Carers of “pocket pets” are being inundated with animals given up for adoption in the wake of the rental crisis on the Sunshine Coast.
A Eudlo-based shelter that specialises in looking after guinea pigs has seen the number of animals on its surrender waitlist jump to an all-time high.
Larger animal shelters for cats and dogs have also felt the pressure as they report a constant flow of homeless animals.
Pockets pets refer to smaller household animals, including guinea pigs, hamsters or mice, and just like bigger household pets, they too have felt the impact of displacement.
Beth Atkins has been running Miss Piggy’s Guinea Pig Lair for 13 years and she told Sunshine Coast News she currently has more than 100 guinea pigs in her care, with a further 52 on the waitlist to arrive.
She believed the increase was due to soaring rental costs forcing more residents out of their homes, and the small number of available rentals that allow pets.
“I haven’t had a waiting list this large before and I’ve been doing this for 13 years,” Ms Atkins said.
“The rental crisis has a lot to do with it because no one has anywhere to live and a lot of the rental market doesn’t accept animals so they have to give up their animals.
“The other side to it is that not as many people are adopting as they don’t have anywhere to live either.”
As the only guinea pig shelter on the Sunshine Coast, Ms Atkins was horrified to reveal the small domestic animals were often dumped in the wild rather than surrendered correctly.
“A lot of people think (guinea pigs) can survive in the wild, but they just can’t – they are domesticated pets.”
Another factor that has led to the animals being surrendered was the popular misconception that guinea pigs are “easy” and inexpensive family pets.
While they may not cost as much to purchase and set up at home, ongoing maintenance of guinea pigs, including feeding and medical care, is often more specialised than dogs or cats and can become expensive over time.
One such case was Gerry the guinea pig, who Ms Atkins was looking after in 2020. His “golden smile” cost a staggering $7000 in dental fees.
“They’re not a starter pet and they are not cheap,” Ms Atkins said.
“The adoption fee is only $25 but they are classed as an exotic animal and they do need an exotic vet.”
With such a high volume of animals, Ms Atkins said she spent most her days cleaning cages and feeding the animals, with not much time in between for cuddles, so she found it extremely rewarding when she knew a little fury friend had found a loving home.
“Sometimes, I’ll get photos back from people that have adopted of them watching TV with their guinea pig in their lap and it’s very rewarding.”
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Miss Piggy’s Guinea Pig Lair is a registered charity and anyone considering adopting can find out more information and fill out an application at misspiggyslair.com.
4Paws Animal Rescue Sunshine Coast has also reported an increase in pets arriving recently and is urgently seeking a pur-fect home for Cersei the cat.
“She is a petite, very gentle eight-year-old who has been through a rough patch and is looking for a home where she can be supported and receive the care she needs,” Kate Buckley from 4 Paws says.
“Her elderly carer was no longer able to look after her so she is now in short-term foster care until the end of January.”
The lovable animal does require medical treatment for a thyroid condition but Ms Buckley says this is easily managed with ongoing medical needs to be paid by 4Paws for the remainder of Cersei’s life.
“Cersei requires daily medication, which she tolerates very well,” she says.
“Tablets are added to her food for blood pressure and drops rubbed into her ears for a thyroid condition.”
Ms Buckley says Cersei will be perfect in a quiet home without other pets where she can bond with her special human.
4Paws also has several other very deserving cats who would dearly love a home. For more information on Cersei or other available animals, visit 4pawsanimalrescue.org.au
