It’s Guinea Be Great to Adopt.

Gentle, affectionate, healthy, quiet, doesn’t take up space, super sweet and ooooh so cuddly.

If this list looks like the perfect pet for you then head on over to the RSPCA Pop-Up Shop this weekend and pick up a guinea pig of your own.

Following a huge intake of guinea pigs from a southern suburbs property last month, RSPCA South Australia is on a mission to find them all loving homes. More than 130 of the endearing animals (also known as “cavies”) were surrendered by their overwhelmed owner after their numbers ballooned out of control.

The sudden intake of so many animals has placed a strain on RSPCA’s already stretched resources at its Lonsdale shelter. The organisation is encouraging anyone with interest and capacity to rehome guinea pigs to come along to the Great Guinea Pig Adoption Drive happening at Petbarn Norwood over the next four days.

Guinea pigs are happiest when kept with other guinea pigs. Due to their highly social nature, they will be available to adopt in same-sex pairs for just $20.

According to RSPCA SA’s Animal Care Manager Danielle Griggs, overpopulation easily occurs with guinea pigs unless they are desexed or males and females are housed separately.

“This owner has done the right thing in recognising that she didn’t have the capacity to care for so many animals, but we urge people to avoid getting into this situation in the first place by ensuring undesexed male and female animals are not housed together.”


While guinea pigs make wonderful pets, Ms Griggs advised that they require a well-researched approach to their care to ensure they live happy and healthy lives. They need “nutrition, clean and dry housing, exercise and enrichment and – with the long-coated varieties – regular grooming.”

“Children can learn a lot from taking care of these beautiful little animals, but their care must be overseen by a responsible adult and young children in particular must be supervised as guinea pigs can easily suffer distress if not handled properly.”

Learn all you need to know by checking out this guide from the RSPCA.