Second Chance Cavy Rescue

In February 2012 Diana Sandlin set out in hopes of creating a unique, local-based non-profit tailoring to a specific type of furry little critter. 

What started with 3 guinea pigs rescued from an ad on Craigslist quickly transformed into 50 surrendered piggies within the first year. From there, Second Chance Cavy Rescue grew.  The rescue accepts more than 250 guinea pigs a year along with several other small furry little critters such as rats, chinchillas, rabbits, and hamsters. 

Known for their social and cuddly demeanor, guinea pigs thrive in an active loving home environment. They connect easily with their owners.  They express their love through actions, noises, and even licking.  

As a herd animal, guinea pigs enjoy and thrive with the company of other guinea pigs.  At SCCR, guinea pigs are either bonded with a same gender mate OR a neutered male and a female can be bonded together.  IF absolutely needed - a second guinea pig friend can be housed in a separate habitat close by so that each guinea pig can hear, smell and see the other. 

These furry little critters have also been known to help with emotional stress, becoming supportive and interactive in the therapy world with PT, EMSP, Depression, and Anxiety. 

"Correct information isn't readily available when a guinea pig is adopted through a pet store." Diana explains. "Many purchase a guinea pig or several without taking into consideration how much time, energy, and care go into loving these tiny creatures." 

A lack of guinea pig knowledge, proper husbandry, resources, neglect and other circumstances such as overcrowding along with potential health conditions associated with guinea pigs, are potential reasons that could lead to surrender.  This unfortunately leaves many guinea pigs without safe, caring homes. 

Unlike some other rodents, guinea pigs are not really a "pocket pet." They demand attention from their guinea pig parent.  They have unique dietary needs, love floor time to get the zoomies out, they love cuddles, sometimes puzzles, and overall require a great deal of care. 

Our main goal at SCCR is to educate and support existing and potential guinea pig parents with over 20 years of combined guinea pig knowledge so guinea pigs and their parents thrive together for years to come!  

Tiny Pet, BIG Personality