Idine Espanyas
Aes Sedai
Small Pets: Adopt, Don’t Shop
When I got my first guinea pig, Pepper, there was much that I didn’t know about owning guinea pigs. Her first cage was way too small, and fleece blankets were actually superior to paper bedding. However, possibly the worst thing I did was buying Pepper from PetSmart in the first place. It was only after owning Pepper that I learned it was possible to adopt guinea pigs and other small critters at local rescues. Little did I know the animal abuse that happens at the suppliers for PetSmart, PetCo, and other large pet stores, where poor females are forced to keep breeding at pet mills such as Holmes Farms. At these mills, PETA has documented animals living in wire cages among feces and their fellows left to die. This report by PETA found numerous other examples of animal cruelty, and the USDA is conducting an investigation into Holmes Farms. Another issue with small pets being sold at pet stores is that they are marketed as easy pets for small children, when they are in fact a huge responsibility and quite a lot of work - take it from me! So. Much. Poop. Prey animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs may not warm up to humans quickly, causing children to lose interest, and the parents to rehome or abandon the pets. So please, do your research before buying these delightful animals- look into adopting from a local shelter. Or, consider donating money or time to a local small animal shelter!
Some shelters to support:
LA Guinea Pig Rescue
Atlantic Critters Rescue
Your local ASPCA
The PipSqueakery
Knoxville Guinea PIg Rescue
My adopted piggies, Pumpkin & Cloud:
Pepper:
Sources: https://happycavy.com/case-for-adopting-vs-buying-guinea-pigs-rescue/
www.thedodo.com
When I got my first guinea pig, Pepper, there was much that I didn’t know about owning guinea pigs. Her first cage was way too small, and fleece blankets were actually superior to paper bedding. However, possibly the worst thing I did was buying Pepper from PetSmart in the first place. It was only after owning Pepper that I learned it was possible to adopt guinea pigs and other small critters at local rescues. Little did I know the animal abuse that happens at the suppliers for PetSmart, PetCo, and other large pet stores, where poor females are forced to keep breeding at pet mills such as Holmes Farms. At these mills, PETA has documented animals living in wire cages among feces and their fellows left to die. This report by PETA found numerous other examples of animal cruelty, and the USDA is conducting an investigation into Holmes Farms. Another issue with small pets being sold at pet stores is that they are marketed as easy pets for small children, when they are in fact a huge responsibility and quite a lot of work - take it from me! So. Much. Poop. Prey animals such as rabbits or guinea pigs may not warm up to humans quickly, causing children to lose interest, and the parents to rehome or abandon the pets. So please, do your research before buying these delightful animals- look into adopting from a local shelter. Or, consider donating money or time to a local small animal shelter!
Some shelters to support:
LA Guinea Pig Rescue
Atlantic Critters Rescue
Your local ASPCA
The PipSqueakery
Knoxville Guinea PIg Rescue
My adopted piggies, Pumpkin & Cloud:
Pepper:
Sources: https://happycavy.com/case-for-adopting-vs-buying-guinea-pigs-rescue/
This Is Where Petco And PetSmart Get Their Animals
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