What is GPAW?
Guinea pigs make great family pets and with the right care and attention, you can have a long and happy life together. However, there is a common misconception that these small animals are easy to look after. Although small in size, their needs are not, and guinea pigs require just as much care and attention as you would give to your cat or dog.
That’s why in 2021, we launched the very first Guinea Pig Awareness Week, or GPAW, a week dedicated to guinea pigs. We explored each of their welfare needs, providing lots of great advice, handy tips and tricks and a safe space for guinea pig owners, past, present and future, to learn more about these great pets.
GPAW is endorsed by the British Veterinary Association and British Small Animal Veterinary Association and our charity partners will be helping us along the way. For this jam-packed week of activities, we have partnered with four animal welfare charities: Blue Cross, RSPCA, Wood Green Pets Charity, and Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare
GPAW 2026
HAPPY HEALTHY GUINEA PIGS
Guinea Pig Awareness Week (GPAW) is back from 26th to 30th October 2026, encouraging owners to discover how simple steps can make a big difference to their guinea pigs’ happiness and wellbeing.
With the theme ‘Happy, Healthy Guinea Pigs’, this year’s campaign will focus on proactive healthcare and the essential care requirements that every guinea pig needs. From the right diet and environment to companionship, behaviour, and regular health checks, GPAW will help owners better understand the five welfare needs that are key to keeping guinea pigs healthy and thriving.
The 5 Welfare Needs Of Guinea Pigs
The aim of GPAW is to give current and future guinea pig owners the knowledge and information to be able to meet the five welfare needs of their guinea pigs. By meeting these needs, you can help keep your piggies happy and healthy. Click on the icons below to discover more about each theme.
Get involved with GPAW
Whether you're a veterinary practice, rescue centre retailer or an owner of guinea pigs - you can get involved! Download your free GPAW pack below.
About Burgess Excel
Burgess Pet Care is a British family company, based in the heart of North Yorkshire. Our strong family values and traditions are core to the Burgess story. Starting as flour millers in the 17th century, our business has evolved, moving into animal feeds in the 1960s. Since then we have been dedicated to improving the health and welfare of animals through research and education.
In 1998 we launched Burgess Excel, our small animal brand. Fast forward two years, and with the millennia also came Burgess Excel Guinea Pig Nuggets. Since then Burgess Excel has grown, providing high quality extruded nuggets, feeding hay and treats for small animals across the world.
Today our head office remains in North Yorkshire and our history of innovation continues. Our in-house vet, Dr Suzanne Moyes, uses her nutritional expertise to help enable us to develop the highest quality food for your small animals. Discover more about the Burgess story over on our website.