Don't just head straight to the pet store to find your new pet cavy. Although that is an excellent source and I don't want to be misunderstood as discouraging your looking there, there is one alternative that I think deserves to be mentioned and that is a Guinea Pig Rescue Center.

Each year thousands of animals are destroyed because suitable homes cannot be found for them. This is primarily a result of irresponsible and/or unintentional breeding. Many times these animals are placed with rescue shelters, and the rescue shelters do their best to find caring and loving homes for them. Unfortunately, if they are unsuccessful in doing so the animals are destroyed.

Cavies that end up in rescue centers are there through absolutely no fault of their own. Their owners were unable or unwilling to keep them, maybe because the owners had to move, or there was a change in the family situation. Whatever the reason, the owners weren't able to personally find them a new home, and so they are abandoned to rescue centers.

These cavies that have been abandoned to a cavy rescue center are in need of a loving and compassionate home. It is just as likely that you will be able to find well-mannered, good-natured, affectionate cavy at a rescue center, as it is that you will find one at a pet shop at the mall.

The rescue center staff can hopefully give you detailed information on the animals in their care. If you can, find out:

• why the cavy was given up for adoption,

• how old it is,

• whether or not it had been raised with a cage-mate,

• what type of food it has been eating,

• if it has any health problems,

• or if it has any behavioral problems.

If you are looking at adult cavies at the guinea pig rescue center be aware that adopting a grown cavy comes with some challenges. This is because cavies get very set in their ways, and have a difficult time adapting to new environments, housing, and food. They will require more of your time and attention than would be required of raising a weanling pup, so be prepared for this.

Summary

The cavies that you will find at a guinea pig rescue center are just as cute, good-natured, and affectionate as the ones you will find at a pet store. And by adopting an abandoned cavy from a rescue center you just might be giving it a second chance at living a long and happy life, something that you can feel very good about!