Small Animals

Guinea Pig owners asked to give pets a ‘Piggy MOT’ this Awareness Week

The RSPCA has reported a 76% increase* on Guinea Pigs coming into its care in the last year - prompting the charity to urge owners to take part in a mass ‘Piggy MOT’ to mark Guinea Pig Awareness Week (26-30 October).

The theme of this year’s Awareness Week is Happy, Healthy Guinea Pigs , and focuses on the proactive healthcare and essential care requirements that every guinea pig needs - from...

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Vet shares five hidden warning signs every guinea pig owner should know

As part of Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW), owners are being urged to look out for five easily missed warning signs that could indicate something isn’t right with their guinea pigs.

As prey animals, guinea pigs can be particularly good at hiding signs of illness. They instinctively mask when something is wrong, meaning even small changes in their behaviour, appetite, weight or...

One in seven owners cannot recognise when their guinea pigs are in pain

New findings from the Burgess Excel Small Animal Census reveal that many guinea pig owners may struggle to spot when their animals need help, with nearly one in seven lacking confidence in recognising when their guinea pigs are stressed or in pain.

The findings also show one in three owners don't regularly check their guinea pig's weight or body condition – with 4% admitting they...

Guinea Pig Welfare Forum 2026 to spotlight research, responsible breeding, rescue challenges and welfare considerations

The Guinea Pig Welfare Forum (GPWF) has announced its speaker programme for 2026, bringing together experts from across the veterinary, research and welfare sectors to explore some of the key issues shaping guinea pig health and welfare.

Following previous successful events, the forum will provide a platform for professionals and those involved in guinea pig welfare to share the...

Burgess Excel backs 20 rabbit rescues for 20 years of Rabbit Awareness Week

Burgess Excel is marking 20 years of Rabbit Awareness Week by donating food to 20 rabbit rescues across the UK, as centres continue to face growing pressure.

This initiative will see Burgess Excel provide each rescue with 20kg of hay and 20kg of rabbit nuggets – 800kg of food in total – to support the day‑to‑day care of rabbits who are waiting for new homes.

Rescues...

Retailers urged to champion improved rabbit nutrition to drive better business

As the UK’s leading rabbit welfare campaign, Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) returns this June for its 20th year, a focused is being placed on the link between better feeding standards for rabbits and better commercial outcomes for retailers.

For two decades, RAW has brought together veterinary professionals, charities, retailers and owners to improve rabbit welfare across the UK. This...

Guinea Pig Welfare Forum returns for third year

The UK’s only event dedicated to guinea pig welfare will return this September, bringing together veterinary professionals, rescues, welfare organisations and researchers for a full day of expert-led discussion and collaboration.

The Guinea Pig Welfare Forum 2026, co-hosted by Burgess Excel and the charity Guinea Pig Welfare UK, will take place on Tuesday 22nd September at the Crowne...

Rabbit Awareness Week marks 20 years of improving rabbit welfare

Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW), the UK’s leading campaign dedicated to rabbit welfare, is celebrating a major milestone this year as it marks its 20th anniversary.

Returning from Monday 22nd June to Friday 26th June with the 2026 theme ‘Feeding Bunnies Better’, the campaign will shine a spotlight on how far rabbit care has come over the past two decades - while setting a new standard...

Burgess Excel launches The Great British Small Animal Census for 2026

Burgess Excel , the UK’s leading small animal specialist, has launched The Great British Small Animal Census for 2026, the largest dedicated survey into the lives, behaviours and wellbeing of the nation’s small animals.

Now open for entries, the census aims to strengthen understanding of small animal ownership. The outcomes will develop industry education and promote best practice,...

Britain's most neglected pet? Vet charity warns against this “easy” pet due to welfare concerns

Many people consider rabbits to be an easy, starter pet, thinking they are great for new owners or for children who want to take care of something, but vet charity, PDSA are warning people to avoid taking on rabbits if they are looking for a ‘low maintenance’ companion.

PDSA Vet Nurse Shauna Walsh says: “There’s no denying how adorable rabbits are, and whilst they may appear to be...

Expert advises on how to build a "hedgehog house" - as trades rally to help the hedgehogs

Hedgehog houses have attracted a lot of attention over the last few years - and not always for the right reasons. In fact, several large retailers were criticised for selling ready-built plastic homes that were not fit for purpose. One wildlife expert went so far as to call them hedgehog death traps.

However, with hedgehog numbers in steep decline, with experts estimating the...

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