A massive part of what makes OGPR successful in saving and finding homes for guinea pigs, is that we have an amazing network of foster families. Because OGPR has no shelter building and is a foster based rescue, the number of fosters we have dictates how many guinea pigs we can bring into the rescue. We get multiple surrender requests a day and we have hundreds of guinea pigs on our waitlist to come into the rescue. However, the reality is that due to our limited space, the majority of these guinea pigs will be turned away. This is why fosters for OGPR are so vital to the success of our rescue.
If you are interested in becoming a foster for OGPR, please fill out the foster application
OGPR Foster Program FAQs
Do I have to supply a cage if I want to become a foster?
No! OGPR is happy to supply cages to all fosters. We also provide all accessories for the cage including fleece liners, hideouts, water bottles, pellet dishes, and hay kitchens. We most often provide a C&C cage or midwest cages. If you have your own cage that you are interested in using, it must be approved by the rescue. In general, we require a 6x2 C&C cage, or two midwest cages.
Do I have to supply food for the guinea pigs I foster?
There are three main components to a guinea pigs diet which includes hay, pellets, and vegetables. OGPR provides hay and pellets to fosters. However, we require that fosters buy their own vegetables. For a pair of adult guinea pigs, it will cost about $15-$20 a week to feed them.
How long do I have to foster for?
We require that fosters commit to the foster program for at least two months. On our end, it takes a lot of effort to set up a new foster with all their supplies and we try to prevent the guinea pigs from being moved around too often.
How long does it take for guinea pigs to be adopted?
The amount of time you will have a pair of guinea pigs can really vary. If you have a healthy pair, you will most likely have them for 1-2 months. However, if you are interested in taking in guinea pigs that need medical attention or are pregnant then you will have them for several months
Can I be a foster if I have my own guinea pigs?
We have several fosters who have their own guinea pigs as well. If this is the case, you will only get fosters that are the same gender as your guinea pigs.
How much of my day can I expect to spend caring for my fosters?
It takes about an hour a day to get all the guinea pig related chores done. These tasks include feeding them, spot cleaning their cage, and spending time with them.
Will I be involved in my foster guinea pigs getting adopted?
Once we receive an application for the guinea pigs you are fostering, we will let you know when the adopters appointment is. We only do adoptions on Sunday mornings. If you are available on the morning of your foster's appointment, you will bring them to where we hold adoptions. You are welcome to meet the adopters and answer any questions they may have. If you are unavailable to bring your fosters to their adoption appointment, we will figure out a time in the week to get the guinea pigs from you.
What type of guinea pigs can I foster?
We have a wide range of guinea pigs that can be fostered. We most often place healthy guinea pigs with fosters. However, we also have guinea pigs that are pregnant, babies, sick, disabled, or elderly,
Is there an age requirement to become a foster for OGPR?
We do not require that fosters for OGPR be over the age of 18. However, if a minor is interested in fostering, we require that the adults in the household be on board with the process.
Can I get volunteer hours for being a foster for OGPR?
Yes! As a licensed rescue, we are able to provide volunteer hours.
What happens if I go out of town?
When fosters go out of town, we prefer that a pet sitter or friend watches them. It is very stressful for guinea pigs to move to different environments so we try to keep them in the same home when it is possible. However, we understand that fosters may be unable to find someone to care for the guinea pigs while they are out of town. If this is the case, we will transfer the guinea pigs in your care to a new foster home while you are away.
What happens if there is a medical emergency with my foster guinea pigs?
If you notice any medical issues in the guinea pigs you are fostering, we expect you to immediately contact the rescue. We will determine if the guinea pig needs to be seen by a vet. If this is the case, we will schedule a vet appointment as soon as possible to get them checked out. All vet costs are covered by OGPR.
If you have any additional questions about our foster program please contact us at
If you are interested in becoming a foster for OGPR, please fill out the foster application.