Running a successful guinea pig adoption program is a tremendous responsibility. Some of our readers have undertaken this time-consuming job at a humane society, through a rabbit club, or even on their own.

 Here are the steps The Home has used and recommends for placing homeless guinea pigs. These steps are designed to ensure that the guinea pig's new home is loving and permanent.

 Step 1. Screen Candidates: Click here to see The Home's Adoption Application. Everyone is welcome to copy and use it. Have an adult, not a child, complete the application.

 Study the answers. The guinea pig should have a roomy appropriate cage (see our care guidelines), and it should not be kept in a child's bedroom or other out-of-the-way place. If previous animals have been given away in a move, hit by cars, or died of neglect, a very suspicious eye should be cast on the candidate.

 A good application is easy to spot. Answers will indicate dedication to spending time with the guinea pig and having her for a Iong time.

 Sometimes discussion and education will clear up areas of concern. The candidate may not know what is best but may be eager to do the right thing once told.

 Check with landlords before adopting to renters (click here to see Landlord Letter with questions to ask). 

Step 2. Delivery and Inspection: The Home delivered each guinea pig to her new home and inspected the cage and equipment on the spot (the adopter was told in advance that this would happen). The volunteer then verifies the address is as stated and sees the conditions the pet will live in.

 Step 3. Adoption Contract: Both parties sign a legal adoption contract. Tell the adopter about the main points of it in advance

 Click here to see The Home's Adoption Contract, which anyone may use. It is similar to a standard humane society contract but covers points specific to guinea pigs and also provides extra protections. 

The Home’s adoptions followed the Humane Society of the United States Guidelines for Responsible Pet Adoptions. These are mainly written for dogs and cats, however, and a guinea pig contract may differ slightly.

 Be sure whatever adoption contract you use covers all of the following, in addition to the usual requirements for humane care:

 a. The owner will not allow the guinea pig to breed or to be used for vivisection (experimentation);

 b. The owner will not relinquish possession of the guinea pig in any way except to return him to you;

 c. You have the right to inspect the home (we did weekly visits for the first month and quarterly visits for the first year);

 d. If the owner can’t or doesn’t keep the contract terms (care, feed, vet, etc.), he will return the guinea pig to you;

 e. If you incur legal fees to obtain custody of the guinea pig due to a violation, the owner must reimburse you;

 f. The owner must provide you proof of the guinea pig’s death (such as a vet’s written statement), should you request it (this is protection against a contract violation being covered up by a false claim of the guinea pig's death).

 Step 4. Follow Up: A good adoption program doesn't end on the adoption day. Follow up must be thorough to assist the new home and to detect any contract violations. Visits should be cheery, and volunteers should display a helpful, not suspicious, attitude. The Home followed up with visits as described in #3c above and continued to stay in touch by phone with the adoptive home until the guinea pig’s death.

 ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE HOME (click to see): 
Foster Home Contract
Release ("give up") form
How to Start a Guinea Pig Rescue

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