Guinea Pigs at a Glance

• Typically live for 5-8 years, although 10-12 is not unheard of.
• Eat a diet comprised of hay, pellets, and fresh veggies daily.  Many people are allergic to hay, so make sure your family can tolerate having hay in the house before adopting!  Guinea pigs must have hay to stay healthy!
• Are socially gregarious animals who are happier in pairs or even larger groups.
• Require a large spacious cage with a large square footage.  Guinea pigs are poor climbers (unlike rats or sugar gliders) and spend more time running and chasing each other for fun.
• Should not use balls or wheels due to possible injury.
• Do not like being picked up and are often frightened when people try to do so, even after many years.  They will typically settle in for holding and lap time once picked up, but few guinea pigs ever lose their instinctive fear of being lifted off the ground.
• Do not require yearly vaccines, but should be seen yearly by a vet for checkups.  Contrary to popular belief, guinea pigs are prone to a variety of health problems which are very treatable if caught early.  See our guinea pig health guide.

For more in depth care information, please visit our guinea pig care guide.

Species Requirements for Adoption

• Cage size of at least 7.5 square feet (some pairs  may need more) with a solid floor.
• Diet consisting of hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables daily.
• Adoption of a pair (or having an existing companion for a single guinea pig)
• Understand their yearly vet needs and what behaviors indicate illness.

Adoption Fees for Guinea Pigs

• $40 - single guinea pig (only to homes with other guinea pigs)
• $70 - pair of guinea pigs (will be bonded at the rescue)

Adoption fees for larger groups will be discussed as applicable.

Adoption Process

1.)  After researching the species that you are interested in, please fill our our small animal adoption application.  Make sure you indicate the animal(s) that you're interested in!  This is not a commitment to adopt, and there is no fee for the application or for withdrawl of an application.

2.)  An adoption coordinator will verify your landlord approval (if applicable) and your vet reference.  Once these are passed, you will be contacted about adoption.  If there are any questions or concerns about information on the application, they will be addressed at this time.

3.)  A date for a home check/meet and greet will be set up with the animal(s) that you choose.  If we are trying to pair up your current pet with a friend, this may require several visits if the first candidate does not work out.  We do not adopt animals out without a home check.

Please note:  ACR&S is a collective of foster homes, and as such we do not have a single shelter facility that can be visited, although we are happy to bring the animals that you are interested out to meet you, and we frequently conduct adoption events.