Livestock Guarantee Thank you for buying your pet from our store. Please remember that all pets must be properly cared for throughout their lives. We pride ourselves in supplying healthy pets and never knowingly sell one that is sick, injured or suffering any visible deformity. Please contact us immediately if your new pet appears unwell within two weeks of purchase. We will be happy to replace, refund or consult our own vet depending on each individual case. City & Guilds Qualification At PamPurredPets we actively encourage our staff to be knowledgeable in all aspects of pet keeping. We have our own in - house training programme which all staff follow during their first six months with us. After completing this programme many progress on to the City & Guilds in Pet Management, which is a nationally recognised qualification.

Suitability Guinea pigs make very popular pets as they are naturally clean and friendly. Although quite nervous animals they rarely scratch or bite and can become very tame with gentle regular handling. Guinea pigs are social animals and in the wild live in family groups. Two males or two females can generally be housed together as long as they have known each other since the were very young. Alternatively, a guinea pig may be housed with a single small breed of rabbit. However, these animals can be highly individual and there are often exceptions to the rule. The life expectancy of a guinea pig is approximately four to eight years. Housing Guinea pigs are very active, so the larger the hutch or cage the better. It should be no smaller than 36in wide x 15in deep x 18in high and be sited at a height of at least 2ft above the ground. Situate the hutch or cage where it is not in a draught, near a source of heat, in direct sunlight or where the temperature fluctuates. If you are keeping your guinea pigs indoors a bedroom, dining room or lounge is ideal. Never use aerosols near the cage and keep it away from stereos and T.V.’s, as the highpitched noises can irritate your pet. Guinea pigs can only be acclimatised for living outdoors between the 1st of May and 31st October as at any other time it is too cold. In the winter you should house your guinea pigs in a shed or garage making sure there is sufficient daylight and ventilation. Woodflakes should be used liberally as a floor covering throughout the hutch as it is extremely absorbent and also acts as an insulator. Ample straw and hay should also be provided. Guinea pigs will benefit from regular exercise, therefore an outside run is a useful accessory as it provides a secure environment. Feeding PamPurredPets stock a wide range of specially prepared guinea pig mixes and pellets which provide a good balance of vitamins, minerals, protein, fibre and carbohydrates. To add variety this diet can be gradually supplemented with cabbage, carrots, dandelions and chicory. Sprouts, apple and some soft fruits are also enjoyed. Unlike other animals guinea pigs are unable to synthesise their own vitamin C, therefore it is essential that they are fed food specifically designed for them, which has vitamin C included. In addition, vitamin drops may be added to their drinking water. Guinea Pigs also require generous quantities of hay on a daily basis to ensure that they thrive. A mineral block or salt lick will also be much appreciated. A piece of wood from a fruit tree can also be provided for gnawing. Fresh drinking water should be provided using a drip feed bottle that should be cleaned and refilled on a daily basis. PamPurredPets also stock a wide variety of treats and toys for your pet. Handling Allow your guinea pigs 24 hours to settle into their new environment. They are extremely companionable and like to be handled. Guinea pigs should be lifted by firmly placing one hand across the shoulders with the other hand supporting the rump. This prevents injury to the back caused by wriggling and kicking. Hold your pet close to your body to ensure he feels totally secure.

Health & Hygiene You will need to provide fresh, safe bedding for your guinea pig to keep him clean and dry as well as warm and cosy at night. Hutches should be cleaned out on a regular basis. This is not only important in warmer weather in order to prevent flies being attracted to the hutch, as this may result in an infestation of maggots, but also in the wetter months when bedding can become damp and mouldy. If your guinea pig is longhaired you will need a brush and comb for regular grooming in order to avoid matting and fur balls. Guinea pigs teeth grow continuously and will become overgrown if they are not worn down naturally, therefore a wooden gnaw block or mineral block is essential. Eyes and ears should be clean and nails not too long. Your pet’s coat should also be clean and shiny. If your pet develops sniffles, sore or runny eyes, diarrhoea, experiences difficulty eating or generally appears off colour always consult your vet. Shopping List Hutch/Cage Food Woodflakes Hay Straw Food Bowl Water Bottle   Mineral Block/Salt Lic Vitamin Supplement Wood Gnaws Treats Small Animal Disinfectant Book Soft Brush Now it’s your ... Duty to Care New Animal Welfare Laws from 6th April 2007 The new law increases the minimum age a person can buy an animal to 16, therefore we may need to ask some of our customers for proof of age. We need to ensure responsible pet ownership and make sure that your pet’s welfare needs are met, these include the needs for: Suitable environment Suitable diet To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease To be housed with or apart from other animals (if applicable) To exhibit normal behaviour patterns Please speak to any of our trained staff for advice on the new Animal Welfare Laws.