Guinea pigs are social animals with specific environmental and social needs that are frequently misunderstood, leading to widespread welfare deficits in this popular companion species.
Guinea pig welfare is compromised in a large proportion of domestic settings. The most common welfare failures include solitary housing, inadequate space, inappropriate diet with insufficient hay, vitamin C deficiency, and stress from incorrect handling or inappropriate housing locations. Because guinea pigs are prey species that suppress signs of illness until severely unwell, welfare problems often go undetected. The common perception of guinea pigs as low-maintenance starter pets contributes to systematic neglect of their needs. Improving welfare at scale requires better pre-purchase education, stronger retail standards, and greater awareness of guinea pig behaviour and needs among veterinary professionals and the public.