Guinea Pig & Rabbit Resources
Helpful guides, practical advice, and trusted resources for guinea pigs, rabbits, and the people who love them. Whether you're welcoming your first guinea pigs or navigating a new challenge, we're here to help.
Start Here: Essential Guides
Some of our most useful resources for guinea pig owners.
Quick Start Care Guide
A practical introduction to guinea pig care for new and prospective owners.
Read Guide →Safe Veggie List
A handy reference for choosing fresh vegetables for your guinea pigs.
View List →Boy or Girl? Sexing Guinea Pigs
Learn how to identify guinea pig sex and help prevent accidental breeding.
Read Guide →Living With Guinea Pig Allergies
Information for families managing allergies while caring for guinea pigs.
Read Guide →Guinea Pig Care & Choosing Companions
Explore the basics of guinea pig care and learn more about male and female guinea pigs before welcoming new companions.
Getting Started With Guinea Pigs
A helpful overview for anyone new to guinea pigs or considering adopting.
Everything a New Guinea Pig Owner Should Know
A general introduction to preparing for and caring for guinea pigs.
Watch on YouTube →Boys, Girls & Guinea Pig Companionship
Learn about male and female guinea pigs and explore which companions may be the right fit for your household.
All About Boys
A closer look at male guinea pigs and considerations for their care and companionship.
Watch on YouTube →All About Girls
A closer look at female guinea pigs and considerations for their care and companionship.
Watch on YouTube →Videos are created and hosted by independent content creators. Some videos may need to be viewed on YouTube if embedding is disabled.
↑ Back to TopicsHandling & Taming
Gentle, confident handling and patient trust-building can make everyday care easier for you and your guinea pigs. These videos are some of our favorite resources from independent creators.
Safe Handling
Guinea pigs can be startled by being picked up. Always support their body and hindquarters, hold them securely without squeezing, and handle them close to a safe surface. Children should have adult supervision.
The Scissor Hold
Our number-one recommended technique for a safe, secure hold of your guinea pig.
Watch on YouTube →How to Pick Up & Handle Your Guinea Pig
A longer guide for becoming more comfortable and confident with everyday handling.
Watch on YouTube →Taming & Building Trust
Every guinea pig has their own personality and pace. Give them time, reward positive interactions, and respect their boundaries as they learn to feel safe around you.
The Ultimate Taming Guide
A starting point for helping guinea pigs grow more comfortable with people.
Watch on YouTube →More Taming Tips & Tricks
Additional ideas for continuing to build confidence and trust.
Watch on YouTube →Five day taming challenge
Make taming progress in just 5 days with this challenge.
Watch on YouTube →Videos are created and hosted by independent content creators. All video content belongs to its respective creators. Some videos may need to be viewed on YouTube if embedding is disabled.
↑ Back to TopicsHealth & Special Situations
Additional guidance when guinea pig care becomes a little more complicated.
Find a Veterinarian
Finding a veterinarian experienced with guinea pigs or rabbits is an important part of responsible care. These external directories can help you begin your search.
Is your guinea pig experiencing a medical emergency?
Difficulty breathing, collapse, severe pain, or not eating or passing droppings can signal a serious emergency. Contact a veterinarian immediately rather than waiting for a response from Running Out of Hay.
If you need urgent care, use the Find Clinics Open Now tool below and call ahead to confirm the clinic can see your guinea pig.
Guinea Pig-Savvy Veterinarians
Bay Area veterinary resources for finding care for your guinea pigs.
Explore Directory →Rabbit-Savvy Veterinarians
House Rabbit Society's directory of veterinarians serving the Bay Area.
Explore Directory →Find Clinics Open Now
Search for nearby clinics currently open that may see exotic pets. Call first to confirm they treat guinea pigs and can see your pet.
Search Open Clinics →Veterinary directories are provided as starting points. Always confirm a clinic's current availability and experience with your species before scheduling.
↑ Back to TopicsNeed a Little More Help?
Not finding what you're looking for? Running Out of Hay also offers personalized guidance and low-cost services to help families care for their guinea pigs.