2 Guinea pigs in their hutch eating lovely greens
Guinea Pig Awareness Week Gets A Big ‘Paws Up’ From The Veterinary Community
3 years ago 
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Guinea pig welfare is improving, according to veterinary professionals
Burgess Pet Care, the organisers behind Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW), the UK’s largest campaign dedicated to guinea pig welfare, announces that its latest campaign has had a great response from the UK veterinary community, with 93% of those surveyed saying that GPAW has had a positive impact on the care of guinea pigs in the UK.
The survey, conducted by Burgess Pet Care following GPAW, also found that 82% of veterinary professionals - including vets, vet nurses and vet students - believe that guinea pig welfare in the UK is improving.
The theme of GPAW was guinea pig housing, and was backed by an array of welfare promoting initiatives to help owners create the perfect indoor and outdoor environments for guinea pigs, as well as how to adapt guinea pigs’ environment for the changing seasons.
The focus of the GPAW campaign was welcomed by veterinary professionals, with 38% citing it as the most neglected welfare need amongst pet guinea pigs.
Burgess in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes, said: “Responsible pet ownership is really important to Burgess Pet Care and it is so encouraging that 93% of veterinary professionals believe that GPAW has had a positive impact on guinea pig care. It was also fantastic to learn that 100% of owners we surveyed believe that the campaign will have a positive impact on guinea pig welfare.
“There’s always more we can do to enable guinea pig owners to understand – and meet - the very specific welfare needs of these gorgeous, intelligent creatures, but we’re really proud of the positive difference that GPAW is making just two years after launching the campaign.”
Backed by charity partners the RSPCA, Blue Cross and Woodgreen Pets Charity, Guinea Pig Awareness Week will return for a third year in 2023. Further details will be announced on the GPAW website where veterinary practices can sign up to receive notifications about the dates for GPAW and when vets’ packs are available to download.
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