So you think you're ready for a new family addition?  Guinea pigs make great pets for children and adults becase of their adaptable nature, easy care, and ability to bond with people.  But before you actually go out and purchase a guinea pig, here are a few things to think about:

Although they are pretty easy to care for, guinea pigs are living animals and require your daily love and affection whether it be playing around on the kitchen floor or just curling up in your lap to watch TV. 

You will have to clean out your pet's cage at least once per week.

Cavies need fresh water and food every day along with the occasional treat.

Guinea pigs love to squeek when they hear the crinkling of a plastic bag (or even in some cases your footsteps), letting you know they want some attention.

A guinea pig will usually live for 3-5 years or possibly longer.

You will be responsible for veternary bills should your animal get sick.

Once you buy one you'll want more!

Still think you can provide a good home?  Great!  The next question is do you buy your new friend from a pet store or a breeder?  Pet store bought guinea pigs are, in my opinion, generally a little less reliable.  Some stores (though not all) are not very experienced when it comes to cavies and sex them improperly or allow males and females to live together, giving you the possibility of bringing home a pregnant pig.  In some cases pet store guinea pigs can be sick, inbred, or have hereditary diseases shortening their life span.

On the other hand, most breeders are knowledgable about their animals and know how to properly care for them so that they don't become accidently pregnant or sick.  They will be able to answer most of your questions and will sometimes provide pedigrees showing the guinea pig's lineage.

This is not to say that all guinea pigs sold by pet stores are unsafe and all sold by breeders are superior.  There are many pet stores that take very good care of their cavies, and there are also some breeders that do not.  It is very possible that a guinea pig bought at a store could make a better pet than one from a breeder.  However, unless you know that the store is reliable, I would suggest buying your pig from a breeder.

Before you buy your guinea pig, make sure there is a vet that will be able to treat it in your area.  There is nothing worse than losing an animal unnecessarily because no one knows how to treat it properly.

So there you are, staring down at a group of adorable guinea pigs and you just don't know which one to pick.  Take a good look at each of them.  Don't be afraid to pick them up and inspect their bellies and underside.  A guinea pig should have clear eyes, short ears that haven't been chewed on, soft smooth fur (unless it is a type like a teddy, see Breeds) that is clean of any mites or dirt, teeth that overlap slightly on top, and a muscular body.  It should be alert to your movements and not just sitting in a corner.  Lay your hand flat into the living area and see if any are bold enough to come forward and stand on it.  These will usually be the more outgoing type that will be easiest to bond with.  It is also advisable that you buy a younger guinea pig from 5 weeks to 3 months old because they are easier to bond with.

When you have made your choice, make sure you have a box to keep it in during the drive to its ready and waiting new home.  Don't take the animal out of the box in the car ever, as it can easily slip away and be stepped on or crushed under the pedals.

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