'Pocket Pet' Uptick At OC Animal Care, Southland Animal Shelters

ORANGE COUNTY, CA —An uptick in the number of small mammals in the care of animal shelters has risen due to being surrendered by their humans, officials say. Animal shelters across California say the number of sheltered guinea pigs, rabbits, hamsters have increased now as a result of the cute little critters being surrendered by their owners.

"The first wave of the pandemic brought many small pet or `pocket pet' adopters," spcaLA President Madeline Bernstein said in a statement. "Now we are experiencing another wave, but this time the tide is not in the animals' favor. Small animals are coming in, but we aren't seeing as many adopters for them."

Orange County Animal Care and other officials have reported the increase that appears to coincide with people heading back to work and school. A shortage of spay/neuter resources during the COVID-19 pandemic may also be a contributing factor.

OC Animal Care has three guinea pigs on their website and far more rabbits available for adoption. The little guinea piggies, known as Cora, Crimson, Neo and Orion, are all 1 year old and curently available for adoption at Santa Ana and Tustin locations. Hoops, Kodiak, Yosemite Sam and Elmer are all two-years-old and are also available.

"Guinea pigs are so social and fun — they greet our staff with a cacophony of happy coos when it's time for their morning greens," Bernstein said. "They do really well in pairs, and many people find they're a good first pet for kids, with supervision of course."

How to care for Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs need large, solid-bottom cages with plenty of Timothy Hay for bedding, a hutch for hiding, balls and toys to play with and a chew for their always-growing teeth, according to the spcaLA.

They also require plenty of fresh clean water, kibble, a small amount of fresh fruits and vegetables each day and oranges or a vitamin C supplement.

Anyone interested in adopting a guinea pig from OC Animal Care can go to the organization's website: spcaLA.com/adopt to begin the adoption process. Find your perfect friend at: petadoption.ocpetinfo.com.