Guinea pigs are highly social animals that suffer significantly when kept alone, yet solitary housing remains common due to lack of awareness about their social needs.
Guinea pig social needs are perhaps the most neglected aspect of companion animal welfare in small mammals. The image of the single guinea pig in a cage is ubiquitous, yet it represents a welfare failure that causes genuine suffering - the animal's social motivation cannot be satisfied alone. Switzerland recognized this with legislation, and the UK RSPCA guidance states clearly that guinea pigs should always be kept with at least one companion. The practical barriers to keeping pairs are minimal; the welfare benefits are substantial and well-documented.