When getting from the store....

[RenegadeWoozel]

I was wondering if Guinea Pigs are spayed/neutered already when buying them from a store i.e. Petco or Pet's Mart. I know store bought ones aren't as good as rescued ones but there aren't any piggy rescues where I am. If they aren't spayed/neutered already, if I get a sow should I be on alert to make sure she isn't pregnant?

-R. Woozel

[nonamian_girl]

They definitely will not be spayed or neutered. But they do have a high chance of being sick, pregnant or mis-sexed.

What area do you live in? I bet we could find at least one pig in your area that needs a home.

[RenegadeWoozel]

I live in Maryland but right now I'm at college in Chambersburg,PA and I couldn't find a rescue. Someone in my hall got a new Guinea Pig from the pet store and it had nothing wrong with it... at least I think she got it from the store... she might of got it from some random person... I don't remember the story... I want to get a girl piggy but I don't want to risk it having babies...

[pamziaw]

If you don't want to risk babies, illness or a big vet bill then DEFINATLY do not get your pig from a pet store. You risk all of the above plus support breeding. Please take another look at the rescues, some are willing to drive to get you a pig and there have been piggie chains set up to transport pigs long distance. Me and my family drove an hour to get one of ours. Getting from a rescue you can guarentee that they will have been cared for as the rescue cares about the pig whereas the petstore cares about the profit.

[nonamian_girl]

Check Petfinder.com: Adopt a pet and help an animal shelter rescue a puppy or kitten. . Then check craigslist.com and your local newspapers. If all else fails, contact a shelter that's closest to the area and see if they would be willing to arrange transport for you. Whatever you do, don't go the pet store route. If you adopt a pig, you will be saving a life in need, whereas with a pet store, you're just contributing to the problem and risking getting a sick animal. Be patient and keep looking, a pig will in need will find their way to you.

P.S. check out this cutie in central PA: Petfinder PetNotes

[Tatalp]

No homeless pigs near Maryland? Are you kidding!?
Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue
Small Angels Rescue
Untitled Document

[SandyF]

And when you check Petfinder, don't forget to also check the Classifieds from individuals. Earlier this summer, I had contacted a woman about a boar she listed for rehoming. Turned out that she and her family lived 4 hours away from us, but they said they were planning a vacation in our area and could bring the pig with them and make a side trip to our house. People are often very willing to go the "extra mile" when difficult circumstances force them to find a new home for their pet.

Also contact any local shelters in your area REGARDLESS of whether or not they have a guinea pig listed on their site. I know of at least one shelter in our area who doesn't always advertise guinea pigs on their site but sometimes has them available for adoption. And many shelters or rescues will also take your name and number, if you want to be placed on a waiting list for when one does become available.

And I wanted to add: guinea pigs are social animals that do better in pairs. When you do adopt, please seriously consider a pair of same-sex piggies rather than just one.

[HowietheGreat]

I live in Maryland and there are ample rescues here and in Pa. I highly recommend Small Angels. I got Belle from them and they were wonderful. Go to petfinder.com-there is no way that you cannot find one in your area.

[Percy's Mom]

You may also want to check:
Little Wonders Animal Rescue, Inc.

[RenegadeWoozel]

I can't travel because I don't have a car.... if anyone knows if there are any Female pigs IN Chambersburg, PA or if you know someone who has one here... then post a reply

[PiggieMom]

If you contact the rescues many times piggy trains can be set up. Also the people on this site and on guinealynx.com can help with piggie trains as well.

[Susan9608]

If you can't travel because you don't have a car ... then you can't take the animal to the vet. You can get food for the animal on a regular basis. You can't obtain the necessary supplies to ensure the correct care for your pet.

If you can't do those things, then it's not the right time for you to have a pet. Rather than resorting to buying for a pet store and contributing to the overpopulation problem, why not wait until your circumstances change? Surely you're patient and unselfish enough to do what's in the best interest of the *animal*, right?

[RenegadeWoozel]

Thanx! I'll do that when my Mom says I can get one. I was asking for a ferret but she didn't like that idea.... so I asked for a Guinea Pig because there easyer to take care of and easyer on the wallet, most of the time....

[RenegadeWoozel]

If I need to go to the vet, I can ask someone to take me. There are lots of people who have cars. So I can move if I need to.

[nonamian_girl]

Originally Posted by Susan9608

If you can't travel because you don't have a car ... then you can't take the animal to the vet. You can get food for the animal on a regular basis. You can't obtain the necessary supplies to ensure the correct care for your pet.

I have to disagree with this Susan. All of this can be accomplished by bus and I have done it all that way except for vet care, which could be done with a cab if no friends are willing to drive me.

[fourbwabbys]

Also look on craigslist: san francisco bay area classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events

[RenegadeWoozel]

I'm still trying to convince my Mother...... But other than that I still can't figure out this train thing....