Salem Animal Shelter To Host Rabbit, Guinea Pig Adoption Event

SALEM, MA — The Northeast Animal Shelter of Salem, MSPCA-Angell and Lowell Humane Society are combining on a fee-free adoption event for rabbits and guinea pigs this weekend to help alleviate small pet overcrowding at the shelters.

The groups are also giving away free starter kits to the first 20 adopters at each location as part of their "Fall in Love" adoptathon. The kits, which are valued at $50, include a bottle, bowl, hidey hut, bedding, hay and food. Adopters will need to provide cages in their homes.

"Between Lowell and our adoption centers, we have more than 100 guinea pigs and 30 rabbits. Every cage in our shelters is full right now," MSPCA-Angell Assistant Director of Adoption Centers and Programs Bryn Rogers said. "We're really hoping families hear about this promotion and come this weekend. We want to find great homes for the animals in our care because then we can more quickly respond to the nearly 200 inquiries we have from owners waiting to surrender.

“People need to surrender guinea pigs and rabbits for a variety of reasons — they couldn't keep up with the care, they had too many pets, they're moving and can't take the animals with them. We want to be a safe place for people to turn to, but we aren't able to unless we find homes for the guinea pigs and rabbits already in our care."

Typical rabbit adoptions cost $85, while guinea pig adoption fees are $30.

The event will take place at MSPCA adoption centers in Boston, Salem, Centerville, and Methuen, as well as the Lowell Humane Society in Lowell.

Adopters looking to add a guinea pig or rabbit to their family may learn more and register here.

Registration is recommended, but not required.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)