Cavy Corner Guinea Sanctuary was established by Sue and Winston in the summer of 2008 as a Charitable Trust and was the result of a childhood love of cavies (another name for guinea pigs). It started with two guineas, Clover and GP who were bought as pets. They quickly became devoted cavy slaves and discovered just how many guinea pigs there are who need a safe loving home and so the sanctuary was born. In the summer of 2014 Cavy Corner became a registered charity.
Cavy Corner rescues abused, abandoned, neglected and unwanted guinea pigs. Guineas are surrendered to us for many different reasons. Changes in circumstances meaning a family can no longer keep their guinea pig, neglect, abuse, long term complex health needs, guineas being dumped and large scale rescues. Regardless of the circumstances, the guineas in our care are very much loved and cherished. Where possible we nurse them back to good health and then find the perfect family for them through adoption or provide a forever home here for guineas who have long term health issues or additional needs. We do not breed guineas.
Cavy Corner is run entirely by a team of dedicated volunteers, no one is paid here and all of our donations go towards the care of the guineas. Cage cleaning, feeding, cleaning water bottles, nail clipping, administering medicines and taming the guineas are just some of the daily routine duties.
There are so many other things that keep us busy at Cavy Corner too. We spend a lot of time giving advice and answering queries that come through to our email or advice line, vet visits, syringe feeding poorly guineas, veg shopping as well as spending time with potential new owners arranging adoptions to find guineas their forever homes.
We rely on fundraising and donations to ensure that Cavy Corner has the resources care for the guineas. Funds are raised through our own events like the Small and Furry Fun Pet Shows and donations from members of the public who kindly support us.
Our Achievements so far
Winner
Doncaster Free Press Community Group of the Year.
Winner
CVS Most Inspiring Organisation.
Finalist
CEVA International Animal Welfare Awards.
Winner
CEVA Animal Welfare Awards, Charity Team of the Year.
Finalist
Petplan Animal Charity Awards, Animal Charity Volunteer of the Year.
Winner
Animal Star Awards, Rescue Animal of the Year, Brave.
Finalist
Animal Star Awards, Rescue/Rehoming Centre of the Year.
Winner
Royal Voluntary Service, Coronation Champion Award for Voluntary Work.
Winner
Petplan Animal Charity Awards, Animal Charity Volunteer of the Year.
Winner
BBC Radio Sheffield Make a Difference Awards, Animal Award.
Everybody who helps Cavy Corner is ‘truly devoted to guinea pigs’ – if you are too and want to find out more please contact us to see how you can get involved!