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Some 96% of guinea pig owners do not have pet insurance, according to a recent survey by the RSPCA.
The survey was conducted in partnership with Burgess Pet Care, and comes as the group commemorates Guinea Pig Awareness Week by emphasising “common misconceptions” regarding pet abandonment.
Over the past year, the animal welfare charity has received 600 calls regarding incidents involving guinea pigs, including 119 involving abandonments and 317 about neglect.
Dr Jane Tyson, the charity’s animal welfare expert, said: “Sadly guinea pigs, along with other small companion animals like rabbits and hamsters, are very misunderstood.
“They can be seen as a great ‘starter pet’ for children but they actually have very complex needs, with a varied diet and access to plenty of space needed to ensure their welfare.”
She added: “We do see instances of abandonment and neglect every year and even in 2020, this was no exception.”
