Adopting Guinea Pigs
Adopt, don't shop!
Guinea pigs are usually available in petstores. However, buying guinea pigs from petstores is unbenificial for both the guinea pigs and you. Guinea pigs from pet stores are kept in inhumane conditions and are quite often ill, poorly socialized, or pregnant. They are also often labeled as the wrong sex, so you could end up with many more guinea pigs than you anticipated.
Why adopt?
Here is a diagram that further explains why adoption is so important. Buying guinea pigs from petstores instead of adopting from shelters and rescues supports guinea pig breeding. The problem here is that there are too many guinea pigs and not enough people who want them. This is how guinea pigs end up in shelters and rescues, and the reason why some shelters have to resort to euthanasia.
How many?
Guinea pigs are social animals who thrive with companions. A bond between a guinea pig and a human can never compete with the bond between two or more guinea pigs. In fact, in Switzerland, it is illegal to own just one guinea pig. Most guinea pigs cannot thrive without a companion, which is why they need at least one other guinea pig to interact with.
Caring for guinea pigs is a long-term commitment! Please check out the pages on this website before making your final descision. Once you know you are ready, congratulations! Below is a website from Guinea Lynx to help you find your new friend.
If you are in the United States, Home to Home, Petfinder and GuineaPigFinder are some other sites to search for guinea pigs based on your location.