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Adoption FAQs

I want to learn more about your adoption process, what do I do?

Please visit our Adoption Process page for all the info you need including what to expect after you submit your online application.

Where can I see what guinea pigs you have available for adoption?

We don't have a physical facility so to view available pigs, please visit our rescue profile page on Petfinder and Adopt a Pet. You can also click on the Adoptable Guinea Pigs tab above. Check out our Instagram and Facebook as well for new arrivals and picture and video updates of our foster pigs.

How long does the adoption process take?

The application process can take about a week from start to finish. Once approved, meetups are coordinated based on the availability of the adopter and the foster. We will do our best to make the actual adoption as smooth and expeditious as possible.

How much does it cost to adopt a guinea pig from you?

The cost to adopt is $35 for a single (only available if adopting as a mate for another pig), $65 for a pair and $95 for a trio. The adoption fee is a tax deductible donation (Tax ID 87-3916033 ) and every penny of the adoption donation goes back to providing care for our adoptable guinea pigs.

Can I adopt a single guinea pig?

Our guinea pigs are only available in pairs. Guinea pigs are herd animals by nature, they are happiest and healthiest with a friend and companion. We adopt single guinea pigs only as a companion to another guinea pig.

I have a single guinea pig and I want to find a friend for them, how does that work?

The application process is the same but in order to make sure you have the best chance of finding a compatible mate, (as it can be difficult to bond older pigs, especially males) we invite you to our once a month meet-ups where we gather all the singles in one place and host introductions speed date style. We will give you all the instructions you need if a match is made on how to nurture that fresh bond and if it doesn't work out, we'll make arrangements to take back the foster pig and try again when a suitable pig is available. 

I'm not sure a guinea pig is right for me?  Can you help me find out?

Yes! Please visit our Guinea Pig Care section and read through our care guide for a deep dive into what to expect with guinea pig parentage. This section includes daily, weekly, and monthly care schedules, a list of items you'll need to purchase to prepare, cage guides to check and see if you can accommodate the size habitat they will need, things to think about if you want to adopt for your kids, veterinary care estimates and information on health conditions and more. 

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If you're still not sure about making the commitment, you can become a Foster Volunteer with us. We will supply you with everything you need as well as support you as a valuable member of the team. Visit our Volunteer section for more information and you can fill out a Foster Application online as well. 

I have  guinea pig or guinea pigs I can't take care of anymore, can I surrender them to you?

We get many more requests to take in guinea pigs than we do applications to adopt guinea pigs, unfortunately. We can review surrender requests on a case-by-case basis, but only under the following circumstances.

 

  • Extreme and/or life-threatening: Guinea pigs abandoned outdoors (released in a park, parking lot, or dumpster), or abandoned indoors (left in an empty apartment or home after a move) would constitute an emergency and you can get in touch via our contact page.

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  • Terminal Illness: If you as the owner are suffering from a terminal illness and need help caring for or rehoming your pigs please get in touch via our contact page.

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  • Newborn Baby Guinea Pigs: We can always pair baby guinea pigs, please get in touch via our contact page.

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  • Senior Guinea Pigs: If you have or know of a senior in need, six years plus, please contact us.

 

If you're moving or have gotten busy with work or school, we encourage you to responsibly rehome your guinea pigs. This is not a fast process so please plan ahead.  You can visit Rescue Me for tools on how to rehome your pet.

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If you need to rehome your guinea pigs immediately, please be advised that it is illegal to abandon your pets. (Cal. Penal Code § 597s.) Please do NOT release your pigs outside, as they cannot survive in the wild. Instead, please contact your local SPCA/ animal shelter and confirm that they are no-kill before surrendering your pets. 

I have  an old guinea pig whose mate just died, I'm not interested in getting any more and I know they are social creatures. Can I surrender them to you?

It is difficult to bond older guinea pigs and generally more upsetting to them to be moved to an entirely different home or into foster care than it is to have them live out their golden years with the family they've always known. Every pig is different, some pigs get very depressed and some pigs are fine and carry on. You'll need to find out which one is yours.

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  • Weigh your surviving pig weekly and look for signs of depression such as weight loss, lack of appetite, lethargy and disinterest in everything (just like depression in people.) 

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  • If your guinea pig is rapidly losing weight and showing signs of depression. Please use the contact form and get in touch with us.

Have a question not answered here? Please Contact Us here.

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