Guinea pigs are one of the most popular pets around the world, and with good reason. Their calm demeanor and squeaks, coupled with those cute, pudgy faces, make them a favorite among small pets. If you have recently been to a pet shop, you must have noticed them peeking out from their hideouts, curiously watching you and nibbling on their hay.
For most people interested in buying a guinea pig, the first question is usually, ‘how much does it cost?’ On a glance, you would expect PetSmart to have a fixed and straightforward answer, but the truth is, it is more complicated than that.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear picture of your guinea pig buying journey at PetSmart, including the factors that affect pricing, additional cost, along with savings tips. Most importantly, we will discuss how to make the most of your guinea pig ownership experience so that it is both rewarding and cost-effective.
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Knowing the Base Price When Buying from PetSmart
If you visit PetSmart, you would find guinea pigs offered for sale in the small animal section. Generally, the standard guinea pigs are sold for 35 to 60 dollars in comparison to other locations.
The price can be affected by:
The breed – The American guinea pig is an example of a common short-haired breed that sits around the lower price range. Long-haired breeds, also called “fancy” breeds, tend to be more expensive.
Location – There can be a difference in prices from state to state and even from city to city. Stores in high-cost-of-living areas may have slightly higher prices.
Store Stock and Demand – The price can also be affected by a high demand or a limited availability of guinea pigs.
As much as the price displayed is the price you can anticipate spending, that amount is only the first part in the price you are truly spending.
What Influences Pricing
There are numerous factors that pet-smart use when pricing guinea pigs. In contrast to a pricing guinea pig price, a number of factors would influence the final amount:
Breed and Coat Type
Pricing for pets is often determined by the commonality of the breed; the more common the breed, the lower the price. An importer guinea pig is readily available and often inexpensive. Exotic breed importer guinea pigs, such as Peruvian and Silkier guinea pigs, tend to have fancy silk hair coats and come at a higher price. This is due to their rarity and needing extra health care.
Age of the guinea pig
The younger guinea pigs tend to fetch higher prices. This is because their younger age is favored. Older guinea pigs are equally lovable pets, but do tend to be somewhat cheaper as their price is lowered to promote adoption.
Special promotions
During adoption drives, the retailer may also promote discounted rates. Such initiatives are frequently linked to the work done by PetSmart Charities in a bid to promote adoption of pets and ensure they get placed in a safe and secure home.
What you get for the price
Purchasing a guinea pig means one from PetSmart, means one is not getting just a simple pet. One is receiving a guinea pig that has also gone through some health safety checks and is part of “Vet Assured” and is health-scam free.
The system makes certain that guinea pigs undergo a thorough examination by qualified veterinarians and are checked for prevalent diseases before they are put up for sale. In addition, PetSmart has a 14-day health guarantee policy. This policy permits a customer to return a purchased pet for a refund or exchange if the pet falls ill within two weeks.
While this guarantee is helpful, it is essential to keep in mind that taking care of their health check-ups will be your responsibility from the moment you take the guinea pig home.
Understanding the Expenses Incurred to Own a Guinea Pig
PetSmart’s pricing is only the starting point. A guinea pig comes with a variety of expenses that will need careful consideration because each of them incurs a raw amount of money.
Setting Up the Habitat
Your guinea pig will need to be taken care of with a safe, large, and cozy home. While you might be tempted to buy the small cages that are marketed for guinea pigs, the minimum recommended cage size for a single guinea pig is 7.5 square feet. It is also recommended to get more than one guinea pig, in which case the bigger the cage the better.
Essential items include:
Cage or C&C grid setup – 40–40–150 depending on size and quality
Bedding – 5–5–15 per bag (needs replacing regularly)
Hideouts – 10–10–25 for tunnels or shelters
Food bowls and water bottles – 5–5–15 each
Food and Nutrition
Guinea pigs require a balanced diet of:
Hay – available year-round as the primary food source
Pellets – specifically formulated for guinea pigs and fortified with vitamin C
Fresh Vegetables – Daily servings to ensure a variety and for additional nutritional value
If you have one or two guinea pigs the approximate cost per month for food would be 10to10to25.
Healthcare
Veterinary visits are essential for both preventive and reactive care. Annual checkups range from 50 to 50 to 100, though acute care (e.g., for unexpected acute illnesses) may cost more. Having a pet emergency fund is prudent for unexpected veterinary visits.
Toys and Enrichment
Guinea pigs are active, and as such, providing them with safe chew toys, as well as tunnels and recreation areas, helps to maintain good psychological and physical wellbeing. Budget for $5–20 a month for enrichment materials.
Guinea pigs should not live alone
Although a solo guinea pig may seem affordable, from a psychological perspective, guinea pigs are social creatures. They live in groups in the wild, and solitary confinement can lead to depression.
