Small pets PIG problem: Guinea pig rescues soar as vets offer £15 health checks
The number of guinea pigs arriving at RSPCA rescue centres has more than doubled in five years, with overbreeding and the cost-of-living crisis feared to be fuelling the rise.
The charity took in 419 guinea pigs at its national centres in 2025, up from 177 in 2021, an increase of 137 per cent.
Admissions also jumped by 76 per cent compared with 2024, prompting an appeal for animal lovers to consider adopting smaller pets.
Vets are responding with an initiative to help owners understand their guinea pigs’ needs and spot potential health problems.
Farnham Veterinary Group in Surrey is offering £15 nurse consultations across its Farnham, Ash Vale and Farncombe branches, supported by animal calming brand Pet Remedy.
Dubbed “Guinea Pig Awareness Week Week”, a playful nod to the animals’ distinctive squeaks, the fortnight of reduced-price appointments runs from November 2 to 13.
Each consultation will include a nose-to-toes health check, examining eyes, ears, feet and bottoms. Nail trimming, grooming or coat trimming will also be offered where needed and as time allows.
Owners will have the chance to ask about diet, housing, enrichment and changes in their pet’s behaviour or condition that could indicate a problem.
The initiative comes as the RSPCA warns that a lack of understanding about small pets’ needs can leave owners struggling to cope.
Alongside the increase in guinea pigs, the charity has recorded a 53 per cent rise in rats entering its national centres over five years.
The figures do not include animals taken in by its network of 133 independently run, volunteer-led branches, many of which also care for small mammals.
Large-scale rescues are adding to the pressure. Earlier this year, RSPCA rescuers removed 100 guinea pigs from a home after their owner became overwhelmed.
Eloise Dicks, Science and Policy Officer at the RSPCA, said: “Sadly, we’re seeing more cases involving large numbers of animals, with rescues of ten or more animals happening more and more. These situations can involve dozens of animals needing urgent care, and small furries including rats and guinea pigs are among those commonly affected.
“Overbreeding, the cost-of-living crisis and a lack of understanding about the needs of these animals can all contribute to people struggling to care for them. So while they can make incredible companions, we’d urge anyone thinking about getting a small furry as a pet to do their research first, and we encourage all those in a position to do so to consider adoption.”
The RSPCA’s Adoptober rehoming campaign is highlighting the smaller animals waiting for homes, including guinea pigs, rats, mice, chinchillas, ferrets, degus and gerbils.
Among them are Auradot and her sisters at Martlesham Animal Centre in Suffolk, who came into care when their previous owner could no longer look after them.
The confident, friendly guinea pigs are seeking a home together. Auradot is a Peruvian guinea pig and needs regular grooming.
Eloise said animals rescued from overcrowded homes can need extra time and patience to learn to trust people.
She added: “There are so many small furries waiting for a loving home, and adopting can make a real difference to their lives.”
The Pet Remedy-supported consultations follow Guinea Pig Awareness Week, running from October 26 to 30, which this year focuses on keeping guinea pigs happy and healthy through appropriate care and regular health checks. Find out more HERE
