I wish to buy 2 guinea pigs. Where I live, there is no RSPCA so a pet shop is the only option. I don't want to get sick piggies so, how do I know they are a respectable shop? I know how to tell if the actual guinea pig is healthy, but what about the shop?
There ARE good pet stores in this world, it's just finding them that's the problem.
My suggestion (I don't keep many warm fuzzy critters, but this goes for anything) is to do your needed research before purchasing the animal, and when you go to buy (or adopt) any new pet, ask lots of questions on care? your research on how to care for the animal that you have already done will help you know how well the pet store cares for their animals.
The pet store I go to is a small, family-run affair and everyone knows their place? if you ask Jay about hamsters, bunnies, or guinea pigs, he'll flat out tell you to go ask Jenny, who will then talk your ear off for an hour or more on proper care, diet, expected life-span, etc. ask her about fish, and she'll send you to Jay who will do the same. You want to buy a reptile, they won't sell unless they know that you know what you're getting into? they had someone special order a veiled chameleon that never got picked up, a few times I was in there and people were asking about it who had never been in the shop before? Jay just told them it wasn't for sale? after they left, he turned to me, shook his head, "I don't know them, and I doubt they know how to take care of it, I'd rather lose money giving it the care it needs than sell it to someone who doesn't know what they're doing."
That's the kind of pet store you need to find.
generally if you go to a shop and ask about guinea pigs, and they show great interest and they give plenty of advice, they will probably look after the guinea pigs and keep them in good health. i have had many experiences like this. when i was buying my pet fish, the local pet shop staff showed no interest in selling fish. when i looked in the tank, many of the fish had ick and there were also fish that were dead and being picked at by the other fish. i am sure the fish would have been for sale, because it was a very colorful fish that was in with a tank of many of the same kind of fish. i went to another shop, and all fish were in great health, no floating fish being picked at, and the staff gave me great advice and i have now kept many of the fish from that shop for a long time. i am sorry for going on about my own stories, but what im trying to say is that if you go to a shop that has helpful, and trustworthy staff, then your pets to-be will almost definitely be in good health and will live a fine life, that is, if you look after them properly.
i'M sure there guinea pigs and other animals shelters. RSPCA isn't the only animal shelter.
Also there are registed guinea pig breeders which would be a better option instead of a petshop.
Petshops DO NOT take care of their animals. If your in australia have you heard of Pet rescue? List of guinea pigs up for adoption
http://www.petrescue.com.au/search/?a=o&?
Pet Store, Guinea Pig Breeder or Rescue home?
I personally recommend finding a rescue home, my experience of Pet Stores is not very good. I brought my Guinea Pig's from a pet store. I felt I was rescuing the second one as she was far too tiny and I didn't like to think of her in a home with small children pulling her around.
A Pet Store is a business and there to make profit. they hire cheap staff who have no idea how to keep all the different pets, also the conditions they keep these animals in is terrible. (I am not saying ALL Pet Stores work to this rule however experience has taught me a majority do.)
You will find Pet Stores keep Guinea Pigs in with Rabbits. This is totally wrong. Rabbits will try and mate anything and also have strong legs they may kick Guinea Pigs.
Another thing I have found is some Pet Stores, they keep mixed sexes together (I don't know if a lack of animal education is to blame here or just the fact they really do not care about the animals needs).
I have heard many stories of people who have brought a sow only to find out weeks later she's pregnant. So the one or two Guinea Pigs they initially brought can turn out to be 6! Not only does this add to the ever increasing unwanted Guinea Pig population but its dangerous for the sow. If she isn't much more than a baby herself when she get's pregnant, this can cause her extreme stress and possible complications as she is still growing herself.
Guinea Pig rescue sanctuaries will tell you stories of so called breeders who really just end up with lots of unwanted babies due to improper housing. So in my opinion your best move is to contact the rescue centre and ask them where you can get a Guinea Pig from, they will have contact numbers for local responsible breeders.
A lot of people will want to have a baby Guinea Pig for their first Piggy. however if you really don't mind the age then the first place you should consider getting a piggy from is your local rescue. the money you pay them for your piggy will get used to care for further Guinea Pigs they rescue. also you will get the satisfaction of knowing you are giving the poor mistreated piggy a new life in a good home!
Pictured on the right is little Mikey! He is 15 months old and has gone to live with one of my friends after being rescued. I don't understand how somebody could of neglected him. His fur was in a mess and his nails were over grown. look at him now after a good bath!
Where to find your local pet rescue
You can always find these by either looking in your local free paper for animal rescue groups or contacting your local RSPCA.
They could have a piggy there that you will just fall in love with. I have spoken to many Guinea Pig rescue ladies and they have around 30 in at one time.
They would be more than happy for you to go along and take a look through the poor abandoned / previously mistreated piggie's who need somebody to give them the love they deserve. If they don't have what you are looking for, they will be able to put you in contact with somebody the does.
If you choose a breeder
When first speaking to them you should be able to tell about their knowledge of breeding Guinea Pigs. also when you go to pick up your new pet you should insist in viewing the Guinea Pigs with their mum.
You will be able to see the overall fitness of her and the rest of the litter. also you will get an idea on how these pets have been looked after.
Check the parents eyes, ears, nail length and general condition of its fur. If its dull looking then this is a sign the piggy has bad health. You should be welcomed to view all of the other Guinea Pigs. As I am sure this breeder would be proud of all their little Guinea Pig family!
From this viewing you should be able to make up your own mind if they are responsible and you will know if you feel comfortable buying from this source
oh pet shopd never care they just want profit adopt=) its better oh sry didnt see that comin oh find a professional breeder who really cares
How do you know that a pet shop takes care of its animals?
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