Cant find anywhere to get a piggy except pets at home?

[Wiebke]

Just to add to the "piggies travelling well" stories, I took my last pair on a car trip from Rochdale to Hayward's Heath via Birmingham, and then on the way back it was train from Hayward's Heath back to Manchester. The boys coped with it better than I did lol, I was frazzled by the time I got home. They're much more resilient than we give them credit for sometimes.
Another thing with train journeys is to see if taxi firms between A and B will take small animals in a carrier. It can make it much easier getting to and from a train station that way.

I've never had any issues with taking my guinea pigs in a carrier by taxi to and from a station or my vet's (local or out of town specialist) if my husband couldn't take me for whatever reason, but it is worth enquiring if you are worried.
The only place that may refuse transporting guinea pigs are long distance coaches.

 

[Lorcan]

I've never had any issues with taking my guinea pigs in a carrier by taxi to and from a station or my vet's (local or out of town specialist) if my husband couldn't take me for whatever reason, but it is worth enquiring if you are worried.
The only place that may refuse transporting guinea pigs are long distance coaches.

Aye, I've never had an issue taking them to the vets or aught as long as I've let the firm know they're in a secure carrier. I just find it's useful to double check in case allergies are an issue, or someone has a problem with pets being in their cars.

 

[Lady Kelly]

As my post suggests, OP confessed to not being a competent driver since just began driving, which I feel would put both the driver and the piggies in danger.
Having gone through as a beginning driver, I would also not wish to drive long distance when I don't feel secure about driving while having pets in the car.
I also wouldn't suggest that a beginning driver drive long distance with pets in the car. This is just for safety reasons.

Actually that is not what your post suggested and nor is it what the OP said. The OP is not a confident driver, however I assume they are competent given they have passed their test, there is a great old difference between confidence and competence. Your original post very much indicated that piggies do not travel well which has been clarified by a few members on this thread as this is very misleading for members of the forum or guests viewing the topic how may take this as fact and be put off adopting as a result.

I'm sure the OP is fully able to reach the right decision for them. They have asked for advice and members have contributed ideas in what they can do.

 

[Seven7]

Actually that is not what your post suggested and nor is it what the OP said. The OP is not a confident driver, however I assume they are competent given they have passed their test, there is a great old difference between confidence and competence. Your original post very much indicated that piggies do not travel well which has been clarified by a few members on this thread as this is very misleading for members of the forum or guests viewing the topic how may take this as fact and be put off adopting as a result.

I'm sure the OP is fully able to reach the right decision for them. They have asked for advice and members have contributed ideas in what they can do.

I can understand how you can be confused just by reading my post alone, and not including the quote I have quoted of OP previously.

After quoting the OP, the very first thing I wrote was "Also" with my agreeing with OP's opinion about the uncomfortable driving situation being a new driver. Then I added that I wouldn't put piggies in a car when a new driver says they are not comfortable driving long distance.

In my head and after I quoted the OP, I was thinking it would be unsafe for a beginning driver to be driving long distance with pets in the car. I don't know if that makes sense now.

 

[VickiA]

We have clearly established that piggies and people can travel quite some distance to and from rescues, vets, holidays, wherever by various means of transport. I think we can call an end to that line of discussion as there is nothing further to be gained.

Good luck to @Cavyloverxox in your search for a pair of rescue piggies. Look forward to seeing whoever you bring home with you.

 

[GPTV]

Hello i am kind of new to this website however I've had guinea pigs the past few years, I'm looking to get 2 new boys and I'm so excited however i have no guinea pig rescues near me (i live in Lanarkshire, Scotland). Ive tried my local spca shelter they have 2 boys that I'm going to go look at soon hopefully they are still there however if it i cannot find any anywhere really don't want to buy from pets at home as i have in the past and the guinea pigs are never as friendly

Could anyone give advice or has anyone had a good experience with pets at home? Thanks in advance x

Welcome to the forum
have you tried contacting your local vets, sometimes they have people who have lost guineas & want to break the cycle of a lone piggy, or have bought guineas & they have been mis-sexed, so ending up with offspring they didn't expect!
also the veterinary practice may have some smaller rescues on their books that they can recommend? (you could suggest taking to them for a health check/sexing at the vets to show you're committed to owning guineas too).

I got one of my previous guineas from the receptionist at my local vets, she had 3 that had gradually disappeared over rainbow bridge & the fourth was left alone as the kids were grown up &left home she wanted her to have company, she was 5yrs old when i got her but i had her for 3yrs as company for my bereaved girl.
I know you won't want only one as in my circumstances, but maybe the vets will know of some for re-homing.. even things such as allergies developing in one of the children, can be a need for re-homing, when guineas are still young.

I've only ever bought one guinea from a shop (Pets at home) in 20+yrs of owning guineas & she's only about a year old now, but she's very friendly &loves cuddles (wheeks like a diva when you pick her up mind!) i think friendliness & confidence is all down to the individual guinea, their personality generally, also the amount of handling, patience & interaction they receive from you can make a difference to their sociability levels.

good luck in your search, let us know how you get on. you'll still be welcome whether your new guineas are rescue or shop bought, etc.
As a rescue friendly forum we try & promote rescues, where you also get so much more after sales support, health advice & general guidance. But my local recommended rescue is approx an hours drive away & I'm not keen on driving around in a city i'm unfamiliar with either.

keep us updated & looking forwards to seeing pics of your new babies when you get them. xx

 

[Cavyloverxox]

Welcome to the forum
have you tried contacting your local vets, sometimes they have people who have lost guineas & want to break the cycle of a lone piggy, or have bought guineas & they have been mis-sexed, so ending up with offspring they didn't expect!
also the veterinary practice may have some smaller rescues on their books that they can recommend? (you could suggest taking to them for a health check/sexing at the vets to show you're committed to owning guineas too).

I got one of my previous guineas from the receptionist at my local vets, she had 3 that had gradually disappeared over rainbow bridge & the fourth was left alone as the kids were grown up &left home she wanted her to have company, she was 5yrs old when i got her but i had her for 3yrs as company for my bereaved girl.
I know you won't want only one as in my circumstances, but maybe the vets will know of some for re-homing.. even things such as allergies developing in one of the children, can be a need for re-homing, when guineas are still young.

I've only ever bought one guinea from a shop (Pets at home) in 20+yrs of owning guineas & she's only about a year old now, but she's very friendly &loves cuddles (wheeks like a diva when you pick her up mind!) i think friendliness & confidence is all down to the individual guinea, their personality generally, also the amount of handling, patience & interaction they receive from you can make a difference to their sociability levels.

good luck in your search, let us know how you get on. you'll still be welcome whether your new guineas are rescue or shop bought, etc.
As a rescue friendly forum we try & promote rescues, where you also get so much more after sales support, health advice & general guidance. But my local recommended rescue is approx an hours drive away & I'm not keen on driving around in a city i'm unfamiliar with either.

keep us updated & looking forwards to seeing pics of your new babies when you get them. xx

thanks so much, never thought of contacting local vets, will do that thanks! x