| When you first decide to bring a guinea pig into your | | | | Not all vets will treat guinea pigs, so if you have a |
| home, you should be sure that there is a vet who | | | | vet already who treats your other pets, you may |
| specializes in small pet care in your immediate area. | | | | want to ask him or her first about whether or not |
| Many people may not consider the expense of | | | | they will be able to care for the new addition to your |
| veterinary care for other small pets like hamsters or | | | | family. If they don't, ask them to recommend a vet |
| gerbils who live an average of two years, but guinea | | | | who does. |
| pigs are not disposal pets. Because they can live on | | | | If you don't already have a vet, then you can check |
| average 4-8 years, they should be considered | | | | with your local yellow pages to find one. Most |
| long-term members of your family, just like a dog or | | | | advertise that whether or not they accept small |
| a cat. | | | | pets. Another option is to use an online vet finder, |
| Why should you find a vet this early? Because guinea | | | | such as the one available at You simply enter your |
| pigs can become ill quickly and deteoriorate rapidly. If | | | | state, and a list of vets who work with guinea pigs |
| you wait to try to find a vet after your pet | | | | will appear. This particular service is not |
| becomes ill and run into difficulties, it might be too | | | | comprehensive, but it will serve as a good starting |
| late to save your guinea pig. | | | | point for your search for a vet. |
| With dogs or cats, owners generally take them in for | | | | Once you purchase your new family member, it |
| a check-up when its time to renew their shots. Since | | | | might be a good idea to take him or her to your vet |
| guinea pigs don't need shots, it can be easy to take | | | | for a thorough check-up, especially if you will be |
| their good health for granted. Your guinea pig should | | | | bringing it home to other guinea pigs or pets. |
| see his or her vet at least once a year as well. | | | | |