During the pandemic we saw a huge increase in pet ownership in the UK. They were much needed company, and got us up and out of the house for exercise and some fresh air during the hardest parts of lockdown.

At Bombus we are huge animal lovers. And many of us have a beloved dog as part of the family.

The trend for small pets

But the pet trend isn't limited to just dogs and cats. In fact, the number of us choosing to welcome in smaller animals into our family has skyrocketed!
There are now over 3.2 million small mammals, such as guinea pigs and hamsters, kept as pets in the UK alone.

So in the latest designs from our studio we wanted to celebrate our smaller furry friends. After all, dogs and cats get so much of the attention it's about time they had their moment to shine!

Our Director Amelia noticed that a lot of her nephews and nieces had guinea pigs and hamsters join their households, so very much wanted to be inclusive in what we offered in terms of keepsake gifts.

Pet rabbits

A rabbit can make a wonderful addition to a family. They are sociable and love attention. Some rabbits can live as long as 13 years, and depending on how well they are looked after even longer. The oldest pet rabbit we know about is Mick, who celebrated his 16th birthday in 2019!

Want to learn more about keeping a rabbit as a pet? Follow these tips and advice to make sure you are ready to give one a happy, safe, and healthy home:
How to look after rabbits | Care and behavioural tips | Blue Cross

Pet Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are super social animals. It's really important that if you plan to keep a guinea pig as a pet, then you take in a pair.

In fact, in Switzerland it's against the law to own a single guinea pig. Which may sound a bit daft, but Switzerland take their animal welfare very seriously. And quite rightly so.

Read about the laws that they've passed on keeping pets here:
Why it's illegal to own one guinea pig in Switzerland (zmescience.com)

Horses, it's a lifestyle!

Some people would say that a horse isn't a pet, it's a lifestyle. And an expensive one at that! But also one that is rewarding and adds immensely to your quality of life. There is something uniquely magical about a horse. And people we know who have taken a horse in to their family, don't regret a moment of the hard work it takes to look after them.

If you're not quite ready to take on the huge responsibility of owning a horse, there are many opportunities throughout the uk where you can try your hand at riding. And if you want to learn more about horses, lots of stables will let you voluteer to help look after the residents!
Looking for a stunning place to ride? Cholwell Stables on Dartmoor offer beginner friendly rides across the moors!

Here's our Marketing manager Jo on her birthday this year riding Lulu.

An unusual choice

Who wouldn't love to have a duck in their garden? So long as you can provide a good space for them to roam, and an adequate source of water to bathe in…you could have your very own feathered friend. Our favourite duck fact? Ducks have accents. And apparently ducks who live in cities quack the loudest!

Choosing a pet

Choosing to home a pet is a big decision. There is a lot of advice out there to help you make the best decision for you, and for the animal you'd like to adopt. Many animal charities have a good range of advice. Such as here:
How to Pick Out a Dog, Cat, Other Pet | Best Friends Animal Society

And don't forget, animal shelters such as The Dogs Trust and the RSPCA are always happy to help you rehome one of their pre-loved pets! As well as Rabbit Rehome - Adopt an unwanted bunny from a rescue centre So always try to adopt, not shop!