Adoption FAQ — Serenity Guinea Pig & Friends Rescue
Welcome! We at Serenity Guinea Pig & Friends Rescue have cared for many guinea pigs and their small-animal friends, and these are the questions we get asked most. If yours isn't here, email us at serenitygprescue@gmail.com.
1. Why do you adopt guinea pigs out in pairs?
Guinea pigs are highly social herd animals. A guinea pig living alone can get lonely and stressed, even with a devoted human. A companion of their own kind gives them someone to talk to, groom, and snuggle with, and that's something we simply can't replace. So we adopt out bonded pairs or groups, or we'll help match a single guinea pig with your current one.
2. How big does the cage need to be?
Bigger than most pet stores suggest. For a pair, plan on at least 10.5 square feet (a 2x4 C&C cage) of floor space, and more is better for groups or for males. Many store-bought cages are much too small. C&C (cubes-and-coroplast) setups are an affordable, roomy option, and we're happy to help you plan one.
3. What bedding is safe?
Fleece liners, paper-based bedding, or aspen work well. Never use pine or cedar shavings. Their aromatic oils can irritate a guinea pig's respiratory system.
4. What do guinea pigs eat?
- Unlimited fresh hay (timothy or another grass hay) every single day. It should make up most of their diet and keeps their always-growing teeth and their digestion healthy.
- Fresh veggies every day, especially leafy greens and bell peppers.
- Vitamin C. Like us, guinea pigs can't make their own, so they need it from vitamin C-rich veggies and a good-quality plain pellet. Ask your vet whether a supplement makes sense.
- Fresh, clean water at all times.
- Skip seed or colourful "mix" foods, and keep sugary treats to a minimum.
5. How long do guinea pigs live?
Usually 5–8 years, and sometimes longer. Adopting a guinea pig means committing to years of care, so please think about where you'll be in that time (moves, school, new jobs, new family members).
6. Do guinea pigs need a vet? What does that cost?
Yes. Guinea pigs need an exotics vet, meaning a veterinarian with specific training in small mammals. Not every dog-and-cat clinic can treat them. Guinea pigs hide illness well, so a small change can turn urgent fast. Costs depend on your area and clinic, so we suggest calling local exotics vets before you adopt and setting aside an emergency fund. For most of our own vet care, we use Westpark Animal Hospital and see Dr. Stubbs. Your local shelter or rescue can recommend exotics vets too, and you're always welcome to ask us.
7. Are guinea pigs good pets for kids?
Guinea pigs aren't "starter pets," and we don't place them as a child's pet. They can be a wonderful part of family life, but an adult must be the primary caregiver, responsible for feeding, cleaning, health checks, and vet care. Kids can help in age-appropriate ways with supervision. Guinea pigs are prey animals, and many don't enjoy being picked up, so gentle, floor-level interaction works best.
8. Are guinea pigs a good fit for neurodivergent families?
Many neurodivergent people and families build deep, rewarding bonds with guinea pigs. Fit depends on the household, not on anyone's neurotype. Some things worth thinking about together:
- Sound: guinea pigs are chatty! They wheek, purr, and rumble, and they often call out loudly at feeding time.
- Sensory: hay is dusty and has a strong smell, and cleaning involves textures some people find hard.
- Routine: guinea pigs do well on predictable daily care, which many households find grounding.
- Shared care: make a plan for who does what, especially on hard days.
We're glad to talk through your family's needs openly and without judgement.
9. What does the adoption process look like?
1. Browse our adoptable animals at https://www.serenitygprescue.com/adoptable-rescue-animals, or visit us in person in Hamilton, Ontario.
2. Complete an adoption application. Email us at serenitygprescue@gmail.com or message us on Facebook to apply. Tell us about yourself, your household, and your experience with small animals. You can also apply online here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsoVAVkXY1QUWRWRNbcuJnSfU7VTEgwYoh2WR_HDsvA8pSSA/viewform
3. Meet-and-greet. Spend time with the animals you're interested in to make sure it's a good match. There's no home check for guinea pigs (home checks are only for larger animals like dogs and bunnies), but we do ask to see your general setup, for example in a photo.
4. Adoption approval. Once you're approved, you'll finalize the adoption. The adoption fee is $40 for one guinea pig or $80 for a pair.
5. Take your new family members home, with lifelong support from us.
We're a small, volunteer-run team, so it may take us a few days to reply, especially during busy periods. The whole process usually takes about 2 weeks.
10. How do I help new guinea pigs settle in and bond with me?
Patience is everything. Give them a few days to settle with hiding spots (at least one per pig) and a calm routine. Sit beside the enclosure, talk softly, and offer veggies by hand. Let them come to you. Trust builds over weeks, not hours. If you're introducing a new guinea pig to one you already have, contact us first. Introductions should happen on neutral ground, and we can guide you.
11. What if it doesn't work out? Can I return a guinea pig?
Yes. Please always come back to us. We would much rather welcome an animal back than have them rehomed online or released outdoors (domestic guinea pigs can't survive outside). We accept any rescue animal back at any time, no questions asked.
12. I need to surrender a guinea pig or small animal I didn't adopt from you. Can you help?
Please email serenitygprescue@gmail.com. Space depends on how many animals we're caring for at the time, so we can't always take animals right away, but we'll do our best to help or point you to other resources. Our surrender process: (1) contact us by email to talk about your situation, (2) complete a surrender form with your pet's personality, health history, and any special needs, (3) schedule a surrender appointment, and (4) bring your pet in, and we'll review the form together and welcome them into our care. Each animal gets a general health exam, and we can keep you updated on their progress if you'd like. Details: https://www.serenitygprescue.com/surrender-a-pet
13. Who are the "friends" in your name?
Besides guinea pigs, we sometimes care for other small animals. Each species has its own needs for diet, housing, social life, and vet care. Please research the specific animal you're interested in, and ask us questions before you apply. We care for rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, and other domesticated small animals (we aren't equipped for wildlife). You'll find care guides on our website for guinea pigs, bunnies, rats, and sugar gliders. For rats, we also recommend our partners at Frankie's World Rat Rescue.
14. Can I help if I can't adopt right now?
Absolutely! Fostering, donating, sponsoring an animal, and sharing our adoptable animals all make a real difference. Foster: https://www.serenitygprescue.com/foster (online application plus a virtual or in-person orientation; we provide supplies and vet care). Donate: https://www.serenitygprescue.com/donate (e-transfer to serenitygprescue@gmail.com, or in-kind supplies like hay and pellets). Sponsor: some of our special-needs residents stay with us in permanent sanctuary care, and you can sponsor one by emailing serenitygprescue@gmail.com.
With gratitude,
Sarah "Feather" Jervis
Serenity Guinea Pig & Friends Rescue