Frequently-Asked Questions
Appointments and Deposits
How do I make an appointment?
You will make an appointment here!
Why is a deposit charged for my appointment?
Deposits are charged for paid appointments (Baths, Adoptions) to prevent accidental double-booking, and to encourage our guests to be serious about attending their appointments.
Is the deposit refundable?
Deposits will be refunded if you cancel with at least a 24-hour notice. There are no refunds for no-shows or last-minute cancellations. Please contact us via email to ask for a refund. They need to be manually processed.
My deposit only covers one guinea pig! I am interested in bathing/adopting more than one.
You will be charged the remainder of the fee at the end of your appointment.
What is the grace period for appointments?
We understand that traffic in Los Angeles is unpredictable. We offer a 30-minute grace period for health checks and adoptions. We offer a 10-minute grace period for baths.
How many guinea pigs can you see per appointment?
The rule of thumb is we can see up to 2 guinea pigs per bath appointment and 2 guinea pigs per health check appointment. Please book additional appointments if you have more than two guinea pigs.
How do I prepare a carrier?
We love hard, plastic cat carriers! Due to the extreme heat in the valley, we recommend lining the carriers with disposable pet bedding, since blankets and towels get too hot. You should also wrap a frozen water bottle (summertime) in a sock to help them stay cool. Keep the carrier out of the direct sun in the car. Using a baby sunshade for the window helps. Place hay in the carrier for a snack and use cucumber slices to keep piggies hydrated. Water bottles will just leak.
You will make an appointment here!
Why is a deposit charged for my appointment?
Deposits are charged for paid appointments (Baths, Adoptions) to prevent accidental double-booking, and to encourage our guests to be serious about attending their appointments.
Is the deposit refundable?
Deposits will be refunded if you cancel with at least a 24-hour notice. There are no refunds for no-shows or last-minute cancellations. Please contact us via email to ask for a refund. They need to be manually processed.
My deposit only covers one guinea pig! I am interested in bathing/adopting more than one.
You will be charged the remainder of the fee at the end of your appointment.
What is the grace period for appointments?
We understand that traffic in Los Angeles is unpredictable. We offer a 30-minute grace period for health checks and adoptions. We offer a 10-minute grace period for baths.
How many guinea pigs can you see per appointment?
The rule of thumb is we can see up to 2 guinea pigs per bath appointment and 2 guinea pigs per health check appointment. Please book additional appointments if you have more than two guinea pigs.
How do I prepare a carrier?
We love hard, plastic cat carriers! Due to the extreme heat in the valley, we recommend lining the carriers with disposable pet bedding, since blankets and towels get too hot. You should also wrap a frozen water bottle (summertime) in a sock to help them stay cool. Keep the carrier out of the direct sun in the car. Using a baby sunshade for the window helps. Place hay in the carrier for a snack and use cucumber slices to keep piggies hydrated. Water bottles will just leak.
Adoptions
How do I apply to adopt?
You will apply to adopt here! Make sure you carefully read all of our requirements for adopting before submitting your application.
Do I need to fill out an adoption application if I have adopted previously?
Yes. We always need a fresh application. If we do not have a new application on file when you come for your adoption, you will be given a paper one to fill out.
I have a single guinea pig. How do I find it a friend?
Please bring your guinea pig to your adoption appointment so that we can match it with a same-sex friend. If available, we may be able to pair a female guinea pig (or group of females) with a neutered male.
How many guinea pigs can I have in my herd?
Depends on the sex! You can have as many females as you have room for in a herd. (Or multiple females with one neutered male.) Males will do best in pairs, so we do not facilitate bondings for male groups.
What do I bring for my adoption?
At least one carrier per guinea pig (we like hard, plastic cat carriers), and of course your guinea pig(s) that will be bonded!
My guinea pig is sick. Can I still adopt?
We perform a full health check on your guinea pig(s) before introducing them to our guinea pig(s). If your guinea pig has a contagious illness, we will refer you to a vet and allow you to reschedule when your piggy is better. You will not lose your deposit.
What if I do not find a proper buddy for my guinea pig at my appointment? What if I decide after meeting guinea pigs that they are not a good fit for me?
We will reschedule your adoption to a later date to try more bonds. Sometimes, especially with males, we need to try for a couple of sessions. If you decide to not adopt at all, your deposit will be refunded.
My guinea pig's bond fell apart when I got home. What can I do?
Sometimes it takes a few days for guinea pigs to adjust to their new friend and environment. Chasing, nipping, rumbling, light chattering, nose-punching, and even a little bit of fur in the mouth is normal for the first 10-14 days. If the arguing is relentless, the guinea pigs do not allow each other to eat or drink, or blood is drawn, please contact us and we will schedule you for a swap.
You will apply to adopt here! Make sure you carefully read all of our requirements for adopting before submitting your application.
Do I need to fill out an adoption application if I have adopted previously?
Yes. We always need a fresh application. If we do not have a new application on file when you come for your adoption, you will be given a paper one to fill out.
I have a single guinea pig. How do I find it a friend?
Please bring your guinea pig to your adoption appointment so that we can match it with a same-sex friend. If available, we may be able to pair a female guinea pig (or group of females) with a neutered male.
How many guinea pigs can I have in my herd?
Depends on the sex! You can have as many females as you have room for in a herd. (Or multiple females with one neutered male.) Males will do best in pairs, so we do not facilitate bondings for male groups.
What do I bring for my adoption?
At least one carrier per guinea pig (we like hard, plastic cat carriers), and of course your guinea pig(s) that will be bonded!
My guinea pig is sick. Can I still adopt?
