Vacation is something we all need every once in a while. It’s time we take to enjoy ourselves without the burden of work, busy schedules, and animals?
Little animals are much more labor-intensive to transport. No one wants to lug around their cage, food, water bottle, hay, etc. Veterinarians offer room and board for your dogs and cats, but what about housing for your little guinea pig?
What to do with your guinea pig while on vacation
Leaving your pet at home can be a stressful situation for both you and your pet. The number one thing to do is enlist in the help of friends, family, or a trusted neighbor. I’ve owned a lot of piggies over the years and this is a great resource when you have questions.
Making sure that your guinea pig is in good hands and will feel comfortable while you are gone is the top priority.
Most vacations or work-related trips are planned and given in advance. Use this time to get your cavy ready and make the transition run as smoothly as possible.
Introduce your pet to their new caretaker
If the caretaker is a family member or close friend, the chances are that they are familiar with them is high. Your cavy is smart enough to recognize different people that are associated closely with you.
Having your cavy meet their new caretaker beforehand will let them get used to the new sights and smells.
Establish a routine before leaving
The more prepared your guinea pig is, the more prepared you yourself will feel after leaving. Establishing a new routine with more minimal care will help them get used to not getting all the attention or treats that they had in the past.
Guinea pigs are creatures of habit and enjoy knowing what to expect. If they are still receiving food, water, and basic necessities, they will be less likely to react indifferently to less attention.
Let them come to you
As much as it’s tempting to just send over the cage, cavies will immediately feel uncomfortable in a whole new environment, especially without their owners present.
If at all possible, have the person come to you instead. Both you and your guinea pig will feel much more comfortable with the same rooming situation.
Have a backup plan
There should be a direct method of contact to you as the owner at all times. If for some reason there is a problem with health, always give the information and number to your preferred veterinarian as well.
If your cavy likes things a certain way, educate your caretaker on how you and your pet like things run. Any displays of your cavy missing you should also be known. These include:
- Sudden changes in eating
- Lack of activity
- Refusal to play
How long can you leave a guinea pig unattended?
Cavies are never recommended to be left unattended for over 24 hours, however, it is possible to leave them alone for a maximum of 48 hours without dramatic consequences.
Never leave your guinea pig alone for longer than this, as there is too much time for things to go wrong. Even 48 hours is pushing it, as cavies require proper attention and care.
If you do intend on leaving them for a day, give them extra food, attach an extra water bottle, and pile in extra hay. Cleaning the cage is also highly recommended as a stinky cage is something rather unpleasant to return home to.
Leaving anyone home without proper preparation is a big no-no. Occasions do arise when it may be necessary to leave, but you should always have a list of people that can be trusted to care for your guinea pig.
Part of owning a pet is taking care of them or making sure that they are being properly provided for. In the end, it is up to you to guarantee them a happy
Conclusion:
If you think that these ideas are helpful, check out this article about my favorite tips for traveling with your guinea pig.
For more information regarding cavies training and care, subscribe to my newsletter to receive updates and new tips. For any questions or queries, feel free to comment below. Cheers!
Lydia King is a huge animal lover and has always been fascinated with learning about the animal kingdom. She enjoys writing about anything animal related from scientific information about rare species to animal references in pop culture.
