At RVC Beaumont Sainsbury Animal Hospital and vet practice, you can be reassured that you are getting exceptional rodent vet knowledge and expertise. From the very first day you get your new rodent pet and throughout its lifetime- we can support and advise you every step of the way.

Sometimes rodent pets can be seen as an ‘easier’ option - especially as they may be the first pet a child ever owns. In reality, they may need as much looking after as other domestic pets, such as cats and dogs. We encourage clients to look into what is involved in caring for their pet rodent before committing to owning one so all family members know what to expect to keep their pet happy and healthy.

Our small animal vet service supports a wide variety of rodent species, including:  

  • Guinea pigs
  • Chinchillas
  • Degus
  • Gerbils
  • Hamsters
  • Rats
  • Mice

We recognise that all of them have different needs which is why we have

  • Separate waiting areas in our vet reception for small mammals so that any stress for your visit is minimised
  • Specialist hospital ward area dedicated only to prey species (predator species kept separately)
  • Bespoke ward facilities designed with very small animals' needs in mind
  • Adjustable lighting to create a more reassuring environment

Rodent pet care and fact sheets 

Caring for your Chinchilla (pdf download)

Caring for your degu (pdf download)

Caring for your gerbil (pdf download)

Caring for your hamster (pdf download)

Caring for your mouse (pdf download)

Caring for your rat (pdf download)

Respiratory disease in rats (pdf download)

Guinea Pig care and fact sheets (multiple)

Caring for your Guinea pig (pdf download)

Guinea pig feeding advice (pdf download)

Guinea pig behaviour and introducing new companions (pdf download)

Caring for a pregnant Guinea pig (pdf download)

Hand rearing Guinea pigs (pdf download)

Lethal White Syndrome in Guinea pigs (pdf download)

Cystitis in Guinea pigs (pdf download)

Diet changes for the Guinea pig with bladder stones (pdf download)

RVC Research and publications about rodent health

Approaches to common conditions of the gastrointestinal tract in pet hamsters (February 2021)

Hamster lifespan and mortality research (June 2022)

Persistent urachal remnant in a 3-year-old guinea pig (November 2022) 

Top of page