Meeting the welfare needs of companion guinea pigs, including their requirements for social housing and adequate space.
Guinea pigs are among the most common small animal companions yet among the most poorly housed. Traditional commercial enclosures are typically far below minimum welfare standards, and single guinea pig housing — common in households unaware of their social needs — causes chronic loneliness and stress. Switzerland recognized this by legally requiring guinea pig companionship. Dietary errors are also widespread: guinea pigs cannot synthesize vitamin C and develop painful scurvy without daily fresh vegetables and high-quality hay. Reform requires dramatically better pet care education at the point of purchase and improved minimum welfare standards in pet retail regulation.