Adoption Policy

Cavy Corner Guinea Sanctuary aims to find homes for all the guinea pigs. When this is not possible due to a guinea pig having a long-term medical problem or old age, they will remain with us.

This policy helps us to make sure that every guinea pig finds the perfect home where they can live a happy, healthy life. Our rehoming process aims to make sure guinea pigs and owners are well matched.

All guinea pigs will have been with us for a minimum period of 2 weeks to observe for any health or behavioural problems.

All guinea pigs will have a full health check before being adopted.

Guinea pigs will not be rehomed to anyone under the age of 18 years old.

Guinea pigs will not be rehomed without us taking reasonable steps to make sure that they will have a good quality of life. This will be done by in depth telephone conversations with prospective owners to discuss whether guinea pigs are a suitable pet, the care of guinea pigs and how to ensure their welfare needs are met, minimum cage sizes and either a home check or virtual home check.

Potential adopters will attend a care class in person to be shown how to safely handle and health check a guinea pig, discuss dietary advice and the care of guinea pigs to ensure all their welfare needs are met. Adopters will then be matched with guinea pigs.

An adoption fee is to be paid to the charity to fund the care of the guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs will only be rehomed in pairs as a minimum unless a single guinea pig is going to be bonded with another guinea pig.

Minimum cage sizes need to be followed to ensure the welfare of the guinea pigs.

Cages must not be smaller than the absolute minimum of 7.5 square feet internally (for example 2×3 C&C cage, Ferplast Plaza 160) as advised by RSPCA and Humane Society minimum cage size guidelines. 10.5 square feet per pair of guineas or more internally is preferred (for example 2×4 C&C cage).

Guinea pigs are to live in indoor homes only.

Owners must register their guinea pigs with a RCVS veterinary practice and agree to access veterinary care if their guinea pig becomes unwell. Guinea pigs are classed as an exotic species for veterinary care.

Cavy Corner Guinea Sanctuary does not allow guinea pigs to kept in schools, care homes or any other non-residential setting. The RSPCA strongly discourages the keeping of animals in schools and we agree with this.

Guinea pigs adopted from Cavy Corner Guinea Sanctuary are never to be used for breeding.

Guinea pigs will not be rehomed over the internet or via telephone. Guinea pigs are never sold or given as prizes.

For potential adopters who live in rented accommodation you will need to check if you require permission from the landlord to keep guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs will not be adopted for use in experimentation that requires a Home Office licence.

Cavy Corner Guinea Sanctuary will not rehome guinea pigs abroad or requiring journeys that may compromise their welfare.

If an adopters circumstances change and they are no longer able to care for their guinea pigs they must be surrendered back to Cavy Corner Guinea Sanctuary.