Animal Shelters Experiencing Uptick in Guinea Pig Populations

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles said Tuesday that its facilities and other animal shelters in California are experiencing an uptick in the number of guinea pigs in their care  — largely as a result of the cute little critters being surrendered by their owners.

“The first wave of the pandemic brought many small pet or ‘pocket pet’ adopters,” spcaLA President Madeline Bernstein said in a statement.

“Now we are experiencing another wave, but this time the tide is not in the animals’ favor. Small animals are coming in, but we aren’t seeing as many adopters for them.”

In July of this year, 10 guinea pigs were left in a box in the Pasadena Humane front parking lot.

Pasadena Humane’s Jamie Holeman said the shelter is seeing more guinea pigs this year than in 2020.

“We have also seen an increase in the percentage of guinea pigs as part of our total animal intake over the last three years, Holeman said.

Holeman said Pasadena Humane officials can’t be sure why there are more guinea pigs coming into the shelter this year.

“One thing that we’ve noticed is an uptick in guinea pigs coming in as stray — meaning they were found lost or possibly abandoned — rather than surrendered by an owner,” she said.

As of right now, Pasadena Humane has 16 guinea pigs up for adoption  — including ones dubbed Peanut, Butter, Mr. Love, Big J, Cheerio and Muffin.

The shelter is able to provide care for the larger-than-usual guinea pig community. Most of the guinea pigs in Pasadena Humane’s care are currently living in foster homes.

“We are currently looking for community members to foster guinea pigs and other animals. Those interested in fostering a guinea pig, rabbit or other pet, can sign up at pasadenahumane.org/foster,” Holeman said.

Guinea pigs make great pets! Holeman said.

She said Guinea pigs require a large, solid-bottom enclosure, a healthy diet consisting mainly of timothy hay and high-quality pellets, fresh water, and plenty of exercise. Guinea pigs are quite social animals and often benefit from having another guinea pig for company.

“Our adoption counselors will help match adopters up with a guinea pig, as well as answer questions about their care,” she said.

For those considering a guinea pig as pet for young children, Pasadena Humane says encourage gentle handling and always supervise interactions between children and pets.

“We would love to find homes for the guinea pigs before the holidays. Those interested in adopting a guinea pig or any other pet can make an adoption appointment online at pasadenahumane.org/adopt or email adopt@pasadenahumane.org with “Guinea Pig” in the subject line,” Holeman said.

If you need assistance with your pet or can no longer keep your pet, there is help available. Please call Pasadena Humane at (626) 792-7151.