Alittlebitiffy Animal Sanctuary

Alittlebitiffy Animal Sanctuary is a non-profit, non-funded guinea pig rescue dedicated to giving the smaller, sometimes forgotten pets a second chance. As a rescue, we rehabilitate and rehome guinea pigs that are surrendered to our care. As a sanctuary, we provide a loving permanent home to injured, special needs and chronic or terminally ill pets. Currently a small charity with very big dreams, we're passionate about bringing big hope to little animals.

The Sanctuary is registered with the Australian Charities & Not-for-profits Commission. Our governing documents can be found at www.acnc.gov.au. Please note, visits to the Sanctuary are by appointment only. If you'd like to come meet the guinea pigs in our care, please don't hesitate to get in touch! Due to our unpredictable and constantly changing schedule, we're best reached via SMS or email.

Alittlebitiffy Animal sanctuary was founded in 2013 in Townsville, North Queensland, by husband and wife duo Graham and Iffy (Team Griffy). Iffy graduated with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Zoology and Marine Biology in 2015, a Bachelor of Veterinary Technology in 2019, currently works as a registered veterinary technician at UQ Vets Small Animal Hospital, and has many years of experience in rescuing and rehabilitating native wildlife as a Wildlife Carer. Graham graduated with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Biotechnology and Aquaculture in 2014, and has over a decade of experience in caring for freshwater fish.

Over the years, Team Griffy has supported several animal rescues and welfare groups, and through working with these groups they noticed a common trend: the smaller animals were sometimes forgotten or incorrectly cared for because of a gap in knowledge. While dogs and cats had readily available vets, consultants, behaviourists, groomers and other knowledgeable professionals, there were very few sources of reliable and accurate information for guinea pig owners wanting to know how to best care for their piggies. This sanctuary was created to fill that gap and abolish the misconception that the smaller pets; such as guinea pigs, rabbits, rats and mice, are less important or easier to keep than other domestic animals.

In 2016, Alittlebitiffy Animal Sanctuary relocated to South East Queensland where it now operates in the Lockyer Valley. The Sanctuary works closely with the University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science, with our rescue piggies helping veterinary students learn how to handle, examine and diagnose guinea pigs. Our veterinary care is provided by the UQ Vets Small Animal Hospital Avian and Exotics ward with Dr. Bob Doneley (BVSc FANZCVS (Avian Medicine) CMAVA) and Rebecca de Gier (Deputy Lead Nurse in the small animal hospital and the senior veterinary nurse in the Avian and Exotics department).