Why guinea pigs require companionship and how to establish and maintain appropriate social bonds.
Guinea pig social welfare is a documented and legally recognized welfare requirement in some jurisdictions. These animals evolved in social groups and show clear behavioral and physiological responses to isolation, including elevated stress hormones and stereotypic behaviors. The responsibility to provide a companion is ongoing — when one guinea pig of a pair dies, the survivor requires a new companion as soon as feasible. Bonding of new guinea pigs requires careful management but produces animals with substantially better welfare outcomes. Single guinea pig keeping should be recognized as a welfare compromise wherever possible.