen sooner as you can take him Thursday and they would be able to take him till Monday so for his health that is better. Also it will be very stressful for him to go back and forth.

I would really try to argue your case. They obviously haven't taken enough care; having him there for 6 months and not noticing his skin and ears and also for failing to check this before selling him.

Hope it all works out

 

[Sarah from Chucklebunnies]

Personally I wouldn't want to leave him there for at least a week either - I would take him to the vets myself. It doesn't sound as though the place you got him from was looking after him particularly well and the fewer rapid changes in circumstances the better for any unwell piggie. I mean, now he's with you, if he stays with you then that's how it should be.

 

[Hanwombat]

Well he wasn't there for six months - sorry should have stated this.
They tell me that all of their guinea pigs are sold to them from breeders. I visited the place about a month or so ago and they didnt have any guinea pigs in. But again they should of checked him.

Id rather take him as he has settled in sooooo fast in just 3 days and hes a lovely chappy and I don't want to leave him

I am talking to them again tomorrow morning and I'll see whether they will pay if I gave them the reciept.

 

[Laura-CCC4]

I have to say, even though the pet store will not reimburse you for any fees you need to cover, I would not do what they say by returning him. I will not forget the performance another member had trying to get her pig back from a pet shop, it was a while ago now. I would personally never ever trust a pet shop with my pigs.

There may be exceptions to the rule but I would not trust the store and I would never darken that shops doors again. By not paying out for a pig they sold to you, when the pig was already sick, they don't deserve your custom for anything, at any time.

 

[flintstones]

I would take him to my vet and if they refuse to pay costs I would tell them you are not using there vet as they clearly can't spot a sick pig and you don't trust them.

If they refuse to pay, I would contact the rspca afterall they did sell you a sick pig!