Ayrshire Guinea Pig Boarding

Care guide

Helpful advice for a smooth stay

A short guide to preparing your guinea pigs for boarding — what to bring, what to expect, and how to make drop-off and collection calm for everyone.

Printable drop-off checklist

Everything we recommend bringing along on drop-off day — in one tidy list.

Download checklist

Browse the guide

What to bring

  • Your guinea pigs in a secure carrier with hay for the journey.
  • Their usual pellets (enough for the stay, plus a little extra).
  • Any medication clearly labelled, with dose and timing notes.
  • Vet details and a current emergency contact for you or a nominated person.
  • A note on favourite veggies and any foods they react to.

What not to bring

  • Their full cage — we have spacious C&C setups ready.
  • Hay (we provide unlimited fresh hay).
  • Anything fragile or sentimental — bedding gets messy.
  • Treats that aren't part of their normal diet.

Food and diet

  • Unlimited good-quality hay is available 24/7.
  • We feed daily pellets and around 50g of fresh vegetables per piggy.
  • Special diets are welcome — please discuss in advance.
  • Don't change their pellets just before boarding; sudden changes upset tummies.

Bedding

  • We use kiln-dried, dust-extracted wood shavings with plenty of hay.
  • Paper bedding or noodle mats available on request — tell us when you book.
  • Setups are spot-cleaned daily, with full changes as needed.

Medication

  • Bring meds in original packaging where possible.
  • Provide a simple dose schedule (morning / evening, with or without food).
  • Let us know what the medication is for so we know what to watch.

Nervous piggies

  • Calm, quiet environment with minimal sudden noise.
  • We let nervous piggies set the pace for handling.
  • Bonded companions are kept together where suitable for comfort.

Preparing for boarding

  • Keep their routine normal in the days before drop-off.
  • Pack the night before so the morning is calm.
  • Have a clear handover note ready — names, ages, quirks, diet.

Drop-off advice

  • Aim to arrive at your agreed time so we can settle them properly.
  • Allow 10–15 minutes for a quick handover and check-in.
  • Leave us your best contact method and any travel plans.

Collection advice

  • Plan a calm trip home with hay in the carrier.
  • Offer water, hay and pellets straight away — most piggies tuck in.
  • Expect a quiet day or two as they re-settle into your routine.

What happens if there's a health concern?

  • We observe carefully every day and act on changes early.
  • We contact you (or your nominated person) right away.
  • If urgent care is needed, we follow your nominated vet's guidance.
  • We're not a veterinary practice — we don't diagnose or treat.

Anything else you'd like to ask?

Our FAQ page covers most things owners want to know.

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