Starting a rescue is a big challenge - just as Teresa (CavySpirit). You'd want to ask her about her experiences, but I'm sure she'd say that it isn't easy at all.
Guinea pigs are great pets, and I think it'd be great if you COULD start a rescue, but you have to understand that it's
very expensive to run a rescue - vet bills, especially. You might want to start saving for a "vet fund."
I'd say to first make a plan. How many animals will you budget to rescue and adopt out? How much will those animals cost? Do you have the space/cages?
Next, think of some ways you can cut costs. Can you buy from a local hay place? Can you buy pellets in bulk? Is there a local farmer’s market that has good veggies for a good price? Figure out how you’ll save money to care for these animals.
Then, build yourself a reputation. Talk to other rescues and shelters in the area and explain to them how you’re starting a rescue. Tell them that you’d love to correspond with them, share ideas and info, and are willing to take extra animals that they don’t have room for.
Now to paperwork—you’ll need to create a professional-looking adoption form packet. Figure out what information you’ll need to place the animal in a good home. Plan to educate all adopters about each animal’s care. Create some care guides or brochures to hand out to the public or adopters. A business card would also be a good idea.
What about publicity? How will you get the word out to everyone that you have adoptable animals? Perhaps you could work with a pet store and have an adoption day on their property. Or maybe you could put up signs, create a website, or other advertising methods.
The day-to-day care is going to be a challenge if you have to do it alone. You might want to get some volunteers to help with the care and adoption events. (If you have them.) I recommend making a website and having a phone number inquirers can call. On the website, you should have pictures and description of each adoptable animal, a page about the rescue, a wish list, a donations page, and a contact us page. More would be great, but this is probably the bare minimum.
These are just a few of the things you’ll need to consider before starting a rescue.
You might consider joining the Social Group called “
RESCUES” here in the GPC forum. There are lot of members who run rescues, and may be able to assist you and provide more information.
Good luck!