We're in the midst of our peak vacation boarding season at the rescue, which means pigs coming in and out of Cindy's house every weekend. We usually have a few people each summer that we need to educate on the subject of "safe guinea pig travel" -- though the number gets smaller each year (happily).
You need at least one travel carrier for transporting your guinea pigs anywhere outside of the home, including to the vet and to wherever you board your pets while you're on vacation. Transporting guinea pigs by any other means, such as cardboard boxes, plastic storage boxes, cages, or in a towel in someone's arms or lap is not safe. Sudden stops or other sudden movements in a vehicle could cause injuries to a guinea pig if s/he slides around in an unsuitable carrier.
Any hard-sided carrier that is marketed for cats is large enough to accommodate a pair of full-grown guinea pigs, without being so large that they could slide around as much as they would in a box or cage. (We do not favor soft-sided carriers for small critters.) Carrier floors can be lined with towels (or puppy pee pads) to give your guinea pigs' feet some traction, plus a towel/fleece pouch/cozy cup for them to curl up in and stay warm.
The Petmate Portable Kennel has secure locking doors on the top and front of the carrier. The top opening makes it easy for you to slip food into your guinea pigs while they're in the carrier, and to check on them in the car without risk of them escaping.
The Small Kennel Cab has a secure locking door on the front of the carrier. The carrier provides only one way in and out.
Geared more toward small critters, the Cabin Kennel has a slide lock on the side and opens from the top. The wire vent on the top of the carrier provides a small door that you can slide back so that you can slip food into the carrier, or even your hand so you can check on them during travel. This carrier isn't ideal for longer trips, but it will be sufficient if the only road trips your pigs ever go on is to the vet.
The cat carriers work for ferrets, bunnies, and chinchillas, too.
DO you think the same rules go for home mice? I have a little grey rat that I wanted to take to my friends up in the north- for I have no one to leave her with (people don't like Rats)and I was wondering what would be the best way. I would appreciate some advice! Thanks :)
Posted by: lodging | December 06, 2009 at 09:21 AM
wow great article very helpful exactly what I was looking for. I will travel soon and a important part is my pet
thanks for this topic
Posted by: Sandy | November 09, 2009 at 03:18 PM
Hi Karen,
We have had several guinea pigs in the rescue that either had no bottom front teeth or just partials. At no point did the rescue's vet suggest removing the top teeth. The teeth trimming (of the front teeth) is very easy. Having surgery to remove the top teeth is not a good idea. One, due to her age, and two, she will have no way to grab food. I would continue with the trimmings. Your vet may possibly show you how to do it yourself. How quickly the teeth grow will determine how often they need to be trimmed.
Hope this helps.
Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | September 08, 2009 at 04:24 PM
Hi,
I have a pet guinea pig that is about five years old. She does not have any bottom teeth (we suspect it has something to do with how hard she drinks from the water bottle). We have had her top teeth clipped twice. She will not knaw on any wood to keep them trim. The vet wants to surgically remove the top teeth. What would she eat then and I am concerned that putting her under at this age for surgery might stess her out (and loose her anyway). She has been eating, so we are of the opinion of not doing anything at this time except keeping her teeth trimmed. How often should we trim her teeth.
Thanks,
Karen Penrod
jkm5234@comporium.net
Posted by: Karen Penrod | September 08, 2009 at 10:36 AM