The SC Guinea Pig Rescue

Our Story

The South Carolina Guinea Pig Rescue was opened in February 2004 by Patricia Gordon in Lexington Country, South Carolina. In the span of three years, Patricia rescued and found homes for over 200 guinea pigs. In early 2007, Patricia decided to move to Alaska at the end of March 2008. So in November 2007 she handed the rescue over to one of her fosters, Andrea. The rescue is now based in Columbia, SC and is operated out of Andrea’s home. Andrea has learned a great deal from Patricia and hopes that she can continue providing the same level of care and commitment as Patricia.  

About Us

The SCGPR does not have 501-3c federal status (meaning donations to us are not tax deductible); we hope to achieve this status as we continue to grow. Because we do not have a separate facility, we are not licensed as a shelter by the state. We are instead operated out of the home of the director and foster homes. Hopefully our next step will be to register as a non-profit business and become incorporated with the state of South Carolina.  

We do not get government grants or funding. All expenses for housing, food, and veterinary care are paid out of pocket or from donations. The rescue is listed with and acknowledged by several different Humane Societies and other rescue organizations here in SC and other states. We often work together to help save the lives of guinea pigs that are turned in at their facilities.  

Our Operation

All new rescues are put under a 21 day quarantine to assure their health, 72 days if a female may be pregnant. During this time they are treated for mites and any other health problems they develop. We never put a pig up for adoption unless he/she is completely healthy. Because most rescues have had little to no human interaction, and the interaction they have had is negative, during quarantine, Andrea works with the pigs to help them become more comfortable with humans. She helps them learn to be held, to take veggies from humans and to interact with other pigs. If a pig comes into the rescue as a single pig we do our best to match him/her up with another pig.  

Anyone is welcome to make an appointment with Andrea to come see the guinea pigs. We welcome volunteers to help feed the pigs, or clean or build cages. Volunteering with us is an excellent way to earn volunteer hours for school! We also have several age appropriate educational programs.  

All our cages are C&C cages and we generally follow the size standards set out by Guinea Pig Cages. The only exception to this is when a guinea pig is in quarantine. Here are a few pictures of our set up: