Guinea pigs are social animals that experience significant welfare deficits when kept alone, and appropriate group housing is essential for their wellbeing.
Guinea pig social welfare is often inadequately considered at the point of purchase, when single animals are sold without guidance about the social requirements of the species. A solitary guinea pig experiences ongoing low-level stress and social deprivation throughout its life. The Swiss legal requirement for social housing reflects a scientific consensus that this is a fundamental welfare need. The commitment to pair or group housing includes the practical challenge of ensuring compatible companionship throughout each animal's life, including providing a new companion if a bonded partner dies. Welfare organizations now routinely promote bonded pair adoption to address this need.