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Guinea Pig Welfare Forum 2026 To Spotlight Research, Responsible Breeding, Rescue Challenges And Welfare Considerations
4 days ago 
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The Guinea Pig Welfare Forum (GPWF) has announced its speaker programme for 2026, bringing together experts from across the veterinary, research and welfare sectors to explore some of the key issues shaping guinea pig health and welfare.
Following previous successful events, the forum will provide a platform for professionals and those involved in guinea pig welfare to share the latest research, practical experience and perspectives on how standards of care can continue to improve.
The 2026 programme will explore key themes across the day, including new research and developments in guinea pig welfare, reproduction and responsible breeding and the challenges facing guinea pig rescue and how these can be addressed.
The morning session will open with an update on GPWUK activity from Dr. John Chitty, RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Zoological Medicine. This will be followed by insights from current research and a look into the stress experienced by guinea pigs used for handling. Our keynote talk will be given by Hannah Messer, RVN, The Sheffield College, looking at the welfare of guinea pigs in homes and rescue.
Following this there will be a focus on responsible breeding, guinea pig caesareans (pre and post-operative care), as well as hand rearing and weaning. There will also be a session to consider the welfare implications of guinea pigs living alone and approaches to successful bonding.
The afternoon will turn to spotlight the rescue situation, looking at how rescues operate, the challenges currently facing cavy rescue and whether greater regulation and agreed standards could help improve welfare outcomes. The last talk will be given by the Companion Animal Sector Council (CASC) chair - an organisation that informs Defra on small mammals and exotics.
Allowing questioning of CASC’s current work, the final part of the forum will bring attendees together for a wider discussion on how the need for rescue can be reduced and how standards can be improved, giving delegates the opportunity to consider practical solutions and share perspectives from across the sector.
Emily Watmough, Trade Marketing Manager at Burgess Pet Care, said: “Guinea pig welfare is an evolving area, and the 2026 forum will bring together experts to explore some of the key issues affecting guinea pigs today, from the latest research and responsible breeding through to the challenges facing rescue.
“We hope the programme will encourage meaningful discussion, share practical knowledge and help those working across the sector to identify ways to improve welfare standards and outcomes for guinea pigs, both in homes and in rescue.”
Confirmed speakers include:
- Mary Coles, PhD Researcher, University of Liverpool
- Alison Wills, Lecturer, University of Central Lancashire
- Hannah Messer, RVN, The Sheffield College
- Virginia Garner-Richardson, MRCVS
- Aidan Raftery and Majo Parreno Escalona, Ashleigh Veterinary Centre, Manchester
- Allison Hilyer, Kindtocavies.com
- Eleanor Simper, Cheshire Guinea Pig Rescue
Tickets are priced at £10, with all proceeds donated to Guinea Pig Welfare UK to support ongoing education, research and advocacy work aimed at improving welfare standards nationwide.
For more information and to register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/guinea-pig-welfare-forum-2026-tickets-1987609178558
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