| It is important when choosing to have a new | | | | on. |
| family member (even a pet) that many factors | | | | The second option is to go direct to breeders (or |
| are considered first before making a choice. Once | | | | caviary), this is by far the best option if you are |
| you have decided that a Guinea Pig is the right | | | | looking specifically for a certain type/breed or for |
| pet then you need to locate a happy, healthy one. | | | | a guinea pig of show quality. A good breeder will |
| There are several places in which a pet can be | | | | have good knowledge on having them as pets |
| found. The first is the most obvious 'pet stores', | | | | and will make sure that babies are socialized well |
| there are many kinds of pet stores, from small | | | | and handled from an early age. |
| independently owned pet shops to the large pet | | | | Another place to locate pet guinea pigs is rescue |
| super stores. | | | | shelters. All kinds of pets end up at shelters and it |
| This option is a very popular one, but | | | | is a great place to give a lonely guinea pig a |
| unfortunately the store and its staff can | | | | second chance at a happy life. It is common that |
| sometime be lacking knowledge in Guinea Pig | | | | pets from rescue shelters may display skittish |
| specifics and care. It is best to talk to the staff | | | | behavior as not being handled often, but most will |
| members about the animal before making a | | | | settle down once they become established with |
| choice, they should know the correct way of | | | | the new family routine, smells and sounds. It is |
| housing and handling the guinea pigs and what to | | | | vitally important that regardless of which source is |
| feed them. Look for stores that house males and | | | | chosen that the animal is in good health and |
| females separately, to avoid a surprise litter later | | | | general condition, is easy to handle and sociable. |