We often focus our attention on cats and dogs when we think of family pets, but what about all of the other great family pet options? While perhaps not as common in our community, small animals such as Guinea pigs, gerbils, ferrets, rabbits, mice, rats, fish and more are pets for many families in our state.
In 2012 the Central Aroostook Humane Society took in 21 small animals and in 2013 this number was a little lower at 16. While our shelter doesn’t typically receive many small animals in the course of a year, these little ones should not be forgotten as potential pet options for you or your family.
For many, small animals such as Guinea pigs or gerbils make excellent first pets for families with older children. They are docile and social animals, and it is recommended that you always have two together. However, when adopting or purchasing be certain that you are taking home two females or two males to prevent unwanted breeding.
Both Guinea pigs and gerbils love to play and require regular exercise in addition to fresh bedding, food, water and veterinary care. The ASPCA estimates the total annual costs for all aspects of gerbil and Guinea pig care to be $350 to $650.
Well cared for gerbils can live three or four years and Guinea pigs can live five to seven years. Like all family pets, they require daily care; therefore these friendly rodents should not be adopted or purchased as a low-care alternative to larger pets like cats and dogs.
Please join the Central Aroostook Humane Society at the 2014 Northern Maine Bridal Expo on Saturday, March 15, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at The Northeastland Hotel in Presque Isle. All admission fees collected at the door will be split between our shelter and the Houlton Humane Society! We are so thankful for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful event. We will have a few cats and dogs with us to represent the animals we have available for adoption at the shelter. We hope to see you there!
Have you considered visiting, volunteering at, adopting from or donating to the Central Aroostook Humane Society? Contact us for more details. We are located at 26 Cross St. in Presque Isle and can be reached via phone at 764-3441. Our hours of operation are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thank you for your support!
