Conversations on the topic of guinea pig poo are classic in the homes of cavy lovers but in Arizona, Piggie Poo is a life saver. Amanda Peterson founded Arizona’s Piggie Poo Rescue in August of 2006 when she discovered there were few options outside of pet stores while trying to adopt a guinea pig for her son. She recognized shelters were already pushing crisis capacity and the rescue’s first intake saved 100 animals from being euthanized.

Piggie Poo is the only 501(c)3 non-profit small animal rescue in Arizona and Utah that specializes in guinea pigs. The network of private foster homes, including more than 30 volunteers in Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale and Salt Lake City, have place 1,262 pets across seven states. In September 2011, the rescue took in 99 guinea pigs which including 89 from a hoarding case in California with the help of Wee Companions of San Diego. Piggie Poo is a proud member of PetSmart Charties, the Petco Foundation and the Humane Society of the United States.

Image courtesy of Arizona

These five pups are just three weeks old and will be up for adoption soon. Their mother, Lila, was brought into the rescue pregnant.

- Must be 18+ to adopt
- Apply by application
- Meet guinea pigs by appointment only (Noon-2pm on Saturdays)
- C&C cage or equivalent required
- Adoption fee $20-$35 each, $35-$60 pair
- Must adopt a pair (unless you already have one cavy)
- Signed adoption agreement required
- “Welcome Home Kit” with each adoption
- No private surrenders

In addition to their adoptions, Piggie Poo has services that any cavy owner can take advantage of such as pet sitting, discount spay and neutering, nail trimming, grooming, and anti-parasitic treatments. Donations are always welcome, but you can help support the rescue while shopping at The Squeek Shop which stocks cavy supplies and novelties. If you’re preparing to adopt, this is a great place to order a starter kit. If you’re new or a bit rusty on your cavy knowledge, catch up with a class on the basics of guinea pig care at Cavy Savvy 101. There’s a Teen Volunteer program for young cavy lovers too. Piggie Poo understands these are tough financial times and many families feel forced to give up their pets. Foreclosure & financial crisis assistance is also available.

As for exactly how Piggie Poo got their unique name? Well, you’ll have to ask them yourselves on Facebook and Twitter.

Can’t adopt? Find out more about how you can help the guinea pigs at Arizona’s Piggie Poo Rescue.

Guinea Pig Today highlights the efforts of those contributing to the welfare of guinea pigs in each Rescue Roundup. If you would like your organization to be included in a future article, please send us your ideas using the submission page.

If you have a great idea for an article about guinea pigs, please let us know. Guinea Pig Today is a network of guinea pig lovers and we’re always looking for the next great story. View our submissions page for more information on how to submit your idea.

Angela, Editor-in-Chief, GPT

Angela founded Guinea Pig Today and guest writes for CavyMadness. She volunteers with Metropolitan Guinea Pig Rescue and supports the ROUS Foundation. Her guinea pig, Papua, is the star of WHEK-TV/DT.

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