Details revealed for Guinea Pig Awareness Week
GPAW organisers are aiming to build the campaign a profile similiar to the widely-known Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW).
Organisers have revealed the dates and theme for this year's Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW), and are urging veterinary professionals to take part.
Taking place from 19 – 23 September 2022, the campaign will focus on the theme 'Home Squeak Home' – highlighting the importance of providing guinea pigs with the right environment.
In a bid to get veterinary practices and professionals involved in the campaign, the GPAW team has created free online resources, including downloadable veterinary packs to use in practice to organise and promote events for GPAW.
Charlotte Varley, brand development manager at Burgess Pet Care, who organised the campaign, said: “We are delighted to see the return of GPAW for a second year, which recognises the importance of ensuring that we provide essential care and support the wellbeing of the nation’s guinea pigs.
“The veterinary community was really supportive of the first GPAW last year and we’re hoping for an even better response for Home Squeak Home.
“Once again, the information within our digital GPAW vet packs will provide practices with lots of ideas and advice on how to host their own digital events and engage with guinea pig owners in their region.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for vets to get involved in, raise the profile of their practices, showcase their guinea pig expertise and to actively engage with their clients, communities and fellow practitioners online.”
With educational videos, live streams and Q and A sessions with veterinary professionals, the week-long campaign aims to engage with guinea pig owners, and improve the wellbeing of the UK;s guinea pigs. It is endorsed by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and the British Veterinary Association (BVA).
Dr Suzanne Moyes, veterinary director at Burgess, added: When it comes to guinea pigs’ housing requirements, they need sufficient space to exercise and sit up. Enrichment is really important and being a prey species, they need lots of little hiding places in their exercise area.
'During GPAW, we’ll provide lots more tips and advice for owners to ensure that they are doing everything they can to meet their pets’ needs.
“As vets’ practices are often the first port of call for owners seeking help and advice, it would be fantastic to see as many as possible getting involved in GPAW so that together we can engage, inform and educate guinea pig owners about their pets’ specific welfare needs and improve the lives of these gorgeous pets.”
Any practices interested on taking part in the campaign can sign up here to receive notification on when the vet packs are available for download.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
