Friends for Life Foster Program
Guinea pigs are social animals who rely on companionship. When a beloved guinea pig loses their bonded friend, families often face a difficult choice: they want their guinea pig to have companionship, but may not want to commit to adopting another pet.
Our Friends for Life Foster Program offers another option. Your guinea pig stays right where they belong, with the people who love them, while enjoying the friendship they need.
How the Program Works
Free Bonding Sessions
We offer free bonding sessions in the comfort of your home. Your guinea pig meets potential companions in a familiar environment, and we take things slowly to find the best possible match.
Foster a Friend
Once we've found a compatible companion, you'll foster that guinea pig for the rest of your guinea pig's life. They can enjoy their friendship together in the comfort of your home.
Return to the Sanctuary
When your guinea pig eventually passes away, their foster companion returns to Running Out of Hay, where we'll continue their care and help them transition into their next chapter.
Support You'll Receive
Monthly Home Visits
We provide complimentary monthly home visits for health checks and nail trims for both guinea pigs while you're fostering.
Ongoing Support
You can always reach out with questions, updates, or concerns. We're here to help keep both guinea pigs happy and comfortable.
Ready to Find Your Guinea Pig a Friend?
If your senior guinea pig has lost their companion and you're interested in the Friends for Life Foster Program, we'd love to hear from you.
Service Area: Due to the hands-on nature of bonding sessions, home visits, and the eventual return of the foster companion, this program is available only to households in San Mateo County, San Francisco, Santa Clara County, and the following Alameda County communities: San Leandro, Hayward, Castro Valley, Union City, Newark, and Fremont.
Apply for Friends for LifePrefer to Adopt?
If you're ready to welcome another guinea pig into your family permanently, we'd love to help you find the right companion! Explore our available guinea pigs and learn more about our adoption process.
Explore Adoption →