Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW), the UK’s largest welfare initiative dedicated to guinea pigs, returns this year from October 20-24. The 2025 theme, “Comfort, Care, Companionship”, will highlight the importance of understanding and reducing stress in guinea pigs to improve health outcomes and longevity.
Now in its fifth year, GPAW has become a key fixture in the pet care calendar, uniting veterinary practices, animal welfare charities, rescues, retailers and pet owners.
This year’s focus on stress management will address a common yet often overlooked factor in guinea pig welfare, with input from leading veterinary professionals and behaviourists.
The campaign will once again be led by guinea pig care specialists Burgess Excel in partnership with RSPCA, Blue Cross, Woodgreen and Raystede, who have come together annually to support guinea pig welfare.
Burgess Excel senior brand manager, Annabel Coleman said: “For the first time, Guinea Pig Awareness Week will be featured on pack, with our Limited Edition Winter Berry Bakes set to carry the campaign branding.
“We’re thrilled to be able to support GPAW with this on-shelf visibility. It has given Rabbit Awareness Week a huge boost in previous years and of course we wanted to give GPAW the same support.”
Suzanne Moyes, deputy managing director and in-house vet at Burgess Pet Care, said: “Guinea Pig Awareness Week has grown from strength to strength each year and is a much-needed opportunity to support guinea pig owners in better understanding their pets.
“Guinea pigs have complex needs and are as vulnerable to stress as any other animal; we want to help with spotting the signs of stress and creating the ideal environment for them.”
The campaign will be promoted across national media, social platforms, and within partner networks, ensuring wide-reaching visibility. A range of content will be available to support veterinary teams, rescue organisations, and pet retailers in educating owners.
