Would Love To Adopt 2 Guinea Pigs

[Maggie Newman]

Hi I'm new and I'm looking to adopt 2 guinea pigs, preferable to buying. My problem is that the only location on here is Walsall RSPCA which is miles away - I can't believe that there is no where more local. Any advice?

 

[Wiebke]

Hi I'm new and I'm looking to adopt 2 guinea pigs, preferable to buying. My problem is that the only location on here is Walsall RSPCA which is miles away - I can't believe that there is no where more local. Any advice?

Hi and welcome

We have only listed the rescues that are particularly piggy savvy and that we know are of a good standard. There is no licensing and control system in place in this country. Anybody can call themselves a rescue or a breeder, and the results are accordingly. We are listing the rescues that we can guarantee for you are in safe and knowledgeable hands and that operated to the highest standard at all stages. Sadly, there is still so much to do...

If you want to look more closely, I would start with your local RSPCA branch. As each branch is independent, knowledge can vary enormously. Some branches don't do small animals. But you can generally rely on you adopting proper rescue piggies and some basic protocol of care being followed, which is more than you'll get with some backyard "rescues" that advertise on free-ads. Sadly, any rescues that were your way have closed down.

 

[Lady Kelly]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I have adopted from Walsall in the past and would very much recommend them. These kind of rescues are ideal for new owners as they are so knowledgeable and supportive. Unfortunately as Wiebke says there is no regulation or licensing in this country for rescues or breeders and I have heard of rescues with the best of intentions taking actions that I just can't agree with. One of my own pigs came from a rescue not mentioned on here and I found out her mum had been bred in the rescue, it was with the intention of giving the piggy a companion but unfortunately mum died and left two boys together and my little lady. We have also had occasions on the forum where piggies have been mis-sexed in rescue as well leading to pregnancies.

I have now used rescues that don't meet standards but feel that my level of knowledge is good enough to be able to ask the right questions to ensure that I am not taking on a potential catastrophe. You can use your local RSPCA and they may also be able to advise of other local rescues (my local RSPCA deals with a number of rabbits but rarely piggies or other small animals/birds).

 

[LaurenKaye]

If you could find someone or know someone with a guinea pig that is unable to take care of them anymore for some reason, you could look into that. Some dog and cat shelters will occasionally have a guinea pig or 2, so maybe call and check to see if they do.

 

[Qualcast&Flymo]

Hi @Maggie Newman & Welcome!
It depends if distance is a problem because you don't drive so have to rely on trains or buses. Most guineas can tolerate car journeys pretty well. I live in Solihull (east outskirts of Birmingham) and have taken piggies 'boar-dating' at a rescue the other side of Gloucester 3 times - a journey of about 1.5 hours each way, and they have always had no problems with the journey.

If you are in South Worcestershire, is Burford Blue Cross any nearer than Walsall?

If getting to a rescue is really too difficult, maybe a 'PiggyTrain' could be organised to bring a pair of piggies from an approved rescue ... @Tim ? (Hope I'm not getting out of line suggesting that?)