frequently asked questions

Please bear with us, this page is a work in progress, but hopefully will provide some value insight to the questions we hear most often at the Rescue.

adoptions

What is the youngest age for a child to assume primary responsibility for a guinea pig's care?

11. At Piggie Poo, we believe that children under 11 years old need extensive support caring for the piggies. Those guinea pigs that are "family pets" are happier and healthier when the whole family, especially mom and dad, are involved in their daily care.

Do I have to adopt both piggies, if they are listed as "bonded"?

Yes. Guinea pigs are herd animals and form very strong bonds to their cage mates. Piggie Poo never separates bonded pairs unless medically necessary.

Why doesn't Piggie Poo recommend babies for young children?

Guinea pigs are prey animals and baby guinea pigs are hard wired to "escape" from big, bad predators like humans. For this reason, pups are very hard to hold, often scratch and nip in their attempts to get away, and are difficult to catch. Children under 9 years of age may squeeze or drop the pups when nipped or scratched, which can cause devastating results like limb breakage, spinal cord damage or even death.

Are adoption donations negotiable ? Do you offer discounts if we adopt more than a pair?

No. Adoptions donations are not negotiable or discounted as we depend on these monies to fund our rescue programs and to provide food and housing for the critters in foster.

Do you host adoptions during the week, or just on Saturdays?

Rarely. To help ease the burden on our volunteer staff, we host adoptions
on Saturdays, unless no other arrangements can be made.

Can we just go to the foster parent's house to adopt?

No. Adoptions are held in a public location on regularly schedule adoption days. Only Directors and Team Leaders are trained in adoptions.

I want to adopt a male and a female guinea pig so we can make baby guinea pigs. Is this ok?

No. Piggie Poo does not approve of breeding as there are so many guinea pigs in need of homes already. Only same sex or altered mixed-sex pairs may be adopted from Piggie Poo. You must sign an agreement stating the you will not breed the guinea pigs you adopt from Piggie Poo.

surrenders

Is Piggie Poo Rescue a "No Kill Shelter"?

Yes! Piggie Poo will only euthanize a pet in our foster care program when medically necessary as determined by our Vet of Record, Dr. Kevin Wright at Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital in Mesa.

general care taking

My piggie is sick. What should I do?

Take him to the Vet! Piggie Poo highly recommends our Vet of Record, Dr. Kevin Wright at Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital in Mesa. They are open 7 days a week and their phone number is 480-275-7017.

Where can I get advice and information about my guinea pigs?

Piggie Poo Rescue! You can email our care taking coordinator Tammy at tammy@piggiepoo.org, attend one of our Cavy Savvy Classes or visit us during
a Cavy Chat.