Taking place on Friday 30 October, the initiative encourages veterinary practices, guinea pig owners, charities and rescues to carry out five-minute 'Piggy MOTs', helping owners recognise potential health problems earlier.
The challenge follows findings from the Burgess Excel Small Animal Census showing that more than one in three guinea pig owners do not regularly check their pets' weight or body condition, despite these being important indicators of health and welfare.
Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW), which runs from 26–30 October 2026, has adopted the theme 'Happy, Healthy Guinea Pigs' this year, with a focus on encouraging proactive health monitoring and preventative care.
Encouraging earlier recognition of illness
Guinea pigs can be particularly challenging for owners to assess because, as prey animals, they often conceal signs of illness. Changes in weight, appetite, behaviour and droppings may be among the earliest indications of an underlying problem.
The Big Pig Health Check aims to improve owners' awareness of these subtle signs and encourage them to seek veterinary advice when something changes.
Participants who sign up will receive a free guide to carrying out a five-minute health check at home. The guide covers examining the eyes, ears, nose, coat, feet and nails, as well as monitoring weight, checking for lumps and identifying changes in behaviour, appetite and droppings.
Veterinary teams are encouraged to get involved in the challenge, providing an opportunity to reinforce the importance of routine monitoring and help owners understand when veterinary assessment is needed.
Suzanne Moyes, Deputy Managing Director and In-house Vet at Burgess Pet Care, said:
"Guinea pigs can be very good at masking signs of discomfort or illness, so owners often need to look for subtle changes in their usual behaviour, appetite, weight or appearance.
"The Piggy MOT is designed to make those checks feel more manageable, showing owners what to look for and help them recognise when something may need veterinary attention. We hope to see many people get involved to support this cause towards better care for guinea pigs."
How veterinary practices can get involved
The campaign is open to veterinary teams as well as owners, charities and rescues. Practices can support the initiative by encouraging guinea pig owners to take part, sharing the free health check resources and promoting regular weight and health monitoring.
Veterinary influencer Cat the Vet is also supporting the campaign, sharing practical advice and demonstrations on social media to help owners carry out the checks.
John Chitty, Chair of Guinea Pig Welfare UK, said:
"Guinea Pig Awareness Week is about putting guinea pig welfare firmly in the spotlight and giving people clear, trusted information that can make a real difference to the small animals in their care.
"This year’s Big Pig Health Check gives the campaign a practical focus, uniting owners, rescues and veterinary professionals behind one simple action."
The organisers hope that completing 500 health checks on 30 October will encourage more regular monitoring beyond Guinea Pig Awareness Week, improving early recognition of health problems and prompting owners to seek veterinary care when needed.
Veterinary teams and owners can sign up for the Big Pig Health Check and access campaign resources.
