Piggies On Vacation? 🚕✈

    You can't exactly bring pets everywhere with you. But is it the same with guinea pigs? They are small. And are low-maintenance. The short answer is: no. Most airlines don't allow guinea pigs, except for the select few. So what do you do when you need to leave somewhere? There are a bunch of options, and depending on where you're going and how long you'll stay there, I can help you choose the right one. Read on for more. 

    If you're going on a short trip/road trip for 2 nights or less: In this case, you have a couple options. First, you can leave your piggies at home. Give them extra hay, pellets, fresh veggies, and water before you leave. Guinea pigs can live up to about 24 hours without any food or water. To be safe, don't do this option if you have to stay somewhere for more than 48 hours. Your second option is to bring your guinea pigs with you. You'll need a large carrier and a place where pets are allowed. Fill the carrier with hay (a ton, because hay can serve as bedding and food!), a water bowl that can't tip over (bottle if possible) and then put your piggies inside. From time to time you'll need to give them fresh fruits and veggies. Don't ever leave your piggies in the car by themselves. Cars tend to get overheated and that can be really bad for guinea pigs. Your last option is to ask one of your neighbors or friends to come to your place and feed your piggies a couple times, or you can give your piggies to them. Make sure to give proper instructions and numbers to call if anything happens. 

    If you're going to be out for up to two weeks: You should probably call someone to feed your piggies and clean their cage every day or twice a day. It can be a neighbor, friend, family member, a special pet caring service, or anyone else you trust. You might be able to bring your guinea pigs on a flight! Check your airplane's policies. You may have to pay extra money to have guinea pigs on board. It's also a bit of a risk to their health, so be careful. They need tons of water, and will get extremely stressed out since they aren't in their normal habitat. Make sure to bring your cage along, too. (it has to be foldable). 

    If you're leaving for more than two weeks: Contact a special service to take care of your guinea pigs. You can bring your piggies there, or have them come. You can do this with a friend/family member, too, if they are willing. Unless you can bring your piggies with you, this is a good option. If you have to bring the piggies with you, make sure to bring the cage alone, too. Your cage should be foldable, if you have a good one, or you should be able to take it apart pretty easily. Guinea pigs aren't able to survive too long in a pet carrier, even if it is big! 

    Notes on pet carriers: Pet carriers come in many shapes and sizes. They make specific guinea pig carriers, but those aren't totally perfect! A dog or cat carrier works best and are super large, which is great. Even a rabbit or ferret carrier can work. Guinea pigs carriers are suitable, but make sure to read the reviews on the product to see if other people find it okay. The carrier should preferably be plastic, but it can be other materials, too. Reading reviews on all carriers are important. Try not to separate your piggies. That can add to stress.

    Notes on piggies in cars: Keeping a guinea pig in a car for too long is not a good idea, but sometimes it's the only option. Piggies can get severely stressed out, dehydrated, starved, and more. Adequate food and water is necessary. Do not keep guinea pigs in a place you can't see them. Check on them from time to time. Don't mush the carrier in with suitcases or other things. Your piggies could get hurt.  

    Notes on piggies in airplanes: Only a few airlines allow guinea pigs. Keeping in a guinea pig in an airplane for too long is not a good idea. Piggies can get extremely stressed and dehydrated. They may get badly sick. If you can avoid this option, please try your best. Guinea pigs aren't meant to be in planes. Have them as carry-ons, and be sure to keep checking on them. 

    Thank you for reading! Hope this was helpful. Stay safe with your piggies. See you next time! Comment to add thoughts.