Acquiring a second guinea pig will double the initial purchase cost, along with needing a larger cage and more food. Despite this, emotional benefits to the pets and observing them interact are significant and make the investment worthwhile.
Adoption vs. Buying from PetSmart
Guinea pigs are sold at PetSmart, but through the charitable arm, PetSmart does partner with local shelters and rescues. They also hold adoption events where guinea pigs are available for adoption at a lower fee than the normal sale price.
Adoption fees usually come with:
- A simple health assessment
- Occasionally, an initial supply of food or bedding
- Knowing that you are saving a homeless animal from euthanasia
Adopted pets are usually more affordable, which is an added benefit to supporting animal welfare initiatives in your area.
Ethical Considerations
It is always best to check the source of the animal you intend to buy. Many large pet shop chains like to deal with large scale breeders. Although PetSmart has animal care standards, some animal welfare advocates recommend adoption to avoid supporting mass breeding.
If buying from PetSmart is a must, make sure that you enlighten yourself by asking important questions. Ask about the age, origin, and health details of the guinea pig. A reputable establishment will respond to these questions.
Budgeting for a Guinea Pig – Sample Breakdown
Here is an example of the expected costs you may incur for the first year for one guinea pig:
Guinea pig purchase price: $40
Cage setup: $100
Bedding: 120(approximately120 (approximately10 a month)
Food and hay: 180(approximately180 (approximately15 a month)
Toys and enrichment: 60(approximately60 (approximately5 a month)
Annual vet visit: $75
Estimated total first-year cost: $575
This figure does not factor in surprise vet visits, or the cost of a second guinea pig, which is strongly suggested for companionship.
Ways to Minimize Expenses Without Sacrificing Quality Care
Buying in larger quantities – Hay and bedding are cheaper when bought in bulk.
DIY guinea pig toys – Cardboard tubes and paper bags are easy to make and guinea pig approved.
Shopping second hand – In second hand online shops and charity shops, you are likely to get cages and accessories for a lower price than they are being retailed.
Change of ownership – Rescues often have cheaper prices and hallmarks of generosity like offering value-added components to the fee.
Learn the basics of grooming – Simple trimming of nails and brushing are my be done at home, reducing the need for a professionals help.
How Much Money Does One Spend on a Guinea Pig
Like every other animal, guinea pigs have a price, alongside their consistent and timely maintenance, feeding, and social interaction; indeed, the to incur a financial cost, as well, an expense many are able to accommodate in their budgets.
With the right amount of care, the costs associated with guinea pigs, domesticated in pairs, can be cheaper, and significantly lower for individuals who are willing to bear the responsibility. Gentle and affectionate, guinea pigs are full of personality. their little, “weeks,” and chirps are bound to bring joy.
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AFQ
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What is the cost of a guinea pig at PetSmart?
Guinea Pigs often cost between 35and35and60 at most PetSmart locations. The price is determined by the particular breed and age of the guinea pig as well as the retail location. Fancy or long-haired guinea pig breeds usually cost more than short-haired guinea pigs.
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Are the health checks included in the price of the guinea pig?
Of course. PetSmart guinea pigs are a part of the “Vet Assured” program which means they have been checked for common diseases that are usually found in guinea pigs. They also have a 14 day health guarantee, which means that they must be healthy for at least 14 days after the purchase. In case of any infection during that time, they can be returned or exchanged.
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What are some additional costs that I will incur apart from the purchase price?
In addition to the purchase price, there is a need to budget for the cage, bedding, and food, as well as toys, vet care, and others. The first year cost of keeping a guinea pig, food and bedding included, is about 500to500to600.
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Can I adopt a guinea pig from PetSmart?
Yes. Many PetSmart locations work with local rescues through PetSmart Charities. Adoption costs are usually cheaper than buying a guinea pig, and the packs provided often contain the same supplies.
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Should I get One guinea Pig or Two?
Guinea pigs are social animals and do much better when they have a companion of the same sex. The expense of purchasing two is offset by the increase in mental well being and happiness of the guinea pigs.
Conclusion
PetSmart sells guinea pigs for 35 to 35 to 60. the cost varies by breed, age, and location. Buying a guinea pig is only part of the total cost. The first year will cost several hundred dollars in housing, food, health care, and enrichment, with a steady amount spent afterwards.
Make sure that your finances and emotions are in order before purchasing a guinea pig. If possible, adopting from a rescue is a great way to help a guinea pig in need, and will save money.
Ultimately the decision should be about much more than the price. It is about bringing a small animal which is totally dependent on you for care to a safe, loving, nurturing, and intellectually stimulating environment. If you are ready for that level of commitment, then a guinea pig is one of the most rewarding pets you can have.
