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Jack Pine Guinea Pig Rescue (http://members.tripod.com/pigsleys/jpgpr.html)
This organization, which was founded in 1993, is a no-kill shelter that tries to find good homes for guinea pigs that were neglected, abused, or simply unwanted. To adopt one (or a bonded same sex pair) of their cavies, you must go through a short interview and have an acceptable living environment for the animal(s).
Cavy Spirit
(http://www.cavyspirit.com)
This site provides adoption information for the San Mateo, California area, but also offers a link to a listing of other guinea pig rescue sites around the country. It also provides some wonderful information about caring for guinea pigs.
The nature of guinea pig rescues is that they often have small budgets and short lives. Try not to feel too frustrated if you find rescues listed on the Internet and then discover that they no longer exist.
Your local humane society will almost certainly be able to point you in the direction of a sweet, deserving guinea pig that just needs a new home.
Finally, be sure to peruse your local newspapers. When a family has to move, they will often advertise in the paper that they are giving away their guinea pig.
Like any adoption agency, animal rescue organizations usually require people to pass a rigorous adoption process. This might take a couple of weeks and can be very annoying if you are in a hurry. Just remember that taking the time to make sure that you are going to be a good owner keeps that animal from returning to the same overcrowded, under-funded rescue where you found it. The fact that you are willing to wait for your special pet means that you are serious about being a responsible owner.
Facts to Know When You Buy or Adopt
You have heard the old adage, “You get what you pay for.” When you look at the prices for guinea pigs in pet stores, they usually run around ten or fifteen dollars. A breeder will most likely charge you twenty or thirty dollars. You are paying a little more for the expertise and peace-of-mind that you get from buying from a breeder. Some special breeds might have a higher price tag.
Once you have spotted the guinea pig for you, pull out a piece of paper with the following questions on it and carefully go through each one with the breeder or pet store owner. In every instance, if the person selling you the guinea pig does not know the answer to the question, and you have doubts, don’t buy that guinea pig!
Guinea Pigs Previous Page (9)
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