How Do I Convince My Parents To Get Me A Guinea Pig?

[Bubbers]

Hey everyone!


I've been trying to convince my parents to get me guinea pigs for about a month now. I've done a ton of research, and printed out a packet of all of it to show to my parents. 7 pages to be exact. However, my parents have been reluctant. They claim that guinea pigs are a waste of time and energy since we have a dog and 2 cats. They tell me that that's enough for me to socialize with. I think they're worried that I'll lose interest. I had a hamster several years ago, and they ended up having to do all of the work. However, despite me telling them that I'm 13 and I've matured, they still won't let me. My mom promised after our hamster "never again." Even with me making deals and promises like doing the laundry, feeding our other pets, and keeping my grades up in school.

I'm starting to think that there's no chance of me getting friends. Is there anything else I can do?

 

[Lady Kelly]

Short answer is no. Your parents have every right to decline, after all it will be their money that needs to pay for food, bedding, toys, hay and more importantly - vet bills. Longer answer - try asking your parents why they are reluctant and then you can focus on alleviating their fears/concerns

 

[Swissgreys]

Sit down with your parents and try to calmly explain that you feel you have matured, and are mire aware of the responsibilities involved.

And then show your commitment.
Say that you want to show them you have changed, and ask how you can help out on a regular basis for a few months.

When my daughter wanted a pet, I told her she had to earn it and prove she was responsible.
I drew up a chart of responsibilities, and she had to do them for 2 months before I would consider getting her a guinea pig.
Depending on her schedule, I set her a small task each day which she had to complete without complaint.

She stuck with it, and for me that was proof that she was able to work hard for something she really wanted.
We have had our guinea pigs for almost 1 year, and my oldest daughter is still their main caregiver.

 

[RavenRed]

Short answer is no. Your parents have every right to decline, after all it will be their money that needs to pay for food, bedding, toys, hay and more importantly - vet bills. Longer answer - try asking your parents why they are reluctant and then you can focus on alleviating their fears/concerns

I agree with this post unfortunately. I'd think that a dog and 2 cats was already quite a handful, and whilst piggies can be very rewarding, they do cost money and it's a lot of effort to clean out the cages and take care of them.
It's ultimately your parents' choice, especially if they would be paying for the piggies and their food/bedding etc.

If you are really serious, and you get pocket money or an allowance, I'd suggest saving it up and calculating how much you would need to adopt/buy guinea pigs, cage and accessories, then the monthly costs of food, bedding, veggies etc.
They may see it as a chance for you to learn about responsibility.

 

[Merrypigs Sanctuary]

I understand how frustrating it must be for you! Piggies are a huge amount of work though - and you'd have to get two!
They don't come cheap either, and as it'd be your parents money it really is up to them
Spend some extra time with your dog and cats! Teach them tricks, try flyball or learn a new walk with your dog The less pets you have, the more time you have to invest in each of them
Why not offer to volunteer at a Sanctuary if there's one nearby?