Small companion mammals including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and gerbils receive inadequate veterinary attention partly due to limited specialist expertise and owner under-investment.
Small mammal welfare is significantly compromised by the perception that these animals have lower veterinary value proportional to their cost than dogs or cats. A rabbit with dental disease experiencing daily pain deserves the same standard of care as a dog in equivalent pain. The practical barriers include limited specialist vets in many areas and owner reluctance to invest in veterinary care for pets that cost less than the consultation fee. The welfare solution involves improving owner education about small mammal welfare needs, increasing specialist training, and building owner commitment to veterinary care from the point of acquisition. Insuring small mammals from purchase is a practical step enabling affordable care.