Donations of food, hay, and bedding enable life-saving care for 400+ neglected guinea pigs

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Washington -based pet supply company, Small Pet Select, has teamed up with Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue (LAGPR) to provide critical resources for 400 guinea pigs rescued from extreme conditions in a South Los Angeles home. 

The donation, which included critical care supplies like food pellets, hay, and bedding, helped LAGPR to undertake one of its largest rescues to date. 

The Crisis: Overcrowding, Neglect, and Dire Conditions 

On July 15, 2025, Los Angeles Animal Services responded to reports of animal hoarding, initially estimating 200 guinea pigs at the scene. Upon arrival, Commander Yvonne Rodriguez discovered an estimated 400 guinea pigs living in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions — both inside and outside of an LA home. 

Veterinarian Dr. Alexis Zieve was on the scene to help triage the animals who suffered from respiratory illnesses, ringworm, and bite wounds, with many pregnant or nursing. 

Dr. Zieve confirmed that the bites were likely due to overcrowding, which she says can "trigger territorial aggression among males." 

"How On Earth Can We Manage This?"

Saskia Chiesa, Director of the Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue, faced an unprecedented challenge. "How on earth can we manage this?" she recalled, explaining that taking in hundreds of animals at once could be "financially draining". 

With no other local options to accommodate such a large population, and knowing the guinea pigs would have no option without their help, she rallied a team and phoned an ally. 

Small Pet Select's Swift Lifeline 

When Chiesa reached out to Bill Gordon, the CEO of Small Pet Select, for help, there was no hesitation. 

"Bill said, 'What do you need? When do you need it? Where do you need it?' According to Chisea, that gave her the courage to move forward."

The generous donation will help with bedding and feeding the 246 females LAGPR rescued, as well as the babies that are yet to be born. Guinea pigs can start reproducing at just a few weeks old and become pregnant within hours after birth. What's more, they can have up to 8 pups at a time! 

Sadly, Chiesa says it is likely that most (if not all) of the female intakes are pregnant, estimating they could birth up to 625 or more babies in the coming weeks. 

The males were divided among 6 separate animal shelters in LA for rehoming, while the LA Guinea Pig Rescue took the females and babies and has made preparations for a birthing center where they can raise their young in a safe, healthy environment. 

Small Pet Select is no stranger to animal welfare and rescue efforts, and even has a rescue locator tool on its website to help homeless small pets find their forever families.

The donation will help alleviate some of the financial strain associated with such a massive rescue effort, allowing LAGPR to focus on ongoing medical treatment, foster care, and eventual adoption efforts for all the new piggies. 

How You Can Help 

The LA Guinea Pig Rescue continues to seek: 

• Donations for medical bills. Visit the LAGPR donation page to support. 
• Adopters for healthy guinea pigs (you can fill out their adoption form here!)
• Supplies, including fresh veggies if you are in the area, or check out their Amazon wishlist to have supplies sent straight to the rescue.

About Small Pet Select 

Small Pet Select is a family-owned and operated producer of premium food, hay, and bedding for rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and other small pets. Founded by animal allies, Small Pet Select prides itself on ethical sourcing, sustainability, and rescue partnerships. Learn more here.

About Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue 

LAGPR is a no-kill, nonprofit rescue founded by Saskia Chisea. The organization's mission is to rehabilitate and rehome abandoned guinea pigs. The rescue is a private foundation and operates through a team of staff and volunteers. 

Watch the rescue story here. 

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SOURCE Small Pet Select