#USA #Los Angeles #Small Pet Select #Guinea Pig Rescue #LA Guinea Pig Rescue

Small Pet Select Partners with LA Guinea Pig Rescue

In a remarkable effort to assist animals in distress, Small Pet Select, a pet supply company based in Washington, has joined forces with the Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue (LAGPR) to provide critical resources for over 400 guinea pigs rescued from dire living conditions in South Los Angeles. This initiative comes amidst a significant hoarding crisis that has put tremendous pressure on local animal services and rescue organizations.

The Crisis Unfolds

Reports of animal hoarding emerged on July 15, 2025, when Los Angeles Animal Services received notifications about a possible case involving approximately 200 guinea pigs. Upon their arrival, Commander Yvonne Rodriguez discovered approximately 400 animals living in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions inside and outside a home. It was a scene of desperate neglect, with many of the guinea pigs suffering from respiratory issues, skin infections like ringworm, and wounds from frequent fights—mainly among the males who were exhibiting territorial behavior due to the cramped living situation.

Veterinarian Dr. Alexis Zieve was on-site to evaluate the animals, emphasizing the urgency for their immediate care. She noted that overcrowding can cause significant stress and aggression among guinea pigs, leading to injuries that necessitate professional treatment.

A Call for Help

Saskia Chiesa, the Director of the Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue, faced an unprecedented challenge following the rescue. “How on earth can we manage this?” she asked, recognizing that the influx of hundreds of animals would put immense emotional and financial strain on their organization. With limited local resources and a rising number of guinea pigs requiring immediate care, Saskia reached out to trusted allies for support.

Immediate Response from Small Pet Select

Upon receiving a call from Chiesa, Bill Gordon, the CEO of Small Pet Select, responded without hesitation, asking, “What do you need? When do you need it? Where do you need it?” This decisive response empowered Chiesa to take action and manage the situation more effectively.

Small Pet Select’s donation included essential supplies such as food pellets, hay, and bedding—resources crucial for the care and ongoing rehabilitation of the rescued guinea pigs. The staff at LAGPR will use these resources to provide adequate care for the 246 female guinea pigs taken in, many of whom are expected to give birth shortly due to their previous living conditions. Chiesa estimates that these females could produce around 625 or more babies in the coming weeks, making the current assistance even more critical.

Plans for Recovery and Rehoming

The males from the hoarding situation have been distributed among six local animal shelters for rehoming, while LAGPR has committed to caring for the females and their newborns. The rescue is setting up a dedicated birthing center to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the mothers and their young.

Small Pet Select has a history of contributing to animal welfare efforts and has established initiatives to assist small pets in finding homes through their rescue locator tool. This donation will alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with the massive rescue operation, allowing LAGPR to focus on the necessary medical treatments, foster care, and eventual adoption for all the guinea pigs rescued in this crisis.

How You Can Help

The LA Guinea Pig Rescue is actively seeking support through donations to cover medical expenses and other operational costs. Interested individuals can visit their donation page to help. Additionally, they are looking for adoptive families for these healthy guinea pigs. People can fill out their adoption form to take home a new pet.

For those located nearby, LAGPR appreciates donations of fresh vegetables and has an Amazon wishlist for those wanting to contribute supplies directly.

About Small Pet Select

Small Pet Select is a family-run business specializing in high-quality food, bedding, and hay for rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small pets. The company emphasizes ethical sourcing, sustainability, and supporting rescue organizations. Learn more about their mission and involvement in animal welfare.

About Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue

Established by Saskia Chiesa, LAGPR is a nonprofit, no-kill organization dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned guinea pigs. The rescue operates with a passionate team of volunteers and staff committed to rehabilitating these animals and finding them loving homes. Watch the rescue story to see the impact of their efforts.