What to do with guinea pigs while away?

[looseleaf]

We rehomed 2 guineapigs locally in London last year with the agreement the family who'd got bored of them would have them when we couldn't. But they can't! We're away for 5 weeks over the summer and can't think what to do as noone we know here or keen to have them (and they're lovely!) I've tried DD's school friends.

What do you do with your small furries? A livery simply isn't an option sadly.
We've taken them with us to Scotland but the travel stresses them as so far and this summer there's a drive to France too so just too much (plus we don't have a hutch or cage there but their indoor cage fills the whole boot)
Aargh !
Am a bit stressed /wishing we hadn't taken them on though they get tons of attention and love with us and v lovely girls

[Eyesunderarock]

Local vet?
Pay a teenager to deal with them (my two teens have an animal-sitting service that several people avail themselves of)

[ChippingInWiredOnCoffee]

Guinea pigs are lovely aren't they!! :) I miss having them around.

You have a few options -

• Breeders will often do 'boarding'
  
• Vets & petshops will often do boarding
  
• Housesitter (free sitters are easy to get, especially in London!)
  
• Local teenager to come in and feed/clean for a small ££
  
• Ask anyone & everyone you know! (if you lived closer I'd have them for you)

[Eyesunderarock]

Where in London are you?

[looseleaf]

Near West Kensington/ Olympia (W14)

A teenager is a great idea, thanks. Am worried few people will be here though!
Boarding seems too expensive (I was quoted £10/ day).

House sitting ok too but I'd worry about the flat I think? As don't know anyone?

Thanks for your ideas!

[guineapiglet]

Definitely try local rescues/guinea breeders for ideas. £10 a day! You are having a laugh. If I lived nearer I would happily do it! Do try friends/neighbours and ask around if anywhere cheaper. There is a specialised guinea rescue near us called Wheek and Squeak who do boarding for half the price you have been quoted. Sadly they really cant be left on their own, they do need company and someone checking a few times a day. Maybe put a call out here for a local guinea person who might be tempted? Good luck :)

[looseleaf]

I did put a call on Streetbank but noone interested judging from 0 replies! (It's a lovely site where local people pool resources eg we've lent our power hose and borrowed a sewing machine all for free).

[CheeryCherry]

Neighbours? Colleagues? Surely someone at school could do it...can you put a shout out in the school newsletter? It's not like you're asking them to have a dog! We pet sit for many of our friends.

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

Flipping annoying that the previous owners couldn't board them.

Try Rescue- some will do boarding but they'll get booked up. I'd imagine alot of repeat bookings.

Look in a local petshop, they might have a card up. Ours does Pet Sitting for holidays.


My boys went to Small Animal Boarding last year. I'd like to think they missed DD and I but I doubt it.
When we picked them up in the 'Holding' area, they were clucking at some Lady Pigs . That was as close as they got to a holiday romance.

[looseleaf]

70isa that is so sweet!
Thanks. (And yes, I'm afraid i feel a bit annoyed. I tried with previous owners once before and they'd already become reluctant, but they were THEIR guinea pigs and I only agreed to having them for a bit and ' seeing how it went'! So did expect them to still be willing to have them back willingly especially as I know they have a rabbit.

I will try Rescue, thanks for the idea; I'm hoping I find something lovely as it bothers me we don't have grass so I like to picture them with an outside run over the summer eating dandelion leaves!! . Maybe i can research something just outside London

[Toptack]

Try asking on //www.theguineapigforum.co.uk (you'll need to register) - someone will be able to put you in touch with a suitable boarding place.

[looseleaf]

Oh how lovely so many guinea pig enthusiasts! I will register there too, thanks. Have also just emailed the Mayhew Animal rescue to ask as Reading's Rescue will only cover that area.