Guinea pigs are popular pets whose welfare needs are frequently misunderstood, leading to preventable suffering from incorrect care practices.
Guinea pigs are among the most commonly kept small pets, yet their welfare is frequently compromised by misunderstanding of their needs. Keeping guinea pigs alone causes significant distress in these highly social animals. Inadequate space prevents natural movement and exercise. Improper diet is a primary cause of dental disease, the most common and painful condition in pet guinea pigs. Switzerland has taken the progressive step of making single guinea pig ownership illegal, recognizing that companionship is a welfare necessity, not a luxury.