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Los Angeles, CA — Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) and animal welfare organizations across California are experiencing an uptick in guinea pig populations in their care. Overall, this increase is a result of “owner surrenders,” meaning the pet was relinquished to a shelter. In many cases, unaltered guinea pigs, who were purchased from pet stores, were relinquished with a litter after being housed with the opposite sex. In some cases, they were adopted from the shelter, or came in as stray or lost pets.

Guinea pig adopters wanted!

“The first wave of the pandemic brought many small pet or ‘pocket pet’ adopters,” said Madeline Bernstein, spcaLA President. “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.” The reason most often cited for relinquished pets is loss of housing or the inability to provide care. Some organizations, like spcaLA and Marin Humane have noticed that this increase appears to coincide with people heading back to work and school.

The shortage of spay/neuter resources may also be a contributing factor. Many organizations paused spay/neuter programs due to COVID. In addition, not all veterinarians offer spay/neuter services for guinea pigs and rabbits since their surgeries can be higher risk. Further, veterinary care for the public can be hard to come by as the industry struggles with labor shortages and an increase in pet ownership.

It is possible some adopters may not know the sex of their small pets, and then come to find they have reproduced. Santa Barbara County Animal Services offers a small animals sexing program for companions who are unsure.

Small animal rescues, both city-operated and private, are looking for ways to transition guinea pigs from the shelter to a home. Many have tried identifying animal transport opportunities — moving pets from one city or state to another to no avail, since shelters across the country in places like Connecticut, Long Island, and Massachusetts are also dealing with their own deluge of guinea pigs and small animals.

Shelters like spcaLA and San Francisco Animal Care & Control are offering foster-to-adopt options as well as reduced or eliminated adoption fees.

“Guinea pigs are so social and fun — they greet our staff with a cacophony of happy coos when it’s time for their morning greens,” said Bernstein. “They do really well in pairs, and many people find they’re a good first pet for kids, with supervision of course.”

Guinea pigs need large, solid bottom cages with plenty of Timothy Hay for bedding. They also like to hide, so including a hutch is recommended. They should have balls or toys to play with, and a chew for their teeth, which are always growing.⁠ They need plenty of fresh clean water, kibble, a small amount of fresh fruits and veggies daily, and oranges or a vitamin C supplement.⁠

But what they need most is a loving home! Anyone interested in adopting a guinea pig or rabbit from spcaLA may visit spcaLA.com/adopt to begin the adoption process.

Additional SPCAs, humane societies, and city shelters with adoptables: Marin Humane, Pasadena Humane, San Diego Humane Society, Santa Barbara County Animal Services, San Francisco Animal Care & Control, SPCA Monterey County, and Yolo County Animal Services.