What is the difference between a Shelter and a Rescue?

A shelter is usually an organization associated with the city or county. They may receive monies from the local government or may be supported by contributions, or a combination. Most shelters are not "no-kill" facilities, that is they put down animals for a variety of reasons, overcrowding at the shelter, health problems, etc. Most shelters are 501(c)3 non-profit organizations, meaning any donations are tax-deductible. (Extensive list of all shelters)

A rescue is usually one person or family operating a rescue out of their home. Very few have separate facilities. Some work with foster homes to spread the animal care to more people. Some have no animals and work purely with foster homes, although that model is found more typically with the larger animals. Some have a few volunteers. Many are funded predominantly by that one person or family and a few contributions. Most are not 501(c)3 non-profits and tend not to get as many donations and therefore need them even more! A rescue usually never comes close to breaking even and always needs contributions of time, supplies, bedding, food, hay, and money.

Why not just take my guinea pig to a shelter or rescue?

The more you can do to find a home for your guinea pig before resorting to a shelter or rescue, the better off we all are. If the rescue has room, they might take the animal. The rescues tend to get calls from the shelters for sick cavies or because of overcrowding. The shelters prefer to keep the "adoptables." In either case, whether it is at the shelter or the rescue, surrendered healthy animals take up space and resources that could be devoted to animals in more need. 

If a rescue is at, near, or over capacity, others in need of medical care and attention may lose their lives because there are simply not enough resources to care for them. Or needy animals may be put on a waiting list for the rescue. Frequently, the treatment needed is minor, but it is needed none the less. 

Another reason to try to find a home on your own is the cost and time and effort involved in caring for "just one more" cavy. You know it takes time and work. It easy to think that, "well, they have so many, one more won't make that much of a difference to them." This is not true. Folks usually bring their cage and accessories to a rescue thinking they are doing the rescue a favor. Not necessarily. Most rescues have their own cage setup and organization. Frequently, a new cage must be made or added to the facility if there is not one currently open or available. More time, money, and energy. Many rescues take top notch care of their animals and spare no expense when it comes to food, bedding, hay, and vet care. Most rescues will probably spend at least twice as much as the "typical" pet owner on the care and maintenance of that animal.

So, "just one more" cavy can cause a significant increase in the already taxed financial resources of a rescue. A cavy can spend an average of 6 months or more with a rescue before getting adopted out.