Maine Chinchilla Shelter

Cygnus Chinchilla is also the home of the Maine Chinchilla Shelter, serving Maine and New England. Started in 2013, we are a chinchilla-only shelter licensed by the State of Maine located just north of Augusta.

Because we are a very small breeder, we feel it is the right thing to do to operate a shelter to ensure that while we may add minimally to the chinchilla population (only 11 in three years), it is appropriate to assist the shelter community, especially since we are specifically set up for chinchillas already.

Please, NEVER, EVER, leave your chinchilla behind when you move from your house or apartment, in a cage by a dumpster, in the woods, in a field, in the wild…

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

The chinchillas we have in our homes as pets are domesticated, and will not survive if dumped outside, or left in a cage without food and water. Best case scenario: they are found/seen and scooped up and taken home or brought to me anyhow. Worst case scenario? They die of dehydration, starvation, are injured and left to suffer, or killed by invasive or native predators.

As a last act of love for an animal that shared your life, please reach out and let us help. (207) 616-8087 or cygnuschins@gmail.com

I Need To Surrender My Chinchilla…

The day you brought your chinchilla(s) home is not today, and we totally understand that. Life changes in big and small ways, and some of these changes may impact your ability to keep your pet. Please know that here at the Maine Chinchilla Shelter we DO NOT JUDGE, especially since we don’t walk in your shoes!

Our first goal is to keep your chinchilla with you if at all practicable, especially if your chin is older. Older chinchillas tend to have a little more difficulty with transitioning to being in the shelter, and can be harder to find a new home for. That being said, please contact us if you need us.

Some Common Issues, And Possible Solutions…

  • I recently started a new job, college, had a baby and I have way less time for my chinchilla now.

    • Your chinchilla doesn’t need hours of time daily. If you have 10 minutes one day 5 the next, you are golden. As long as you have time to feed, water, and clean the cage, your chin will be happier at home with you. A few minutes of scritches and attention go a long way.

  • I have developed allergies to the hay.

    • If loose hay is causing issues, try replacing with compressed hay cubes. They last longer, and reduce dust.

  • I have to move and I don’t think my chinchilla will make the trip.

    • See our “Traveling With Your Chinchilla(s)” guide on the care page. We travel thousands of miles annually with show chinchillas; it can be done safely with just a little prep.

  • I am temporarily living somewhere I cannot have my chinchilla.

    • Give us a call, we provide short and long-term boarding. Your chinchilla(s) can stay at our facility for a low weekly or monthly rate while you are in transition.