Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month is an annual celebration held every March to raise awareness about guinea pigs in shelters and encourage their adoption. This initiative highlights the importance of giving these small, lovable creatures a second chance at life in a caring home.
Quick Facts
- When is it? Every March
- Tagged as: Animals, Education
- What’s the hashtag? #AdoptARescuedGuineaPigMonth
- When was it founded? 2002
- Who founded it? Julie Morris, ASPCA
History of Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month
The event was established in 2002 by Julie Morris, the ASPCA’s Senior Vice President for National Shelter Outreach. It was created to address the growing number of guinea pigs in shelters and promote adoption over purchasing from pet stores. Over the years, this campaign has helped connect countless guinea pigs with loving families while educating the public about their care and welfare.
Timeline
- 2002: The ASPCA launches Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month.
- 2010s: Awareness grows as shelters host adoption events nationwide.
- 2020: Social media campaigns boost visibility with hashtags like #AdoptAGuineaPig.
Upcoming Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 1 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 1 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 1 | Monday |
| 2028 | March 1 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | March 1 | Thursday |
| 2030 | March 1 | Friday |
Observed
This month is observed by adopting guinea pigs from shelters, donating supplies to rescue centers, hosting awareness events, and sharing educational content online.
Fun Facts About Guinea Pigs
- Guinea pigs originate from the Andes region of South America.
- They are not related to pigs nor do they come from Guinea.
- They are social animals that thrive in pairs or groups.
- Queen Elizabeth I reportedly kept guinea pigs as pets.
Quiz
- What year was Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month founded?
(Answer: 2002) - Who founded this initiative?
(Answer: Julie Morris, ASPCA) - What is the official hashtag for this event?
(Answer: #AdoptARescuedGuineaPigMonth)
FAQs
Q: Why should I adopt a guinea pig instead of buying one?
A: Adopting helps reduce overpopulation in shelters and ensures you’re giving a home to an animal in need.
Q: Are guinea pigs good pets for children?
A: Yes, but they require supervision and care, making them better suited for children aged five or older.
Q: How can I find a guinea pig to adopt?
A: Check local shelters, rescue organizations, or online databases dedicated to pet adoptions.
Importance of Adopt a Rescued Guinea Pig Month
This month emphasizes the ethical choice of adopting guinea pigs from shelters rather than purchasing them from pet stores. It also educates potential owners about proper care and companionship for these small animals.
Related
- National Pet Day (April)
- National Pet Month (May)
- Adopt-a-Shelter-Pet Month (October)