Love the much-misunderstood guinea pig

They’re small, furry, cute and in danger of neglect through ignorance.

While guinea pigs are often thought of as starter pets, they’re anything but, said Michiko Vartanian, CEO of Cavy Haven.

The all-volunteer guinea pig rescue and adoption agency, based in Orange, was founded in 2002 when organizers saw an overpopulation of the animals in shelters.

Vartanian, who has been rescuing various animals for decades, said there’s a need for guinea pig rescue because people often buy them on impulse without researching proper care, nutrition and cage size.

“The pigs end up getting dumped in shelters or parks, where they’re basically hawk food,” she said. “We hear a lot of terrible things. Sadly, a lot of the pigs we pull from shelters are sick. We don’t have that many adoption returns, but when we do, it’s often because it’s a sick pig and the person just doesn’t want to pay the cost of vet care.”

Each month, Cavy Haven rescues and adopts out about two dozen guinea pigs. Before adoption, all the animals are placed in foster homes because the organization does not have a headquarters.

Cavy Haven will host its fourth annual adoption event, the PigNic, next Sunday.

People can get to know adoptable guinea pigs — the event averages about 200 animals from which to choose — and apply to take them home. There will also be a veggie-eating race for the animals, free grooming, a costume contest, a raffle and a silent auction.

The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. at the Irvine Animal Care Center, 6443 Oak Canyon in Irvine. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Children 3 years and younger are admitted free.

Vartanian said guinea pigs are loveable animals, but they are also more high-maintenance than people might imagine.

The rescue group has what people may consider a “tough” screening process, as well as an adoption fee, according to Vartanian, but that’s because she wants to make sure the animals go to worthy and knowledgeable owners. The proceeds from adoptions — $35 for a single pig and $65 for a pair — go directly toward Cavy Haven’s rescue efforts.

Cavy Haven also prefers that a single guinea pig go to a home that already has a guinea pig. Otherwise, the pigs are adopted out in pairs so the animals can keep each other company.

“I think people say it’s tough because they think they can just walk into a pet store and walk out with a guinea pig, so why are we asking all these questions and why does a committee have to review it?” she said. “That’s because to us, each guinea pig is a special living being. Of course we’re going to screen.”

Erin Wilkinson, who adopted two guinea pigs from Cavy Haven last year, said she is grateful for the organization.

“I’m really happy that there’s a rescue like this,” she said. “I love that these people are so dedicated to these sweet little animals. They’re not a group who just unloads guinea pigs and never wants to hear from you again. They’re very active and dedicated and always answer my questions. They walk with you on your journey with these pets.”

Vartanian said that before anyone adopts a guinea pig, he or she should research potential veterinary costs, minimum cage size, proper nutrition, preventive healthcare, grooming and environment.

She also said she encourages anyone who is thinking of getting a guinea pig, even if not from Cavy Haven, to reach out.

“We want the community to find us and ask questions because there is just so much information out there,” she said. “Once you get the right information and you get in the habit of just doing it, then it becomes easy and they become wonderful, simple pets.

“They have more personalities than you would think. Once you get to know their little personalities and the cute little quirks they do, you find out they’re just so sweet and entertaining. They’re highly misunderstood.”

[For the record, Aug. 24, 11:10 a.m.: An earlier version of this post stated that Cavy Haven rescues and adopts out about two dozen guinea pigs each year. Cavy Haven rescues and adopts out about two dozen guinea pigs each month.]