March - National Adopt A Guinea Pig Month

Many people aren't aware that guinea pigs are available for adoption in shelters and rescues. Most people go to the pet shop to buy a guinea pig and that's the only option available. A lot of people adopt their dog or cat from a shelter, but don't think about guinea pigs in shelters. If more people knew that guinea pigs were avaiable for adoption, more people would adopt. The month of March has been designated as the month for raising awareness about guinea pigs in need of adoption.

According to the National Pet Survey prepared by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Inc. in 2003-2004, there are 3.3 million guinea pigs in American homes. As is the case with other popular pets (dogs, cats, and rabbits), this means that many guinea pigs also end up being unwanted and left in shelters. The ASPCA declared March 2002 the first Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month to raise awareness about guinea pigs in the shelter system and to celebrate guinea pigs as pets.

Guinea pigs make wonderful pets for the right person.