Surrender | Foster | Rescue | Nail Trims & Grooming | Bonding | Care Call | School & Community | Boarding
Service Area: Running Out of Hay primarily serves San Mateo County and surrounding Bay Area communities. Some services are limited by distance due to the level of in person support required.
Surrender
Sometimes life circumstances change, and you may no longer be able to care for your guinea pig(s). If you need to surrender, please fill out the Surrender Request Form below.
Please note: Due to limited space and resources, submitting a request does not guarantee intake. If your request is denied you will still be provided with other resources that may help.
Surrender requests are responded to by email within 24-48 hours. If you do not see a response, please check your spam folder.
Friends For Life Foster Program
Guinea pigs are social animals who rely on companionship. Many families want to keep their guinea pig for the rest of their life, but they also do not want their pig to be lonely after a bonded friend has passed away. At the same time, they may not want to continue adopting more guinea pigs or taking on long term responsibility for another pet. The Friends For Life Foster Program lets your guinea pig stay right where they belong, with the people who love them, while still giving them the friendship they need.
How the Program Works
Free bonding sessions
I offer free bonding sessions right in the comfort of your own home. Think of it like speed dating for guinea pigs. Your pig gets to meet a few potential friends in a familiar and stress free environment. We take things slowly and pay attention to who they naturally feel comfortable with. The goal is always to find the best possible match.
You foster the companion for the rest of your guinea pig’s life
If we find a good match, you can foster that companion for as long as your guinea pig is alive. Your pig gets to stay in their own home, surrounded by the people who love them, while still enjoying the comfort and stability of a bonded friend.
The foster returns to the sanctuary when the time comes
When your guinea pig eventually passes away, the fostered companion returns to Running Out of Hay. They come back to the sanctuary where I continue their care and help them transition into their next chapter.
Support You Will Receive
Monthly home visits
I provide monthly home visits to offer free health checks and nail trims for both pigs while the foster is with you.
Ongoing support
You can always reach out with questions, updates, or concerns. I am here to help you keep both pigs happy and comfortable.
Apply today!
This Program is available to the following areas: San Mateo County, San Francisco, Santa Clara County, and Western and Southern Alameda County.
Report a Stray, Lost, or Abandoned Guinea Pig
Spotted a stray, lost, or abandoned guinea pig in San Mateo County or the wider San Francisco Bay Area? For help with safe capture and rescue, please use the Contact page to report the sighting.
Include the following details:
Exact location (cross streets, address or GPS pin)
Time the animal was last seen
Photos, if possible:
One close-up photo of the animal
One wider photo showing where the animal was located (e.g., under a bush, beside a sidewalk, etc.)
Nail Trims, Grooming & Health Checks
I provide low cost nail trims, basic grooming, and a general health checks for guinea pigs. $20 for the first guinea pig, and each additional pig just $5.
Whether your guinea pig needs a quick trim or a routine check to keep them feeling their best, we’re here to help. Plus all proceeds go to support the sanctuary.
House calls available for the following areas: San Mateo County, San Francisco, Santa Clara County, and Western and Southern Alameda County.
Bonding
Need help introducing your guinea pigs to each other? I offer personalized bonding sessions to support safe, successful introductions and help your piggies become the best of friends.
In-Person sessions:
Available for all of San Mateo County
Virtual Sessions:
No matter where you are in the world, I can assist you virtually with tips, live coaching, and troubleshooting during your bonding sessions.
Cost: $30/hour
All proceeds go directly to supporting the sanctuary and the animals in our care.
Whether you're bringing home a new guinea pig or working through a tricky relationship, I'm here to help!
Care Call – Personalized Guinea Pig Guidance
Got questions about guinea pig care? Need a second opinion on your setup? Thinking about getting your first piggie and not sure where to start? A Care Call is the perfect way to get tailored, one-on-one support for you and your furry friends.
During our video call, I’ll review your current enclosure (or help you plan one from scratch), offer personalized suggestions for enrichment and husbandry, and answer any questions you have—no matter how big or small. Whether you’re a brand new owner or a seasoned piggy parent, you'll leave the session with fresh ideas and actionable advice to elevate your guinea pig’s well-being.
Let’s chat all things guinea pigs— Your piggies will thank you!
Schedule a Care Call $30 per hour
School & Community Visits
Bring the joy of guinea pigs to your school, community group, or event with an interactive and educational visit! Whether you're a teacher, event coordinator, or community leader, this service offers a unique opportunity for people of all ages to learn about responsible guinea pig care, animal rescue, and how to make a positive impact on the lives of animals.
What’s included?
Live Guinea Pig Guests:
Meet and interact with adorable, well-behaved guinea pigs while learning all about them!Educational Talks & Q&A:
I'll cover a variety of topics, tailored to your audience’s needs. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insights into how to care for guinea pigs at home, the importance of animal rescue, and ways to support the guinea pig community.
Suggested Topics:
Responsible Pet Care:
Learn about what any pet needs, including proper diet, exercise, cage setup, and socialization. This talk emphasizes the commitment required to ensure pets live happy and healthy lives.The Importance of Animal Rescue & Adoption:
Discover how animal rescues work, the challenges guinea pigs face in shelters, and the importance of adopting from rescues rather than supporting breeders or pet stores. We’ll also discuss how your community can support rescues through donations, volunteering, and fostering.
Available for all of San Mateo County
