4/21/26 Tell PetSmart to end the sale of guinea pigs!

Great news: PetSmart has committed to ending the sale of turtles, tortoises, and several other species. Now they must do the same for guinea pigs!

Every year, these vulnerable animals are bred in guinea pig mills to stock pet store shelves, sold as “starter” pets, and then abandoned when families realize the truth: guinea pigs require specialized care, significant ongoing expense, and a level of time and commitment most buyers were never prepared for.

The result is absolutely heartbreaking. Shelters and rescues are overflowing with unwanted guinea pigs. Others are neglected, dumped outdoors, or left to die when no one steps in to save them.

Guinea pigs are living, feeling beings -- not impulse purchases.

They deserve better than a pipeline that begins in a vile mass breeding facility, leads to a pet store display, and too often ends in abandonment, neglect, or death.

PetSmart has the power to help stop this cycle of suffering. Join us in telling them: the guinea pig trade MUST END.

During 2025, CWI cared for more than 20 guinea pigs at our Wheeks of Hope microsanctuary and provided over $2,000 to support the emergency medical needs of local guinea pigs. We were also successful in our campaign to end the sale of guinea pigs in the city of Las Vegas, where new stores are now prohibited from guinea pig sales and all existing stores must end by November 2028.

Ending guinea pig pet store sales is imperative to saving lives. 

I admit that I was unsure CWI's elephant-loving audience would join us on this mission to end the suffering of guinea pigs alongside our efforts for larger animals. I have been so grateful for and touched by the response. A million times thank you for your support.