1. Space
    • Guinea pigs require a minimum of 8 square feet for their cage
    • For Rabbits, it is recommended that you give them a small room to free roaming rather than a cage, or a large pen.
  2. Long term commitments
    • Guinea pigs can live up to eight years and rabbits can live up to twelve years.
    • Will you be able to care for your pets for this long?
  3. Cost
    • Often, people only look at the cost of the animal itself – along with the startup cost. What you need to keep in mind is the long term cost.
    • Long term cost including food, temperature control (if kept in a separate area), and veterinary care
  4. Veterinary care
    • Normally annual visit is around $80 for the veterinary check up which is only once a year.
    • In rare circumstances, if animal gets severely ill or hurt, there may be a substantial veterinary cost associated with the treatment.
  5. Research
    • You should never get a pet without doing your research.
    • Always make sure you know exactly hot to care for a pet before getting one.
  6. Adopt – Don’t Buy
    • Pet stores often sell pregnant guinea pigs to people without them knowing it.
    • One of the main reasons guinea pigs end up in shelters is unexpected babies.
    • Whether you want a guinea pig or rabbit (or any other pet for that matter) get them from a shelter.
    • Shelters have lots of pets who need a second chance, as they are often rescued. Besides – shelters will provide you with lot of information about the pet.
  7. Diet
    • Both pets need to unlimited supply of hay. They also need leafy greens and vegetables.
    • Guinea pigs need vitamin C pellets since they cant produce their own.
    • Be sure to research your pets diet first !
  8. Social considerations
    • Guinea pigs needs to be kept in pairs, otherwise they will get lonely and depressed.
    • It is advisable to keep both guinea pigs of same gender – both male or female together otherwise you may end up with more guinea pigs than you planned for
  9. Consider fostering first
    • This is a great way to get to know a pet better, and find out if he/she is the right pet for you.
  10. Time
  • You will need to spend a of of time with your pets, so make sure you are able to take a few hours each day for them.