Guinea pigs are highly social animals that suffer when housed alone - pairs and groups provide essential companionship and welfare benefit.
Guinea pig social welfare is a clear and addressable issue - single housing causes demonstrable stress and health compromise. The welfare benefit of bonded companionship is substantial and achievable at minimal additional cost. Rescue organisations often offer pre-bonded pairs for adoption. The legal requirement for social housing in Switzerland provides an international welfare precedent that demonstrates the policy viability of mandating companionship for social species. Consumer and owner education that normalises guinea pig pair housing is the most impactful welfare intervention for this species.