When Reservation Lists Open

Reservation deposits will only be accepted when I have at least three confirmed pregnant females of the same reservation category. Reservation categories are divided into Long Hair and Short Hair. This is intended to provide enough potential babies and choices for families on the reservation list. I do not guarantee that every pregnancy will result in a successful litter or that a particular number, sex, color, marking, coat, or personality will be available.

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Reservation Deposit

The reservation deposit is $50 per household reservation, not $50 per guinea pig. The deposit is nonrefundable and is applied only toward the purchase price of the guinea pig(s) selected through the reservation. It cannot be used toward supplies, boarding, or other purchases.
For one guinea pig, the full $50 applies to that reservation. For two guinea pigs of the same category, the full $50 applies to that category. If a household wants one Long Hair and one Short Hair, the same $50 total is divided equally: $25 toward the Long Hair reservation and $25 toward the Short Hair reservation.

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Requirements Before Joining

IN ORDER TO BE PLACED ON THE RESERVATION LIST, YOU MUST HAVE AN APPROVED ADOPTION APPLICATION AND HAVE YOUR CAGE AND SUPPLIES PURCHASED, REVIEWED, AND APPROVED BY ME. The reservation deposit does NOT replace the normal adoption approval process and does not guarantee that a guinea pig will ultimately be available.

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One-Year Deposit Validity

All reservation deposits are valid for one year from the date the deposit is received. If a suitable guinea pig is not available when you reach a selection opportunity, your active reservation may transfer to the next qualifying litter during that one-year period. Deposits do not automatically renew after one year and are nonrefundable. The adopter is responsible for keeping track of their reservation expiration date.

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Pregnancy & Litter Availability

Guinea pig pregnancies average approximately 63–68 days. Litters commonly contain 2–4 babies, but litter size is never guaranteed. Pregnancies can also be unsuccessful, and occasionally a sow may lose a litter or give birth prematurely. I cannot guarantee specific litter dates or the number of babies available.

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What Is and Is Not Guaranteed

A reservation does not guarantee a specific guinea pig, sow, color, marking, coat, sex, personality, temperament, or other physical trait. Preferences may be considered when possible, but are not guarantees. For single-guinea-pig homes, I may recommend babies based on personality and temperament rather than appearance alone.

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Reservation Order & Breeder's Pick

Reservation order is based on the date and time the deposit is received. Before reservation families make their selections, I will make any breeding-program selections I intend to keep. After my program pick, reservation families will be contacted in deposit order.

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Selection Timing

Babies will generally be offered for selection at approximately two weeks of age, when personalities and temperaments are beginning to become more apparent. I will provide photos and relevant information before your selection window and will generally provide approximately 24–48 hours' notice.

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Eight-Hour Selection Window

Once photos and available-baby information have been sent, you will have 8 hours to respond and make your selection. This 8-hour deadline is firm with NO EXCEPTIONS. If you do not respond within the 8-hour window, I will move to the next reservation family. Your deposit remains active, but your place in the selection order is forfeited and your reservation moves to the bottom of the applicable waiting list.

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Declining a Litter

If suitable babies are available but you decide not to select from that litter, your deposit may remain active and transfer to the next qualifying litter during the remainder of your one-year reservation period. Failing to respond within the 8-hour window is different: your place moves to the bottom of the applicable waiting list.

Reservations for Two Guinea Pigs

If you are looking for two guinea pigs, your reservation is based on the coat category or categories you are seeking. If you want two of the same category, such as two Long Hairs, the $50 deposit covers the two-guinea-pig reservation for that category. If you want one Long Hair and one Short Hair, you will be placed on both waiting lists, with the $50 deposit divided equally: $25 toward each reservation. The two guinea pigs do not have to come from the same litter, provided both reservations remain active and within the one-year validity period.

Different Pickup Dates

When reserving two guinea pigs from different coat categories, the two guinea pigs may become ready at different times. If pickup timelines do not line up, you may either pick up the guinea pig that is ready and return later for the second, or have the guinea pig(s) boarded with me until the remaining guinea pig is ready. Boarding is $7 per day and is the adopter's responsibility. Boarding fees are separate from the purchase price and reservation deposit.

If a Requested Sex Is Not Available

If you are looking for a particular sex and a qualifying litter does not produce a suitable guinea pig of that sex, your reservation for that category remains active and may transfer to the next qualifying litter during the remainder of your one-year reservation period. You are not required to select a guinea pig that does not meet your stated needs.

Selecting & Paying

Once you select a specific guinea pig, the full purchase price is due at the time of selection. Your applicable reservation deposit is credited toward the purchase price. For two-category reservations, the applicable $25 portion is credited toward each selected guinea pig.

Backing Out After Selection

Once you select and pay for a specific guinea pig, you have committed to that guinea pig. If you later change your mind or back out, the amount paid toward that guinea pig is forfeited, including any reservation deposit applied to the purchase.

Single Guinea Pig Homes

Single male guinea pigs may be available for placement as singles. Female guinea pigs are not placed as single guinea pigs. For a home seeking one guinea pig, I may recommend an individual based on temperament and personality to help ensure the best possible match.

Remaining Babies

After reservation families have had their selection opportunities, remaining babies may be offered to families farther down the applicable waiting list. If a baby is not claimed through the reservation process, it may later be listed publicly on the Available Guinea Pigs page.

 Normal Adoption Policies Still Apply

All reservation families remain subject to Small4Paws Guinea Pigs' normal adoption requirements, contracts, cage requirements, pickup policies, health policies, and other program policies. A reservation deposit does not waive any of these requirements.

 Important Reminder

The reservation system gives approved families an opportunity to plan ahead and receive an earlier selection opportunity from future qualifying litters. It is not a guarantee of a specific guinea pig or specific traits. By placing a reservation deposit, you acknowledge that breeding outcomes, litter sizes, available sexes, colors, markings, coats, personalities, and timing can vary and agree to the terms above.