RSPCA centres see guinea pig numbers more than double since 2021
RSPCA appeals for adopters and foster carers as more small pets are given up
The number of guinea pigs coming into RSPCA national centres has more than doubled since 2021, according to the animal charity, which is appealing for people to adopt or foster small pets.
The RSPCA said guinea pig intake rose from 177 in 2021 to 419 in 2025, an increase of 137%.
That is a 76% rise on 2024.
The charity also said it has seen a 53% rise in rats coming to its centres.
The figures cover national RSPCA centres only. They do not include the 133 volunteer-led branches, which are independent charities that rely on public donations.
Guinea pig intake has not risen steadily. It was 253 in 2022, 562 in 2023 and 238 in 2024, before climbing again last year.
The numbers of mice, hamsters and rabbits coming into national centres are down on previous years.
Cases in Suffolk and Milton Keynes
The RSPCA said numbers have soared following high-profile cases that needed its help.
In September 2025, two baby pet rats were dumped in a hamster cage by some bins in Bletchley.
A member of the public took them to a vet, and the RSPCA Milton Keynes Branch rehomed them.
Last year, more than 70 guinea pigs were rescued from one address in Suffolk, along with other animals.
The RSPCA said the owner was prosecuted and given a 10-year animal ban.
Why the RSPCA thinks more pets are being given up
The charity fears overbreeding of rats and guinea pigs, the cost of living crisis and a lack of owner knowledge are leading to more small pets being given up.
It also said a rise in large-scale rescues of 10 or more animals has meant more pets coming into its care.
Eloise Dicks, Science and Policy Officer at the RSPCA, said: "Overbreeding, the cost-of-living crisis and a lack of understanding about the needs of these animals can all contribute to people struggling to care for them. So while they can make incredible companions, we'd urge anyone thinking about getting a small furry as a pet to do their research first, and we encourage all those in a position to do so to consider adoption."
The RSPCA said many animals that come into its care have lived in overcrowded homes with little positive human contact.
It said they can be fearful and need time and patience, which means they spend longer in care and can be overlooked by adopters.
Guinea pigs looking for a home in Suffolk
Among the animals currently in RSPCA care are a group of guinea pigs at Martlesham Animal Centre in Suffolk.
Auradot and her sisters came into care at the RSPCA Suffolk Central Branch because their previous owner could no longer look after them.
The RSPCA said the sisters are confident, friendly and full of personality, and are looking for a home together.
Auradot is a Peruvian guinea pig, so she will need regular grooming.
How to help
The RSPCA is encouraging people to look at small pets available through the Find A Pet section of its website during its month-long "Adoptober" rehoming drive.
It is also asking for more foster carers and says it is working to modernise its rehoming process so animals can move into homes sooner.
Guinea pig owners are being encouraged to join a "Piggy MOT" health check on 30th October, during Guinea Pig Awareness Week.
The check is run by the Guinea Pig Alliance, and owners can sign up and use its guide to carry out a full check.