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Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month

An awareness observance in March encouraging adoption of rescued guinea pigs from shelters and rescue groups.

Monday
1–31
March 2027
Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team
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YEARLY DATEAll of March
OBSERVED INUnited States
CATEGORYAnimals
SUBCATEGORYSmall Pets
ORIGIN

Institutional Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)
FIRST OBSERVED
2002
HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The ASPCA designated March 2002 to encourage adoption of rescued guinea pigs from shelters and rescue groups.

Institutional Recordvia petfinder.com
INTRO

Introduction

Calling all animal lovers – it's time to do something amazing and give a forever home to a rescued guinea pig, as March 1 marks the start of Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month! This month-long celebration was created by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in order to raise awareness about the thousands of guinea pigs who are abandoned, neglected or mistreated each year. These adorable little creatures make great companions and are in need of loving homes. So why not take this opportunity to open your heart and home to one (or more!) of these cuddly critters?

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TIMELINE

Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month Timeline

Guinea Pigs Domesticated in Europe

Guinea pigs began to be kept as household pets in Europe during the mid to late 19th century, although they had been domesticated in South America for centuries prior.

Animal Welfare Act Signed

President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Animal Welfare Act into law to regulate the treatment of animals in research, exhibition, and transport.

Guinea Pig Rescue Movement Begins

The early 2000s saw a rise in organizations dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned or mistreated guinea pigs.

ASPCA Promotes Guinea Pig Adoption

ASPCA actively starts promoting guinea pig adoption, highlighting their ease of care and suitability as family pets.

Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month

The ASPCA establishes March as "Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month" to raise awareness about the many guinea pigs in shelters in need of homes.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month

EDITOR'S PICK

Adopt a rescued guinea pig

The best way to celebrate Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month is to actually adopt a rescued guinea pig! Check with your local animal shelter or rescue organization to find your new furry friend.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a guinea pig rescue

If you can't adopt a rescued guinea pig, consider volunteering at a local guinea pig rescue. You can help care for the animals and spread awareness about the importance of adopting rather than buying pets.

HOST

Host a guinea pig-themed party

Invite friends and family over for a guinea pig-themed party, complete with guinea pig-shaped snacks and decorations. Use the event to educate others about the benefits of adopting rescued guinea pigs.

DONATE

Donate to a guinea pig rescue

If you can't adopt or volunteer, consider making a donation to a guinea pig rescue organization. They rely on donations to provide care for the animals and find them forever homes.

SHARE

Share adoption success stories

Spread the love for rescued guinea pigs by sharing adoption success stories on social media. This will inspire others to consider adopting rather than buying their next pet.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month is Important

It helps reduce overcrowding in shelters

With so many guinea pigs in need of homes, promoting adoption can help reduce the overcrowding in shelters and give these animals a second chance at life. By adopting, you are also freeing up space for more rescued animals to be taken in.

It promotes adoption over buying from pet stores

By designating a month to encouraging people to adopt rescued guinea pigs, it brings attention to the benefits of adopting instead of supporting the cruel practices of pet stores. Adopting promotes ethical and humane treatment of animals.

It raises awareness about the mistreatment of guinea pigs

Many people may not realize the harsh reality that many guinea pigs face - being used for breeding and then discarded once they are no longer profitable. This month brings attention to this issue and encourages people to provide loving homes to these neglected animals.

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