Animal lovers are being urged to consider opening their homes to the UK’s most overlooked pets, as the RSPCA reports a dramatic surge in the number of “small furries” entering its care.
The charity has seen a shocking 40% increase in guinea pigs arriving at its national centres this year alone. This worrying trend has prompted a special plea during the RSPCA’s annual ‘Adoptober’ rehoming campaign, highlighting the plight of not just guinea pigs, but also chinchillas, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, gerbils, mice, and rats who remain waiting for homes.
A Perfect Storm for Surrender
The charity points to a combination of factors driving the increase, particularly for guinea pigs. Overbreeding, the ongoing cost of living crisis, and a critical lack of understanding about the complex needs of these animals are creating a perfect storm, leading to many being given up.
Dr. Sam Gaines, Head of Companion Animals at the RSPCA, explained: “Rabbits and other small furries can be very rewarding pets… However, they can often be misunderstood, as they have complex needs and need a lot of care and attention.”
To combat this knowledge gap, the RSPCA is supporting Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW) from 20-24 October, a campaign dedicated to improving the welfare of these commonly owned but often misunderstood pets.
Long-Term Residents Yearning for a Home
Behind the statistics are individual animals with unique personalities, many of whom have been waiting for months, or even years, for a second chance.
Enzo, Raffaello, and Ferrero are three guinea pigs who have been in care for over 154 days after being rescued from a home with over 100 others. At the RSPCA’s Bryn y Maen centre in Conwy, North Wales, Enzo, a curious and mischievous young guinea pig, serenades staff daily. His older companions, Raffaello (8) and Ferrero (4), are an inquisitive pair who love exploring and are always excited by the crinkle of a vegetable packet.
In a heartbreaking case of longevity, rabbits Winnie and Smudge have been waiting for two years. This bonded pair, who found love in a Christmas romance, are inseparable. Cared for at the RSPCA Guildford & Epsom branch, they have contrasting personalities; Winnie is cautious and orderly, while Smudge is a lively, playful acrobat who even tries to play with the resident dog. They are litter-trained, friendly, and desperate for a garden to explore.
Similarly, a trio of multimammate mice named Pippin, Braeburn, and Gala have also been waiting two years for a home where they can stay together. These energetic and curious girls, now in the care of the RSPCA Suffolk Central branch, love to forage and burrow, and are always found snuggled together for comfort.
Why Adoption is the Answer
Dr. Gaines encourages potential owners to see the reward in adoption. “Adopting may take a bit more time than buying, but it is more rewarding, as often you are rescuing that animal from a history of mistreatment or neglect,” she said. “It also means we are freeing up space in our centres so more animals in need can move in to receive the care they need.”
The charity ensures that plenty of support and information is available on its website for new owners, helping to ensure these complex little creatures become much-loved members of the family.
For anyone considering a new small pet, the message is clear: look beyond the conventional. By choosing to adopt a ‘small furry’, you’re not just gaining a unique and entertaining companion—you’re directly saving a life.
Information about all animals available for adoption can be found on the RSPCA’s ‘Findapet’ webpage.
