A new charity dedicated to guinea pig health and welfare has been created.
Guinea Pig Welfare UK is designed to bring together veterinary insight, husbandry experience and nutritional expertise to tackle widespread welfare issues affecting the UK’s pet guinea pig population. With a stated mission to “advance the health and welfare of all guinea pigs in Great Britain and Northern Ireland through education and ethical research”, the charity aims to become the recognised UK experts in guinea pig welfare.
Guinea Pig Welfare UK will focus on four core strategic areas: Education, Vet Support, Research, and Advocacy. The charity was officially launched at the 2025 Guinea Pig Welfare Forum today (September 10), supported by animal nutrition brand Burgess Pet Care.
Chair of trustees John Chitty, a former president of the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, said: “There are some significant knowledge gaps around guinea pig care identified at last year’s Guinea Pig Welfare Forum, and we hope that Guinea Pig Welfare UK will support pet owners, rescues, the pet industry, veterinary professionals and anyone who cares for guinea pigs with evidence-based education and resources.
“With many general practice vets receiving limited training on guinea pig-specific health issues, an authoritative voice for guinea pig welfare standards is sorely needed.”
He added: “The Guinea Pig Welfare Forum was the perfect venue to launch this charity, in a room packed with some of the leading minds in guinea pig care and welfare.”
Joining Chitty as trustees are Mary Coles, a PhD researcher at the University of Liverpool; Rae Walters also brings expertise in campaigning for animal welfare from her work as director of the Rabbit Welfare Association and Fund; and Ellie Parkes, nutritional adviser at Burgess Pet Care.
The charity’s first Patron is Dr Sean Wensley, former president of the British Veterinary Association and Honorary Lecturer in animal welfare. He added: “I was delighted to hear of the founding of Guinea Pig Welfare UK and am honoured to be the charity’s first Patron. With some 400,000 guinea pigs kept as pets in the UK, there is a clear need for an evidence-based understanding of their welfare needs and the extent to which these needs are being met.”
Guinea Pig Welfare UK is seeking support and collaboration from veterinary practices, rescue organisations, pet industry businesses, and guinea pig owners across the UK. The charity offers membership opportunities for those who want to support UK-wide guinea pig education and help fund ethical research, with members receiving access to exclusive content and a digital newsletter.
