CAROLYN + TEAM
Carolyn is our re-homing manager based in Cornwall
Carolyn deals mainly with the issues of re-homing chinchillas, along with 'foster mums'
that have knowledge (and space) to look after chinchillas in need of new homes in that area - to contact Carolyn CLICK HERE

All chinchillas that are temporarily visiting 'Chinchillas 2 home' are checked before accepted, although there are cases where veterinary treatment may be necessary for minor (or major if their is a possibility of recovery)
We have to consider that these pets are to be 're-homed' and that we would not want any unsuspecting new owner of any of our rescues to have any heartbreak later on

'Come on out and surf here chin-boys!'

A tourist attraction and well known area for sea-surfing addicts
THE CORNWALL 'HOLIDAY' HOME CHIN-TEL
The chinchilla rooms are spacious with large cage accommodation, there is 'bed and breakfast'
for all furry guests with a good quality pellet and hay, all cage rooms are checked and kept clean

The 'chin room' as you will notice from the picture on the left, is designed to be easy to look after - keeping it clean and simple (we know how messy our furry guests can be)
Clean newspapers under each cage every morning keeps the room fresh and airy, so all furry guests get a daily newspaper to read
with the morning breakfast!

Points to 'ponder over' when deciding to set up a re-homing centre

Setting up re-homing centres take a lot of dedicated time, allowances for vet fees, cages and upkeep to maintain
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Something you have to think of seriously before starting such a venture
It can be sad when you see what state some of the chinchillas are in when they come to us
 there are also some that just do not 'make it', so you need to be strong to cope with losses of these unfortunate chinchillas
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Chinchillas can be in your care for a long time - because they live a long time!
So you are thinking on 10-15 year terms or even more
It does take a certain kind of 'chin-mad' person with a good deal of sense to make it work
Potential owners can have some great ideas of wanting to re-home but do not realise that it takes a lot of time up
and of course expenses also seem to come from everywhere!
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Much thought is needed before starting - it also entails a lot of advertising in your nearby towns and on the net
which can cost quite a bit - especially on the search engine submissions if you REALLY want to be noticed
No good setting up a re-home if no one knows about you - so 'paying' to advertise is generally a must
Even travelling 20-40 miles to 'collect' chinchillas - ringing around - checking things out and so, can build up costs in no time
New cages, new wood shelves, first aid kit - all add up - that along with much of your spare time
 If a chinchilla falls ill - there are expensive vet fees - or if one dies, then there is all the careful disinfecting and cleaning
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Connections with the RSPCA is a good start - once they know you, and have 'checked you out'
you can be certain that if you are in their 'good books' - then you will be appreciated and used by them
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VETS - you must have a good vet available with a  knowledge about chinchillas
Although there are plenty of good vets out there - the more they know - the better for the chinchilla and you
Also take into account that even though re-homing chinchillas are 'cheaper' to buy for the new owner
If the chinchilla needed treatment before re-homing - then it can cost!
from a simple £15 'check up' to more than what you would buy a chinchilla for in the shop!
so every little donation counts when they find a new owner
(and in a lot of cases we do not get back what we spend on the actual chinchilla needing treatment - that is why 
the online store is essential for us and really helps things work and helps benefit the chinchillas)
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You also have to be very discerning and observant with 'new' furry guests - that could be inflicted with any kind of 
hidden infectious disease - especially if you are looking after 20 or more chinchillas at a time!
All sorts of precautions come into play when 'inviting' new chinchillas into the re-homing room
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Knowledge
The amount of good chinchilla books - the right amount of knowledge and the good
acquaintance of knowing good breeders nearby if possible, large breeders or small hobbyist - are very important

We cannot stress to people that chinchillas are EXOTICS - and the best way of running a re-homing centre is with...
 ... experience and knowledge and good contacts

But even though there are so many costs and so much time spent to set up a store and a re-homing centre...
 finding good new homes for our unwanted furballs makes it all worth it in the end!