7 Steps To Transport Guinea Pig

Transporting guinea pigs across the country can be challenging, given that these pets are not resilient to environmental changes. You have a role to play in keeping it comfortable and happy when traveling. Look for any signs of stress and attend to them when necessary.

How do you ensure successful guinea pigs transportation? Whether you are relocating, going on a trip, or taking it to the vet, you need not cause distress. We will discuss steps and tips to safely travel with your guinea pigs. Read on for details!

What Is The Best Way To Transport A Guinea Pig?

Transporting guinea pigs from one place to place is not recommended as they can easily be stressed and adversely affected. However, if you must, ensure their comfort and safety. Minimize the causes of stress as possible.

We recommend using a pet carrier. It has to be spacious to allow guinea pigs to play and move around. If transporting two guinea pigs at once, the pet carrier should be at least 12x 19 x 12 inches in size. Overcrowding will cause discomfort.

If you have to put the guinea pigs in your car, ensure the temperature is conducive. And if you have to turn on your radio, keep the volume respectable. Guinea pigs need ventilation. Regardless of how you will transport them, there should be ventilation.

6 Steps To Transport Guinea Pig

How do you ensure your guinea pig is comfortable while transporting them? You need to prepare in advance for the big occasion. That involves looking for a pet carrier, preparing the guinea pigs for the day, and possibly carrying snacks to keep them busy.

To safely transport guinea pigs, consider the following steps and tips:

Use A Pet Carrier

You possibly need a pet carrier if you want the guinea pig to remain active and stress-free throughout the entire journey. A pet carrier can be a small portable box, crate, or cage used to transport pets, including guinea pigs.

Pet carriers have increased levels of comfort for guinea pigs. Moving these cute animals around without an appropriate pet carrier is a bit challenging. Whether you are transporting the pet to the vet or carrying it along on vacation, a comfortable pet carrier ensures they are stress-free.

Amazon Basics Soft-Sided Mesh Pet Travel Carrier

Get Guinea Pigs Pets Used To Their Carriers Before It’s Actually Time To Transport

Pet carriers are new homes for guinea pigs that stay in cages. If you plan to transport them there, you should ensure they feel at home. So, what are the right conditions, or what should you do?

The pet carrier should be spacious enough to allow free movement of guinea pigs. Consider the height and floor area. Design-wise, the pet carrier should be well-ventilated, easy to clean, and escape-proof. Also, the temperature should just be right.

To make a pet carrier look and feel like home, but some guinea pig bedding materials in it. It will at least appear like a cage,

Bring Snacks Distracting These Pets

Your pet may need to eat while on transit. Hunger will make it uncomfortable and stressed. With appropriate guinea pig snacks, their attention will be diverted to eating, temporarily forgetting the situation.

Your guinea pig will be happy eating high-quality pellets and hay of fruits and vegetables. You can also try mixing rolled oats into the hay pellets to make. Consider the following list and vegetables for guinea pigs:

• Romaine lettuce
• Carrots and carrot tops
• Peas
• Broccoli spears
• Spinach
• Artichokes
• Kale
• Tomatoes
• Green and red bell peppers
• Oranges
• Apples
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Kiwi
• Papayas
• Peaches
• Cucumbers

Atlas Two-Door Pet Carrier | Easy Assembly Pet Carrier

Make Sure Your Car Is An Acceptable Temperature For Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are happy in the environment with a temperature between 65- and 75-degrees Fahrenheit. You should maintain the temperature inside your car within this range. Guinea pigs do not have ways of cooling themselves when hot because they don’t sweat.

Keeping the temperature inside your car within the recommended range is not a problem if your AC is still working. Just adjust the settings to create a conducive space. But what if you don’t have a functional AC and you must travel in hot weather?

To keep your guinea pig cool in the pet carrier, consider doing the following:

• Supply succulent foods such as water-rich vegetables.
• Don’t put the pet carrier in direct sunlight.
• Wrap a plastic with frozen water with socks or a towel and put it inside the pet carrier
• Carry enough water for you and your guinea pigs.
• Lastly, secure the carrier so that it will not slip or tip when you ride on speed bumps or let your guinea pigs roam freely in the car.

Drive Car responsibly

Cause as a minimum disturbance to the guinea pig as possible by driving your car responsibly. You can maintain low speed and be careful when approaching bumps or potholes. That will help to reduce vibration and noise in the cabin. Mind about the guest you have in the car.

Check On The Guinea Pig Regularly And Look For Signs Of Distress

Keep a close eye on them. If possible, you can have a partner to take care of it while you concentrate behind the wheels. Check for the following signs of distress in guinea pigs:

• Hiding most of the time
• Aggression
• Growling
• Chewing cage bars
• Over-grooming
• Sitting hunched
• Reluctance to move
• Circling the pet carrier

Monitor the behavior of your guinea pigs for any changes and signs of distress. A reduction in activity may signalize a stressful condition. Stop the car to investigate further. Ensure the guinea pig is at ease again before proceeding with the journey.

Transport Guinea Pigs in the Winter

Winter is characterized by cold weather that makes transporting guinea pigs riskier. You may consider other times of the year when the environmental temperature is favorable. But if you have to do it? You should keep the pet warm by doing one or more of the following:

• Switch on a heater in your car.
• Cover the pet carrier with a blanket whenever you take it out.
• Carry a blanket enough for you and your pet just in case your vehicle has a breakdown.

YUEPET Guinea Pig Carrier Bag with Bed

How Long Can A Guinea Pig Be In A Carrier?

This is a worthy question if you transport the guinea pigs many miles away. But do we have a definite answer? Logically, guinea pigs should never be left unattended for 24 hours. The time it stays in the carrier does not matter. Instead, focus on making it as comfortable as possible.

If going on a long trip with your guinea pig, consider the following:

• Bring along enough greens and snacks to keep guinea pigs fed and busy.
• Use an appropriate pet carrier size and design. If transporting two guinea pigs, the pet carrier should measure 12x19x12 inches.
• Consider a travel pen where guinea pigs can freely play. Just lay down some garbage bags and fleece on top for the perfect bedding.
• Always supervise or monitor your guinea pigs.

Tips To Safely Transport Guinea Pig

• Bring a friend (two maximum) to help you monitor guinea pigs
• Avoid transport near mealtimes because they may be distracted and feel uncomfortable feeding in the car.
• Keep your piggy away from the direct sunlight to avoid possible overheating.
• Do not leave your guinea pigs in the car for long.
• If you are leaving your piggies with a sitter, also leave emergency contacts so that you can be contacted easily.

Wrapping Up

Guinea pigs are a great companion. You may want to travel with them around. But before doing so, prepare for that trip. Find a comfortable pet carrier, pack some good food and water, and ensure you maintain the temperature within the recommended range of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thank you for reading this article at the Petsive. We appreciate your time and encourage you to explore this site for more guinea pig care tips.