What to Look for When Boarding Your Guinea Pig

If you have guinea pigs, you already know they're not just "starter pets." They have personalities, preferences, and needs that are pretty specific and finding someone to care for them while you're away can honestly feel overwhelming. I started My Guinea Guests because I wanted pet owners in Seattle to have a place they could actually trust. So let me share what I think you should always look for when boarding your guinea pigs (whether you come to me or not!).

Someone Who Actually Knows Guinea Pigs

This one sounds obvious, but it's so easy to overlook. A lot of pet sitters are great with dogs and cats, but guinea pigs are a whole different animal. I'd always ask: how much experience do you have specifically with guinea pigs?

When I started My Guinea Guests in 2021, it came from a real love for these furry potatoes. I know their squeaks, their habits, and what "off" looks like. That kind of experience matters more than people realize.

A Clean, Comfortable Space Including Temperature

Guinea pigs are really sensitive to temperature. Too hot, too cold, too drafty — any of it can stress them out or make them sick. When you're checking out a boarding option, ask where they'll actually be staying and whether the space is climate controlled. At my place, I keep it comfortable year round — AC in the summer, heat in the winter. Seattle weather can be unpredictable and drastic from day to day. I understand this since I have been in the Seattle area my whole life.

Fresh Food Every Day (and the Right Stuff)

Guinea pigs need more than just a bowl of pellets. Unlimited hay is non-negotiable. Fresh veggies every day. And because they can't produce their own vitamin C, that has to come through their food — it's something a lot of people don't know and it's actually a big deal.

I always have lettuce, carrots, hay, pellets, and a variety of snacks on hand. Pea flakes are a fan favorite around here — the piggies go absolutely wild for them. I also have several treats hay based treats; rosemary cookies, heart shaped cookies, vitamin c cookies, and more! If you have a care sheet or specific foods your pig loves, I'll follow it to the letter.

Real Playtime, Not Just a Food Drop

Guinea pigs need to get out of their cage and they need interaction. If a boarder is just filling the water bottle and walking away, that's not enough.

I do supervised indoor and outdoor playtime every day — with actual attention, handling, and yes, a lot of pets. Your guinea pigs deserve to feel at home while you're gone, and that's what I try to give them. If your guinea pig is wiggling away and chattering I respect what they are showing me and will leave them alone.

The Ability to Handle Medical Stuff

This is honestly where a lot of boarding options fall short, and it's something I take seriously. Sometimes guinea pigs have ongoing needs — medication, special feeding, something going on with their health. You need to know whoever is watching them can actually handle it.

I'm comfortable with:

• Critical care feeding

• Oral medication administration

• Monitoring for bloat

• Caring for hay poke to the eye

• Nebulizing

• Nail clippings

If your pig has specific needs, just ask me — chances are I've dealt with it before.

Updates While You're Away

You should never have to sit there wondering if your guinea pigs are okay. I send photos and videos throughout the stay because I know how much peace of mind it gives you as an owner. Of course if you do not to be bothered during your vacation I will respect that too.

Clear, Honest Pricing

No one likes surprise fees. I always hate searching for service and not knowing what the cost will be. Here's exactly what I charge:

• $20 per guinea pig per day

• $30 per pair of guinea pigs in the same cage per day

• Cage rental: $20

• Cage materials: $20 per week

These are cash prices.

What Other Piggy Parents Are Saying

I'll let my clients speak for themselves: Here are some reviews

"Our guinea pig was well taken care of over the week stay! Her cage was routinely cleaned and well fed. Super communicative and sent pictures of our happy piggy!! Highly recommend!!" — Valerie

"Rachel watched Nova for us over winter break and we could not be happier with the amazing care she provided. She sent videos of Nova which we loved! She even clipped Nova's nails and provided her with ample treats and guinea pig play time." — Lianne

"We have had an amazing experience with My Guinea Guests. Rachel is very knowledgeable about guinea pigs, and her years of experience with owning guinea pigs makes her an awesome guinea-sitter! We have a boy with loads of medical issues, and she was able to administer all of his medications while we were away with no problems. She sends pictures and updates periodically so that we are totally at ease while we are away. Our boys are always so excited to stay with her, and are completely happy while we are away. She has a great set-up, with comfy, secure enclosures in a clean, private room. We have used her services multiple times, and will continue to board our boys with her for all of our future trips!" - Maia

I'll do all the rest

Text: (206) 375-9663

Email: myguineaguests@gmail.com

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