Difference between an Animal rescue and an animal sanctuary
Animal rescue groups or organizations are dedicated to pet adoptions. These groups take abandoned, abused, or stray animals and attempt to find suitable homes for them.
Animal sanctuaries provide a permanent home for animals, allowing them to live out their lives in a safe and peaceful environment.
the guinea pig sanctuary
How it Started
When we first started our journey with guinea pigs, we didn’t have a sanctuary. We simply saw two guinea pigs at PetSmart and brought them home. However, in February 2023, inspired by Aaron’s desire to “save the guinea pigs like Mr. Lee saved the dogs,” we officially began our guinea pig sanctuary.
As a mother and son who love guinea pigs, our mission is to help those that have been abandoned, discarded, or need rehoming for various reasons. Most of the guinea pigs that come to us live out the rest of their lives here, provided with love, care, comfort, and peace. We aim to create a refuge where these animals can thrive with dignity and without harm.
Many of our female guinea pigs arrived pregnant, meaning several of the piggies in our care were born at the sanctuary. This capacity means we cannot take in every guinea pig that needs help; we simply lack the space and resources.
Important Notes:
- We are NOT a 501(c)(3) organization.
- We are NOT a shelter.
- We are NOT a rescue.
- We do NOT pay rehoming fees.
A Mother & Son
As a mother and son who love guinea pigs, our mission is to help those that have been abandoned, discarded, or need rehoming for various reasons. Most of the guinea pigs that come to us live out the rest of their lives here, provided with love, care, comfort, and peace. We aim to create a refuge where these animals can thrive with dignity and without harm.
Many of our female guinea pigs arrived pregnant, meaning several of the piggies in our care were born at the sanctuary.
We are full to capacity which means we cannot take in any more guinea pigs. This is due to having limited space and resources.
Turning guinea pigs away is hard but it is necessary so that we can provide proper care for those already with us.
Day-to-Day Expenses:
We are grateful for the support we receive, but I want to clarify that the day-to-day costs are primarily funded by me. During the summer, Aaron helps, but his income is limited during this time.
- Field hay: $5 per bale; approximately 15 bales per month.
- Kalmbach Feeds All-Natural Guinea Pig Select Food: 50-lb bags each week. Purchased on Chewy.com
- Fresh fruits and vegetables: Approximately $40-$60 per week.
- Laundry: Two loads daily (including water and detergent).
- Heating/Cooling: Window AC units in the summer and solar heaters in winter.
- Contractors Trash Bags: When we muck the sheds the dirty hay and poop go into contractor's trash bags so that it is easier to be disposed of. We go through approximately 6-10 bags per week.
Fresh Produce for the Wiggies
This is a quick reference list of all the fruits we can safely feed guinea pigs. We give the guinea pigs fresh produce 2-3xs per week. If you would like to donate fresh produce or "scraps" they would love to nibble on more!
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Cranberries
- Watermelon
- Honeydew Melon
- Cantaloupe (Rockmelon)
- Bananas
- Zucchini
- Cucumbers
- Butternut Squash
- Tomatoes (cherry and regular are fine)
- Apples
- Pears
- Grapes
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Guava
- Apricots
- Cherries (sweet and sour)
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Plums
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Starfruit
- Papaya
- Pomegranate
- Pineapple
- Eggplant
- Okra
- Pumpkin
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Cucumber
- Carrots
- Parsnip
- Artichoke
- Arugula
- Asparagus
- Bamboo shoots
- Green beans
- Brussel sprouts
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Beet root
- Edive
- Bok choy
- Broccoli Rabe
- Cabbage
- Celery
- celery root
- Chicory (Curly Endive)
- collard greens
- corn
- dandelion greens
- fennel
- leeks
- mushrooms
- sweet potatoes
- snap peas
- swiss chard
Community Education & Fundraising
We strive to educate our community about the needs of guinea pigs to help them thrive. While we do look to fundraise to cover some costs, our primary funding sources include:
- Sales from Aaron’s art
- Aaron’s yard jobs
- Bake sales
- Supplemented by my (Veronica’s) contribution
If you'd like to donate items to help us, take care of the guinea pigs at the sanctuary we appreciate all donations. If you would like to send us something directly and need our address, please email us an email to vferdick@gmail.com or message us privately on Facebook.
Cash Donations:
CashApp $vferdick
PayPal vferdick@gmail.com
Zelle 443-626-7012
Thank you!
Veronica and Aaron