Kimie Smothermon begins each day at the Guinea Pig Sanctuary in Salisbury, Massachusetts, surrounded by the sounds of nearly 400 guinea pigs. Located about 64 kilometers north of Boston, the sanctuary cares for between 350 and 400 guinea pigs at any given time within a compact, converted office space filled with stacked cages. Despite the challenges of managing such a crowded environment, Smothermon and her team of volunteers provide daily care for the small animals, many of which have been surrendered by previous owners or rescued from neglect.
The sanctuary operates as a nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to rescuing and rehoming abandoned guinea pigs, a niche that has grown as many pet owners find themselves unprepared for the long-term commitment these animals require. Volunteers frequently clean cages, monitor the health of the animals, and interact with them to provide comfort and socialization. Each guinea pig is given a name and individual care plan, reflecting the sanctuary’s commitment to personalized attention. Maui, Gritty, and Rio are among the guinea pigs whose distinct personalities are known to the caretakers.
Guinea pigs, which originated in South America from the species Cavia porcellus, are social creatures that typically need companionship and cannot live in isolation. Smothermon emphasized the importance of adopting them in pairs to support their wellbeing. The sanctuary also offers boarding services for owners who need temporary care for their pets and actively promotes responsible rehoming.
The sanctuary came into existence from a personal story. Smothermon’s grandson, Alex, found comfort in guinea pigs following a serious childhood injury. His interest inspired the family to begin rescuing guinea pigs in their New Hampshire home. However, in 2019, a devastating fire destroyed their house and resulted in the loss of several pets, including many guinea pigs, as well as the life of another grandson. This tragedy led to a period of depression for Smothermon, but the steady flow of guinea pigs needing care kept her family focused and motivated. They eventually relocated their rescue efforts to Massachusetts to continue the work.
The sanctuary also responds to calls from across the United States, frequently receiving requests to take in dozens of animals from multiple states, including Illinois, Texas, and New York. Many of these guinea pigs arrive pregnant or with young, adding to the sanctuary’s responsibilities.
Despite the physical and emotional demands, Smothermon describes her dedication to the guinea pigs as a vital part of her life. She acknowledges the limited personal time she has, but stresses the urgency of her daily work: the animals depend on her care to survive. “If I don’t get up, they don’t eat and they can die,” she said. The sanctuary continues to serve as both a refuge for the animals and a source of purpose for Smothermon and her volunteers.