We perform a full health check on your guinea pig(s) before introducing them to our guinea pig(s). If your guinea pig has a contagious illness, we will refer you to a vet and allow you to reschedule when your piggy is better. You will not lose your deposit.
What if I do not find a proper buddy for my guinea pig at my appointment? What if I decide after meeting guinea pigs that they are not a good fit for me?
We will reschedule your adoption to a later date to try more bonds. Sometimes, especially with males, we need to try for a couple of sessions. If you decide to not adopt at all, your deposit will be refunded.
My guinea pig's bond fell apart when I got home. What can I do?
Sometimes it takes a few days for guinea pigs to adjust to their new friend and environment. Chasing, nipping, rumbling, light chattering, nose-punching, and even a little bit of fur in the mouth is normal for the first 10-14 days. If the arguing is relentless, the guinea pigs do not allow each other to eat or drink, or blood is drawn, please contact us and we will schedule you for a swap.
Donations
How do I make a donation?
Monetary donations can be made here. Supply donations can be made through our Amazon Wishlist.
Can I donate in person?
Absolutely! You are always welcome to make a donation at your appointment, or you can come during business hours to make a donation. (Monday-Saturday from 10:00 A.M. - 3:45 P.M.)
Can I mail a donation?
Absolutely! Our address is 10856 Farralone Ave. Chatsworth, CA 91311. Checks should be made out to Los Angeles Pet Rescue (our legal name).
What supplies can I donate?
You can donate anything from our Amazon Wishlist. We also take some gently-used items such as MidWest Guinea Habitat cages, the grids from C&C cages, and fleece items. Any other gently-used items should be donated to your local shelter. (We also LOVE veggie donations!)
What forms of payment do you take for donations?
We take all major credit cards, cash, and checks made out to Los Angeles Pet Rescue
What else can I do to help raise funds?
There are lots of things you can do to raise funds for us! Please participate in our live sales and raffles. You can also create Facebook fundraisers for our rescue. Sharing on social media can help us gain new followers and reach more and more piggy-lovers. Just a share can make a huge difference for many piggies.
What are my donations used for?
All donations go straight to the care of the guinea pigs on site. We usually have about 300+. It takes more than you think to keep our doors open. Food, hay, and bedding are just the tip of the iceberg. Utility bills, laundry, and vet bills add up. We go through tons of office supplies, storage bins, and other organizational items to keep the ranch running smoothly. We also have goals to try to efficiently expand so that we can accommodate even more rescue piggies!
Monetary donations can be made here. Supply donations can be made through our Amazon Wishlist.
Can I donate in person?
Absolutely! You are always welcome to make a donation at your appointment, or you can come during business hours to make a donation. (Monday-Saturday from 10:00 A.M. - 3:45 P.M.)
Can I mail a donation?
Absolutely! Our address is 10856 Farralone Ave. Chatsworth, CA 91311. Checks should be made out to Los Angeles Pet Rescue (our legal name).
What supplies can I donate?
You can donate anything from our Amazon Wishlist. We also take some gently-used items such as MidWest Guinea Habitat cages, the grids from C&C cages, and fleece items. Any other gently-used items should be donated to your local shelter. (We also LOVE veggie donations!)
What forms of payment do you take for donations?
We take all major credit cards, cash, and checks made out to Los Angeles Pet Rescue
What else can I do to help raise funds?
There are lots of things you can do to raise funds for us! Please participate in our live sales and raffles. You can also create Facebook fundraisers for our rescue. Sharing on social media can help us gain new followers and reach more and more piggy-lovers. Just a share can make a huge difference for many piggies.
What are my donations used for?
All donations go straight to the care of the guinea pigs on site. We usually have about 300+. It takes more than you think to keep our doors open. Food, hay, and bedding are just the tip of the iceberg. Utility bills, laundry, and vet bills add up. We go through tons of office supplies, storage bins, and other organizational items to keep the ranch running smoothly. We also have goals to try to efficiently expand so that we can accommodate even more rescue piggies!
Boarding
How do I book boarding?
Fill out the form here.
Will I receive confirmation?
Yes. You should receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking. If you do not see it, please check your junk folder.
What do I need to bring?
Just your piggies! Personal items will get lost here. We provide cages, bowls, bottles, hides, and all of the food. If your piggy is a medical piggy, please bring their medication with instructions from your vet as well as any special foods they need to eat.
I need to extend my boarding. How can I let you know?
Emailing or texting us is best. Please always contact us if you need to extend your piggy's boarding.
I don't have a printer. Can I fill out my liability waiver in person?
Yes.
I would like to pick my guinea pigs up early. Is this okay?
Yes! We are always able to accommodate early pickups. However, if your guinea pig was scheduled for a bath, please let us know that you are coming early. We typically do the baths the day before/morning of scheduled pickup. If you pick up early without notice, or give us a short notice, we may not be able to get to the bath. (We of course will never charge for a bath service if it is not performed.)
Your website says you are closed Sundays and holidays. Will someone be there to take care of the guinea pigs?
Of course. We have staff on Sundays and holidays that take care of the piggies. We do not have business hours on Sundays or holidays and cannot accommodate drop-offs or pickups.
Volunteering
I am interested in volunteering; where do I begin?
First of all, thank you so much for wanting to help out! Please email us so that we can work with your schedule and answer any questions.
How old do I have to be to volunteer?
We accept volunteers at 16 years old with parent/guardian permission.
What tasks do volunteers help with?
Volunteers will start on tasks such as cage cleaning and setup, feeding, water bottle changes, and other chores while they learn about our processes and services. We love enthusiastic volunteers who come willing to learn! Regular volunteers will learn to help with a little bit of everything from boarding to bathing to bonding and more!
