Massachusetts Sanctuary Provides Home for Nearly 400 Abandoned Guinea Pigs

Kimie Smothermon wakes each morning to the sounds of squeaks, chirps and purrs emanating from nearly 400 guinea pigs housed in her Guinea Pig Sanctuary in Salisbury, Massachusetts, located about 40 miles north of Boston. The operation, one of only a handful devoted exclusively to guinea pig rescue in the United States, occupies a converted office space where 350 to 400 animals are kept in cages stacked from floor to ceiling. Despite the demanding nature of the work, Smothermon has embraced her unexpected calling with determination and compassion.

The sanctuary’s cramped quarters buzz with constant activity as volunteers and staff members navigate narrow aisles between rows of cages, cleaning enclosures and monitoring the health of residents. Each guinea pig bears a name displayed prominently outside their cage, with staff noting individual personalities and preferences. Animals like Maui, who offers affection freely, Gritty, a shy older resident, and Rio, known for energetic play, form bonds with their caretakers and respond to familiar scents.

The rescue addresses a growing problem as pet owners become overwhelmed by the responsibilities of guinea pig care, which requires social housing and consistent attention. Smothermon’s operation takes in abandoned animals, provides boarding services for traveling owners, and facilitates rehoming whenever possible. Requests arrive daily from across the nation, with recent inquiries involving 11 guinea pigs from Illinois, seven from Texas, and 97 from New York, nearly half of which are pregnant.

Smothermon’s journey into animal rescue began when her grandson Alex brought home a guinea pig at age 12, marking the first animal he felt safe interacting with after experiencing childhood trauma. What started as a family operation in New Hampshire evolved into a mission after a devastating 2019 house fire claimed the life of her other grandson, two dogs, and dozens of guinea pigs. Despite this tragedy, Smothermon relocated to Massachusetts to continue the work, driven by the persistent stream of animals needing shelter.

The commitment demands significant sacrifice, with Smothermon taking only a handful of days off annually to ensure the animals receive proper nutrition and care. She emphasizes the responsibility with stark clarity: if she does not rise to tend the sanctuary, the guinea pigs cannot eat and may die. Volunteer Janet Woodman, who works alongside Smothermon, describes the animals as exceptionally sensitive creatures and praises their therapeutic value.

Guinea pigs, which measure 8 to 10 inches in length, originated in South America and belong to the Cavia porcellus species, having been domesticated around 5,000 B.C., according to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. The species now includes 13 recognized breeds distributed globally as both pets and livestock. Smothermon stresses that these social animals require paired housing and cannot be confined to cages full-time without compromising their well-being.