The UK’s only event dedicated to guinea pig welfare will return this September.
The Guinea Pig Welfare Forum 2026, co-hosted by Burgess Excel and the charity Guinea Pig Welfare UK, will bring together veterinary professionals, rescues, welfare organisations and researchers for a full day of expert-led discussion and collaboration and will take place on Tuesday September 22 at the Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre.
The agenda caters for professionals across the veterinary, retail and welfare landscape, with sessions covering both clinical insight and practical care challenges. Confirmed speakers include Mary Coles form the University of Liverpool, Alison Wills from Hartpury College and clinicians and nurses working at in small animal practice. John Chitty, RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine, will be chair the event.
The programme will explore key welfare issues affecting guinea pigs in both pet and rescue environments as well as sector-wide challenges and opportunities, including discussions on rescue centre operations and evolving licensing proposals.
John Chitty, chair of Guinea Pig Welfare UK said: “Last year’s Guinea Pig Welfare Forum marked an important milestone with the launch of Guinea Pig Welfare UK, creating a dedicated voice focused on improving standards of care, education and advocacy for guinea pigs nationwide.
“The continued success of the forum plays a vital role in supporting that mission by bringing together expertise from across the industry to encourage collaboration and drive meaningful progress in guinea pig welfare. We’re proud that the event not only sparks important conversations, but also directly supports the charity’s ongoing work through fundraising and awareness.”
Burgess Pet Care deputy managing director Suzanne Moyes said: “Despite being one of the UK’s most popular pets, the welfare needs of guinea pigs are still widely misunderstood. The forum plays a vital role in addressing this, by bringing together experts from across the sector to share knowledge, encourage collaboration and help drive better outcomes for guinea pigs everywhere.”
Tickets for the one-day event are priced at £10.
