Inside the Massachusetts Guinea Pig Sanctuary Housing Hundreds of Piggies

The discussion about Massachusetts being a sanctuary state has largely been settled with recent legislation signed by Governor Maura Healey, but there is more going on here than offering protection to so-called illegal aliens.

In one Massachusetts community – more specifically, one Massachusetts home within that community – there is a sanctuary for guinea pigs. Yes, guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs are described as a "friendly stocky rodent native to South America's Andes Mountains." They weigh about 1.5 to 2.5 pounds and are cute as hell. Chances are you had one in a cage as a kid that your parents bought at the pet store at the mall –  when there were pet stores and malls, that is.

Get our free mobile app

The Associated Press reported that Kimie Smothermon "is the owner of the Guinea Pig Sanctuary in Salisbury, Massachusetts," some 40 miles north of Boston.

Massachusetts Provides Sanctuary To More Than Just Immigrants

"On any given day, 350 to 400 guinea pigs are housed in a modest workspace, split into cages stacked from the floor to the ceiling," according to the AP. "The space is cramped and chaotic as volunteers and visitors squeeze past each other between the rows of cages in a converted office space."

What Is the Guinea Pig Sanctuary?

The Guinea Pig Sanctuary is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit accepting donations and is a "100% no breed, no kill, no eat, and no feed shelter."

Inside the Daily Chaos of a 400-Piggy Rescue

"We run a community resource, emotional support, all-inclusive safe space Guinea Pig Sanctuary for all piggies that can no longer stay with their owners," the site says. "Our piggies are well kept and have a great time being held and played with."

How to Visit or Support the Massachusetts Sanctuary

For more information, a listing of visiting hours, and all other things guinea pig, including some cute as hell guinea pig pics, visit the Guinea Pig Sanctuary website.