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Liska !!LIVFOETqL8j
Hi /an/ I tried google and it failed me, so i'm coming to you. Is there a database/rating website anywhere that rates how good an adoption agency is and whether or not they have a good track record? I am looking to adopt a Guinea Pig and I think i found a decent agency, but i just want to make sure, as I prefer to do my homework first.

Any ideas?
>> Anonymous
http://www.charitynavigator.org/ is the main source for big charity organizations. I don't think that such a thing exists for small local animal welfare organizations.
>> Liska !!LIVFOETqL8j
>>176856

thanks; its at least a start
>> Anonymous
To be honest a rating or someone's review will not change your impressions of actually visiting the shelter and evaluating it for yourself. I used to volunteer at one that I'm fairly sure had guinea pigs, cats, and dogs (rehabilitated fighting dogs). Separate floors, inconspicuous building, and the cats had their own dedicated floor and freedom to move around. They even separated the cats from FIV+, scaredy cats (own little room in the kitchen), and general ones ran amok.

ANYWAY, visiting the place and interviewing them to find out if they fit your needs is imperative (the reviewer could be biased in either direction). Good luck in your search.
>> Liska !!LIVFOETqL8j
>>176916

thanks. It's actual a place holding mobile adotions at a local pet store this weekend, but if i dont' find anyone this weekend (i am bringing my current piggy with me to make sure they get along) i want to go to the facility to take a look around. This will be my first time adopting, and it sounds like you're experienced at least somewhat in that. Anything I should be prepared for aside from adoption fees? Do i need to bring pics of the cage i'd have the new piggy in, anything like that?
>> Anonymous
>>176918
Well depending on the nature of the shelter (kill or no-kill) it will, to my logic, affect their requirements. No-kill shelters would want proof for (a) financial stability and (b) legality of pet ownership should you NOT live in a house you own. Makes sense since their belief is on the well-being of the animal, and wouldn't want it to merely go out haphazardly and wind up back at the shelter (or worse, the street).

Stuff like that... but that's mostly for dogs and cats. Guinea pigs, not to belittle or disparage your particular affinity, shouldn't be such a big deal. Don't worry about it so much, and since you're doing silly (albeit cute) things like asking if you need a picture of a cage I'd recommend you simply call them and ask what you, as a potential adopter, would need to present to them in order to pass their adopter requirements. Good adoption agencies WANT good owners like the smart posters of /an/ ok? I know you mostly for /s/ but you sound alright around here, so relax.
>> Anonymous
>>176921cont'd
Your current proof of ownership of a similar animal, the duration of your ownership of said animal, and frankly your COMPETENCE in ownership of said current animal should be all they want. Merely saying all that could be enough when (or if) they interview you, but YMMV so, again, ask them ahead of time what you would need to present aside from an adoption fee.

Anything else they ask of you, then of course comply (should it make sense, and if it doesn't ask why they need such and such). Keep in mind SOME places that are SMART will not house their facilities in the same places as their offices. The purpose of this, I found out, is to discourage bad owners from literally abandoning their pets at the facility's entrance. This you could take as a sign of your agency's intelligence, experience, or overall care in consideration. Keyword COULD. *Reason why I'm telling you this is because they may interview you at their offices, and THEN schedule a time for you to visit their facilities located elsewhere.

Um, I think you'll be fine. Worry about your potential new pet's HEALTH moar. It could adversely affect your current pet's health.
>> Anonymous
>>176925note / end
*If you haven't already, also google what would be best to partner your remaining guinea pig with. It will help narrow your search (age/sex). I know cats have some dynamic like that... forgot what though, and whether it was spayed/neutered affected things too.

Good luck, happy hunting, and hope you feel better!
>> Liska !!LIVFOETqL8j
>>176921
>>176925

I'm trying, but this is my first adoption so i'm nervous and want to know as much as I possibly can. I know I need a neutered male, anywhere between 2 and 4 will be fine. I wanted ratings on the pet agencies cause i wanted to make sure it wasnt' a freaky place that didnt'take care of their animals. I lost one piggy already to health issues (infection. not mine or the vets fault) and I dont' want to loose another one.

Since i'm a dork and I like to talk to my guinea pig, i have no idea if he can hear me, but he is hopefully aware that I love him even WITH another guinea piggy round the house (in b4 animal psycho) and another cagemate is good for my healing, just as much as it is for him to have a buddy! Thank you :D
>> Anonymous
>>176936
>I wanted to make sure it wasnt' a freaky place that didnt'take care of their animals.

This was your main desire? To fulfill it, you'll have to visit their facilities, interview their reps, and talk to the caretakers at the facility. They should have a routine or a schedule for the care of the animal types (e.g., every thursday change the litter). Dependant on the size of the facility, they should have dedicated staff per each animal type. I know there was one dude always attending to the guinea pigs at mine.

Above all, express your concerns about the quality of health and what they, as an agency, do to take care of their animals. Specifically your interest, and the animals in general.

At the place I volunteered at, sick cats were isolated until they were better in the laundry room. Rather sad and lonely down there, but it was for the greater good. I can't help anymoar now. Rest is up to you to prep and get out there. Or continue your holding pattern here... bitter could help here actually. I think he helps rehabilitate critters or some shit/
>> Liska !!LIVFOETqL8j
>>176942

yup, that was my biggest concern/question. If creature;'s at a place that doesn't take care of their animals, anything i bring in would be a threat to my current piggy. When i first bought the two, down to one, i have now I actually went to the big store, went back into the breeding room, asked questions and picked the little guys out. I want to rescue a piggy, but i want to make sure it comes from a safe place (all my money was spent on the now-deceased pig... 1500 dollars worth) and is healthy, well cared go and all in all thumbs up.

Only reason i'm on hold here is that there isnt' a mobile adoption from the agency i'm taking a look at until Saturday and i'm mulling time at work ;)