The national guinea pig community will come together for the highly anticipated, and first of its kind, Guinea Pig Welfare Forum on Thursday . September 19.

The event will be hosted at the Crowne Plaza in Birmingham, sponsored and organised by Burgess Pet Care.

The forum aims to bring together guinea pig experts, veterinary practitioners, and animal welfare organisations to discuss and address the various key aspects of guinea pig welfare.

Topics up for discussion include diet and nutrition, history of the species, housing and social enrichment, health and wellness, and ethical treatment.

Peter Lancaster, head of marketing at Burgess Pet Care, said: “As a business, Burgess has always invested in the welfare and well-being of animals. Following the success of several of our flagship campaigns including Rabbit Awareness Week and Guinea Pig Awareness Week, we knew that the Forum would provide a perfect opportunity to bring the knowledge and expertise we see during these campaigns together in one room.

“The Burgess team is passionate about improving the care of guinea pigs across the UK, and we can’t wait to share the day with so many like-minded individuals.”

Guest speakers include Dr Anne McBride a Senior Lecturer at the University of Southampton, Dr Sean Wensley BVSc MSc FRCVS senior veterinary surgeon from the PDSA, Mary Coles from the University of Liverpool, Rae Walters, chief executive of Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWAF), Dr Megan Kiln BVM&S MRCVS AFHEA from the University of Edinburgh, and Adina Valentine RVN CertECC NCert from Origin Vets, Cardiff.

John Chitty BVetMed CertZooMed MRCVS, RCVS advanced practitioner, and chair of the event, said: “I am excited to chair the first ever Guinea Pig Welfare Forum, and feel confident that the insight and experiences we will share will have a profound and positive impact on the way we all approach the care and well-being of these very special animals.

“This event will also give us the perfect platform to drive positive change and progress within the guinea pig owner community and veterinary profession, as we look forward to sharing the key learnings and outcomes of the event to promote best practice.”