Questions on Adopting Guinea Pigs

[alm_nin]

I am thinking about adopting one or two more guinea pigs, and I just wanted some opinions on something. Is it better to rescue a pig from a humane society or adopt from a guinea pig rescue? Here were my thoughts: the pigs at the rescue are already "safe", where pigs at a humane society might still be at risk for being euthanized for space, so that would make me want to adopt from a humane society. However, most rescues seem to get their pigs from humane societies and shelters, so by adopting one from them you are giving them room to go save another pig from a shelter, right? So is one better than the other?

[rabbitsncavyluv]

Either one is great.

You should visit the guinea pigs at the shelter and see if any of them jump out at you.

You'd need to quarantine the ones at the shelter though. The shelters typically can't guarantee health like the rescues can. If you're looking to add to your herd, a rescue can do playdates and help you match them up better.

[fourboys4now]

I have adopted from both a rescue and a shelter and they are wonderful piggies. One of them is still in quarantine, but seems to be in great health so far. Good luck to finding a new piggy.

[alm_nin]

The only Guinea Pig rescue I can find within 2 hours of me is the Critter Corral in Steger, IL. Has anyone ever adopted from them before or know anything about them? Do you think they would adopt to me since I'm 2 hours away?

[fourboys4now]

I drove about 2 1/2 hours myself when I adopted Brewster from the Mississippi animal shelter. I would just be sure and see if you can fill out adoption form ahead of time, that way after you drive all that way, you will know a piggy will be coming home with you. I had filled out the paperwork first then heard back from them about 3-4 days later when they told me I was approved.

[camende]

I have adopted 4 piggies from Critter Corral...I am about 4 hours from Steger, IL and I drove the 4 hours each way when I adopted Tootu. There was a foster home an hour from me so the other 3 piggies only had about an hour drive. All the piggies I have gotten from Critter Corral have been wonderful! They have all been healthy and adjusted very well. I would recommend them! It's definately not a problem if you are 2 hours away.

[fourboys4now]

If you do drive that far just be sure to have a few items ready for the trip home. I had a dog/cat carrier lined with towels and fleece on top to put my boys in. Also, I have one of those little lunch coolers you can put a frozen ice pack in to keep your food cold. I brought some cut up cucumber, wet lettuce, carrots, and parsley so they can eat and have the water off wet veggies for the ride home. Good luck with the piggy you adopt.

[Jennicat]

Just from a rescue standpoint, if you come and adopt from us, and there are piggies in danger, we then go and fill those "slots" with shelter pigs. In the end, I think that both methods will save a pig in danger.