The Adoption Process

 

All potential adopters fill out an application form.  We try to screen potential adopters carefully so that placements are for life—not just for a short-term period.  In the event we are unable to approve an application for adoption we encourage people to check their local animal shelters for animals that will likely be euthanized if not adopted.

Phone calls and emails are exchanged.  While we are always thrilled to find a good home for our animals, we want people to be quite sure that this is the animal they want. Potential adopters are welcome to come and see the animal(s) with no obligation to go through with the adoption.  When one of our guinea pigs is going to a home to be a mate for another guinea pig, we encourage potential adopters to bring their animal here so that we can ensure the match is a good one.  

As part of the adoption contact, all adopters sign a contract.  We state specifically that any animals we place must be returned to us if future events prevent the adopters from keeping their animals.  Depending on the experience of the adopters, all animals are sent with samples of pellets and hay, a cozy, a Health Record Book from Guinea Lynx, a Care Pamphlet, and other relevant printed information to ensure that the animals are given the best possible care.  We encourage all adopters to use C&C cages of an adequate size and to feed high-quality pellets and hay.  If necessary we will obtain the materials for the cage and help with construction.  Pet store cages are NOT suitable for guinea pigs—they are far too small to keep them well and happy!  We encourage adopters to keep in touch with us—we want to know that everything is going well and offer advice when needed!

Donation fees for adoption don’t begin to cover the expenses involved in housing even a single animal, however we believe that they help prevent people from treating animals as ‘throw-away’ pets.

Heddwyn and Llewlyn, clean and happy, in one of Windespirit’s ‘pockets’