New series of BSAVA Client Information Leaflets on Small Mammal Care and Welfare

27 March 2025

The BSAVA has released a number of new Client Information Leaflets (CILs) that focus on promoting optimal care and welfare for the small mammal species most commonly kept in the UK. Veterinarians can download and print the CILs from the BSAVA Library and provide these resources to clients who are thinking about taking on the care of a small mammal companion.

Data from UK Pet Food research found that rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters accounted for 6.7% of the UK’s pet population in 2023 (3.5 million pets). With small mammal ownership showing an increasing trend, it is vital that would-be owners have a thorough understanding of the care and welfare needs of their pets.

The Small Mammal Series has been created using key information from BSAVA Manuals, including Exotic Pets, Rodents and Ferrets, Rabbit Medicine and the upcoming Manual of Guinea Pigs. The leaflets cover areas such as housing, feeding, handling, medication and spotting health concerns and have been edited by an expert in the field, John Chitty (BVetMed, CertZooMed, MRCVS).

The CILs present key details in a clear, accessible way, so that potential owners receive a broad range of information to support their decision making when it comes to taking on the responsibilities of a small mammal.

CILs for the following small mammals are included in the series:

  • Chinchillas
  • Ferrets
  • Gerbils
  • Guinea pigs
  • Hamsters
  • Mice
  • Rabbits
  • Rats

It is crucial that people looking to take on a small mammal do so with a full understanding of what it takes to provide them with a captive life in which they can thrive. Our new Small Mammal CILs are an easily accessible resource for vets to provide clients to help them provide these excellent care standards.

Access to the Small Mammal Series, as well as our other client leaflets, is available through the BSAVA Library and is free for BSAVA members. Subscription access for 12 months to BSAVA’s collection of over 170 CILs is available to non-members for £40+VAT here.