Guinea pigs are social species that form strong bonds and can show distress responses after losing a companion, requiring sensitive management of bereavement and rehoming.
Guinea pig social welfare extends beyond providing a companion to managing the welfare implications of losing one. A guinea pig that loses its bonded companion may show genuine welfare decline in the weeks following the loss. Sensitive management includes allowing the animal to recognise the death, providing extra human interaction during the transition, and carefully planning the introduction of a new companion. Keeping guinea pigs in trios provides a welfare buffer against sudden solo living while bonding introductions are arranged. Understanding that social loss affects welfare in small animals is an important step in providing the welfare standard these social species deserve.