Rescuing guinea-pigs

[Alicia]

One of the reasons my Mum doesn't want me to get guinea-pigs from a rescue is because we'd have to go to the rescue more than once and my Mum thinks its easier to go to a breeder or find one in free ads, but I really would like to rescue a guinea-pig, but it's up to my Mum where I get my guinea-pigs from because I'm 15 and can't drive. Does anyone know if some rescues could let us only visit once to collect the guinea-pig, if homecheck could be arranged or if I could send photos of my housing by email or something? I'm really sorry if I sound lazy, I have no problem with going to a rescue more than once

 

[All0about0the0animals]

Generally people come over two or even three times here, but I have done it locally where I've chatted to people on the phone, gone and done the homecheck, then the people have just come and met and picked out their pigs and taken them home. Not the norm, but I have done that if it's local homes.

Have you tried to explain to your mum why rescue pigs are the way to go and why you shouldn't support breeders/pet shops? Do you have a part time job or pocket money? Perhaps your mum wouldn't mind so much if you could offer to pay towards the petrol?

 

[Alicia]

Yes, I've got 2 jobs and have offered to pay petrol money but she says she doesn't mind about petrol it's just the time it takes I have explained about breeders and pet shops and everything and before I have gone to a good breeder for my guinea-pigs. I know it's not the best way, but I thought that a good breeder is better than a pet shop or bad breeder.

 

[Bailey]

Awww what a tough situation for you to be in (hug).
Some of the rescues rehome nationally so there must be some where you only have to go the once (or possible never actually visit if a piggy train is done.)
I think Honeybunnies in Leicester is one of them.
Good luck xx

 

[Guinea-wiggles]

The one near me will rehome with one visit, you visit her and collect your piggy.
She does ask about your housing situation (inside/outside) vet, other animals etc.
But she knows me and all about my piggies, that could be why she didn't ask me a lot.

 

[Member W]

the only thing i think you could do is contact local rescue's and explain the situation. they could maybe arrange to bring the piggy when they do the home check so you could have it once you're ok'd? i think alot of rescue's are so full if you explain and the piggy will be getting a good home, they'll be willing to help x

 

[Wiebke]

Have you spoken to Jenny at Crawley Guinea Pig Rescue?

I have most often rehomed with just one visit (i.e. collection) after the home check had been sorted.

Perhaps you can explain to your mum that with more visits to a rescue she can otherwise save on the more expensive vet visit side - rescue guinea pigs from a reputable rescue are guaranteed healthy and not pregnant and she won't have to cope with any nasty surprises?

 

[Alicia]

I haven't spoken to any rescues yet, I'm waiting until I can attach my two hutches together to make a larger space for them before getting any more. My mum doesn't mind about the money at all, it really is just the time it takes because the nearest rescue from us is about an hour away and if we visited twice it would take longer I really would like to rescue and have seen a guinea-pig on crawley guinea-pig rescue website that I really like But it's just my Mum. My Mum just thinks it is a lot easier and saves time to just go to a breeder or something, and I've tried explaining why rescues are better but she just says going to a rescue takes too much time

 

[Wiebke]

That is a real pity! Best of luck!

I would sort our your hutches, contact any rescues within reach and decribe your problem. I am sure that one or the other will be helpful! You can also mention that you are a member of The Guinea Pig Forum and take advice from them.