Guinea pigs are highly social animals with significant space and companionship requirements that are frequently underestimated, resulting in widespread welfare problems in pet guinea pigs kept in inadequate conditions.
Guinea pigs sold in small cages with a single companion (or alone) are among the most commonly welfare-compromised companion animals. Their need for companionship is intense - lone guinea pigs show clear signs of distress and have shorter lifespans than paired or group-housed animals. Commercially available cages labelled as appropriate are frequently far below recommended minimum sizes. Providing a large, enriched space with compatible companions is the foundation of guinea pig welfare.