The Scottish SPCA in Inverness is encouraging animal lovers in the area to look after some of the guinea pigs in its care.
Staff at the Inshes centre are currently looking after 35 guinea pigs, with the majority only a few weeks old.
And now, members of the public and would-be owners are being urged to offer them new homes.
The charity’s centre manager, Elaine Floyd, explained: “We have lots of lovely little guinea pigs in our care and we are keen to find them fantastic new homes as soon as we can.”
Guinea pigs are sociable creatures and enjoy living in a pack environment, so anybody considering adopting them is being encouraged to do so in pairs or small same-sex groups.
She added: “Some of our guinea pigs are confident and easy to handle, while we have others in need of more human interaction to help them feel comfortable.
“With regular contact from their owners, we have no doubt they’ll make great pets and provide their owners with hours of fun. We would love to hear from anyone who can give one of our guinea pigs the home they deserve.”
The animals can live, on average, up to eight years, which is twice as long as other rodents.
Anyone interested should call the Scottish SPCA Helpline on 03000 999 999 and ask to be connected to the Inverness centre.
The centre is open seven days a week 10am to 4pm.
