This year’s iteration of Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW) gets underway next Monday (September 23).
Described as the only UK-wide campaign dedicated to improving guinea pigs’ welfare, the fourth annual GPAW will launch at Hog Springs, a guinea pig rehoming centre within Northumberland Zoo under the theme of ‘Nibble, Nourish, Thrive’.
Organised by Burgess Pet Care and supported by animal welfare charities Blue Cross, RSPCA, Woodgreen and the Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, GPAW will run as a digital campaign on Facebook, Instagram and X. In the run up to GPAW and throughout the week, there will be lots of content published about guinea pigs’ welfare and diet.
Retail stockists are being encouraged to get behind the campaign by accessing online resources including free downloadable packs to help organise in-store events and promote the week using digital media.
Dr Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director and in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, said: “We’re so excited to see the return of GPAW for a fourth year and to launch this year’s campaign at Hog Springs, a fabulous set up where guinea pigs’ welfare is of paramount importance and they are thriving, having been given a second chance.
“GPAW really matters because despite their popularity, guinea pigs are among the most misunderstood pets in the UK. A lack of knowledge means that their welfare – including their diet – is often overlooked; for instance, without essential fibre, guinea pigs’ teeth can become overgrown, so it’s important they can munch on feeding hay to help keep their ever-growing teeth in good shape.”
The retail support packs are available here.
