Rescued guinea pigs, and other small pets ready for adoption

The Seattle Animal Shelter highlights rescued guinea pigs for adoption during the month of March – “Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month.” Besides guinea pigs, the shelter offers other small animals for adoption, as well as the usual dogs and cats. In 2010, 48 guinea pigs were adopted from the Seattle Animal Shelter.

“Guinea pigs make great pets. Because of our tremendous success in adopting out cats and dogs, we are now entrusted with finding good homes for other animals when pet owners can no longer care for them. Adopting an animal from the Seattle Animal Shelter is the right thing to do,” says Shelter Director Don Jordan

Guinea pigs (or cavies, as they’re sometimes known) are very social and prefer to live with at least one other guinea pig friend and spend lots of time interacting with their human companions. Guinea pigs like to live indoors, where they can be part of your daily family life. They require a roomy flat bottomed cage, hay, pellets, and fresh fruits and veggies. Many guinea pigs are vocal and will greet their owners excitedly with “wheeks, wheets, and whistles.” Guinea pigs also require daily exercise in a secure playpen, as they cannot use exercise wheels or rodent balls.

Come meet the guinea pigs, and other critters, available for adoption from the shelter, located at 2061 15th Ave. W., about a mile south of the Ballard Bridge. The adoption fee for small animals ranges from $5 to $25. The Seattle Animal Shelter reserves the right to approve or deny any animal adoptions.

If you would like more information or directions, please call (206) 386-PETS(7387) or visit the shelter’s website at http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org. The shelter is open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. for adoptions and for licensing.

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