‘Piggy MOT’ challenge launched for GPAW 2026
Participants will receive a free 'Piggy MOT' guide on pet health and wellbeing.
A new nationwide scheme will challenge organisations across the country to deliver 500 guinea pig health checks in one day.
Taking place on Friday 30 October, as part of Guinea Pig Awareness Week, the Big Pig Health Check will guide pet owners and animal organisations to complete a simple, five-minute health check on a guinea pig.
The initiative comes following research released from Burgess Excel’s Small Animal Census. The project revealed that one in three guinea pig owners were not regularly checking the weight or body condition of their pet.
Through its new challenge, GPAW hopes to encourage more regular health checks, which will help owners to spot potential health problems early.
People who sign up will receive the free ‘Piggy MOT’ guide, created to familiarise guinea pig owners with their pet’s health and wellbeing. Its guidance is essential for the challenge, with advice on checking eyes, ears, noses, fur, feet and nails.
The guide also offers further information on monitoring weight, looking for lumps and identifying any changes in behaviour, eating habits and droppings.
Veterinary influencer Cat the Vet has also partnered with the campaign, and will share practical advice and demonstrations across social media.
Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director and in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, said: "Guinea pigs can be very good at masking signs of discomfort or illness, so owners often need to look for subtle changes in their usual behaviour, appetite, weight or appearance.
"The Piggy MOT is designed to make those checks feel more manageable, showing owners what to look for and help them recognise when something may need veterinary attention. We hope to see many people get involved to support this cause towards better care for guinea pigs."
This year’s Guinea Pig Awareness Week will run from 26-30 October 2026, and champions the theme of ‘Happy, Healthy Guinea Pigs’.
Image © JaysonPhotography/Shutterstock.com
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
