Since 2018, Cheshire Guinea Pig Rescue has provided a vital lifeline for abandoned, mistreated, and unwanted guinea pigs across Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales.
Based at the Sanctuary's Heswall site, and run by a dedicated team of volunteers, our small but passionate rescue gives every pig the chance of a safe, loving future. We care for guinea pigs of all ages and backgrounds - whether rescued from neglect, handed in due to changing circumstances, or found living in unsuitable conditions.
From our purpose-built spaces in Heswall, we also offer education, bonding guidance, and support for new and experienced owners alike. Every adoption is carefully managed to ensure the best match—for both pigs and people.
Our mission is simple: to champion the welfare of guinea pigs through ethical rescue, responsible rehoming, and community education. We never breed from our rescues, and all adoptions are subject to housing checks and clear welfare standards.Alongside rehoming, we offer grooming, holiday boarding, and a growing library of online advice to help piggies thrive in their forever homes.
Through outreach and public engagement—especially via social media—we’re raising awareness of guinea pig care across the region .Whether you're adopting, donating, or simply spreading the word, your support helps us give these little lives the big love they deserve.
Our Adoption Policy
At Cheshire Guinea Pig Rescue, every adoption is handled with care and consideration to ensure our animals go to safe, loving homes. Please read through our policy before applying.
1. Rehoming Requirements
Smoke-Free Homes Only – we do not rehome to smoking households.
Indoor & Outdoor Setups Welcome – all setups must be approved via a date-stamped photo before adoption.
Renting? – please confirm permission with your landlord before applying.
Children – supervision is required for children under 8 when interacting with guinea pigs.
Single Pig Adoptions – only considered if being bonded with an existing guinea pig or if in the animal's best interest.
Adoption Donation – a £35 donation per guinea pig is required. Anything extra is always appreciated 💕
No Breeding – our guinea pigs are adopted strictly as companions, not for breeding.
All applications are assessed on an individual basis.
2. Homes With Other Pets
We do allow guinea pigs to be adopted into homes with other animals. However: Consider your current pets' temperament.
Choose secure cages and covered outdoor runs.Always prioritise guinea pig safety when introducing new companions.
3. Health & Vet Checks
All guinea pigs receive a health and mite check before being rehomed. We recommend using Ivermectin every three months as a preventative for lice and mites.
4. Bonding Advice
Bonding should be handled with care – incorrect introductions can be dangerous.
We do not offer a full bonding service but require a "speed date" before adopting to check compatibility. Speed dates help identify aggression, but bonding takes several weeks.
Separate cages must be provided by the adopter when bonding two boars.
5. Housing Standards
All housing must be approved before adoption.
Outdoor setups:
Minimum for 2 pigs: 5ft x 2ft hutch (10.5 sq ft) We recommend the Chartwell 5ft hutch. Only use outdoors in dry summer months, with weatherproof covers. Move to a garage or shed when weather worsens (no car fumes please!).
Indoor setups:
Minimum for 2 pigs: 140cm cage (160cm preferred)
C&C setups: 4x2 grid minimum
Loft spaces don’t count toward the minimum size – we assess based on usable floor space on one level.
Cages under 5ft, or unsuitable ones found on Amazon, will not be approved. Please check with us before buying!
6. Diet Guidelines
Guinea pigs should have:
Unlimited hay
Fresh vegetables daily (avoid high-calcium veg like carrots and fruit)
High-quality nuggets only – e.g. Science Selective Grain-Free or Burgess ExcelClean, fresh water must always be available.
