Cavy World Guinea Pig Rescue will take in any guinea pig needing a home.

About Us

Cavy World was founded on the belief that guinea pigs (cavies) are wonderful little animals, worthy of human companionship and the same level of care as dogs, cats and other household pets. It is our goal to find loving homes for every animal possible.  The rescue started in 1995 with a few shelter animals. In 2003, with over 100 guinea pigs Cavy World Guinea Pig Rescue achieved 501©3 nonprofit status.  Cavy World has saved the lives of hundreds of animals, placing the healthiest of them in new permanent homes. It is our goal to find loving homes for every guinea pig possible. Contact us here.

Services

Cavy World provides loving homes for guinea pigs. We accept surrenders from owners who are no longer able to care for their guinea pigs. In addition, we adopt out the healthiest animals we care for.    

Surrenders

Cavy World will take in any guinea pig needing a home.  We do not charge a surrender fee but welcome donations of any amount.  Animals with medical problems are accepted on a case by case basis at the discretion of the adoption coordinator or president.  Those with treatable conditions are treated and adopted out to new loving homes. At this time we do not have the resources to help individuals with their medical bills. Guinea pigs who are surrendered for medical problems cannot be returned.  Healthy animals who are surrendered are not returned to previous owners except in extreme circumstances (at the discretion of the adoption coordinator/president.)

Adoptions

We ask you to think carefully before deciding to adopt a guinea pig.   Adopting a small pet is not a small undertaking.  They need love, attention and medical care just like larger animals. Despite their abbreviated life span, guinea pigs are sweet, docile animals who make wonderful companion animals.  While capable of forming close attachments to humans, they also prefer to be housed with other guinea pigs.  This does not affect their relationship with humans.  For these reasons Cavy World will only adopt out single guinea pigs to families who already have guinea pigs. Otherwise, they are adopted out in pairs or trios. Occasionally we encounter adult males who do not get along with other males. These animals may be adopted individually. Guinea pigs generally live for 4-6 years though there are exceptions at both ends. It is our goal that all guinea pigs who are adopted out find permanent loving homes.

Before obtaining a guinea pig, it is strongly recommended that you purchase all needed supplies.  These include:

  • Cage. When choosing a cage for your new guinea pigs, please keep in mind that bigger is better. Guinea pigs must be housed in solid bottom cages and cannot be housed on wire bottom cages even if the floor is covered. These inappropriate cages have resulted in many foot infections as well as broken bones.
  • Food bowl. Heavy ceramic is best as plastic bowls are easily tipped and chewed.
  • Two water bottles (16 or 32 oz). Clogged water bottles are common. Having two water bottles ensures uninterrupted access to water. Regardless of how much they drink, your guinea pigs should be given fresh water every day and the sipper tube should be tested by tapping it with your finger to ensure that water flows freely.
  • Bottle brush. A bottle brush should be used to clean the water bottles at least once a week to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.
  • House or igloo. Guinea pigs need a house into which they can retreat to feel secure. 
  • Food. Guinea Pig pellets should be available at all times.  Adult animals should be fed a timothy-based food (NOT ALFALFA).  We highly recommend Oxbow Cavy Cuisine (available at Petfood Express.)
  • Hay (oat, wheat or timothy— NOT ALFALFA.) Hay should be available at all times.
  • Fruits and vegetables.  Your guinea pig should be fed fruits or vegetables at least 3 times a week. Carrots, parsley, celery, apples and bell peppers are a few of the favorites.  Potatoes, avocados and onions should never be fed.  Never feed wilted or discolored produce. If you would not eat it, don’t give it to your guinea pigs. Be sure to remove any uneaten produce within a few hours.  You may have to offer new foods several times before your guinea pig will try them. Don’t give up.
  • Bedding. Pine shavings are the preferred substrate, though recycled newspaper bedding can also be used.  Cedar bedding can cause illness and should not be used. Pine, fir, and aspen are acceptable.  Your guinea pig’s cage should be cleaned at least twice a week (change the bedding.) The cage should be thoroughly washed at least once a month.  A vinegar and water solution is both safe and effective.
  • Carrier. Your guinea pig will need a carrier in order for you to transport him or her to the vet or other places.  This can be plastic, cloth or even cardboard.

While Cavy World strives to only adopt out the healthiest animals, there are those that will become ill, even with the very best of care. The sooner you seek medical treatment, the better the chances of a full recovery.  Find a good exotics vet BEFORE your guinea pig becomes ill. Not all dog and cat vets will see guinea pigs. It is also wise to find the nearest after-hours emergency clinic that will treat guinea pigs.  These are not easy to find but they are out there.
While it is impossible to list every condition, the following are signs that your guinea pig needs immediate medical attention:
  • Decreased or no appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Head tilt, walking in circles
  • Profound drooling
  • Inability to prehend or chew food
  • Lethargy/not moving around for several hours
  • Diarrhea (occasionally too much produce can cause this. If your pet seems normal otherwise, stop all produce and feed only hay and pellets. If not better in 24 hours, see your vet.)
  • Seizures (this can be caused by ingesting snail bait so never let your guinea pig in areas that have been treated with snail or slug bait.
  • Blood in the urine or straining to urinate (guinea pigs are prone to urinary bladder stones which can cause a deadly obstruction. Many of these are calcium-based which is often the result of too much dietary calcium.  This is more common in guinea pigs who are fed alfalfa hay and/or alfalfa based pellets.)
  • Bleeding that does not stop within five minutes
  • Open wounds
  • Cloudy, discolored, swollen or bulging eye
  • Foreign object in eye

You know your pet better than anyone. If you feel that something isn’t right please seek medical attention right away. 

Minor medical issues such as lice or mites should be addressed within a couple days. Signs of these external parasites include constant scratching, often to the point of bleeding and hair loss, particularly on lower back. A “V” shaped area of hair loss is often seen. Left untreated these parasites can lead to seizures and even death. All Cavy World residents are regularly treated with a safe anti-parasitic medication and also at the time of adoption. If a guinea pig adopted from Cavy World shows signs of parasites within 60 days of adoption we will treat them at no charge. Guinea pig external parasites are host specific. This means they are NOT transmittable to humans or other types of pets.

If a guinea pig becomes ill within 14 days of adoption you may return it to Cavy World for a refund of adoption fee or a replacement animal. You may also take the animal to your veterinarian for treatment however we cannot reimburse you for medical bills. We strive to only adopt out healthy animals and such occurrences are quite rare.

Adoptions Fees & Donations

Cavy World is a 501©3 nonprofit organization funded solely by adoption fees and donations from the community. We have a $25 suggested adoption fee per animal.  Any donations beyond that are tax deductible and greatly appreciated.

 

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