Gwen sent a message to Michael J. Massey – Chief Executive Officer and President of PetSmart, Inc. – Email Address that said:
I am writing to ask that you reconsider the sale of guinea pigs in your store. Please do not advertise guinea pigs (or any other exotic animal) as holiday or starter pets. The holidays are a busy season for pet sales and the new year finds those animals in shelters and rescues because the child is bored with the pet or allergic to it.
Contrary to popular belief, guinea pigs are not low-maintenance animals. In fact, compared to dogs and cats, they are actually high-maintenance pets. First, guinea pigs are herd animals and two bonded guinea pigs should be the minimum purchased. Second, the cage size for two guinea pigs needs to be 30" x 36" or larger. Third, their diet requires unlimited hay and water, supplemented with fresh vegetables and vitamin C. Fourth, guinea pigs can live as long as 10 years! Fifth, few veterinarians see exotic pets and the ones that do are more expensive which deters owners from seeking proper medical care for the guinea pigs.
The guinea pigs that your store sells only contribute to the vast problem of overpopulation, abandonment, and euthanasia.
Pet store staff are not experienced with working with guinea pigs, and cannot educate potential customers on the details about guinea pig care. Without such education, purchasers find that the pet they’ve bought is too much trouble, and bring it to their local animal shelter or rescue. Even worse, some people simply release them into the wild. Guinea pigs are domesticated and cannot survive in the wild. These problems can be prevented only by skilled, up-front screening of all potential adopters by guinea pig caregivers with long-term, first-hand knowledge of guinea pig care.
In closing, I ask that you reconsider your decision to sell guinea pigs and other exotic pets in your store. I understand that your store does not sell dogs and cats. Guinea pigs are no different, and we ask that you extend the same protection to all exotic animals, and not limit your compassion to one or two animal species. In line with your PetSmart Charities mission, you could direct your customers to look up adoptable pets, local shelters, and rescue groups.
