Hey I'm Desiree, the co-owner and co-founder of The Piggy Place. My journey started out a little different, in my hometown of Toledo, Ohio. I was a full time dance teacher and freelance photographer/videographer. I received my bachelors in film and video and have always tried to tie my passion of capturing images and videos into anything I was doing. In 2016, my husband and I moved to the city of angels and we love the home we've built here. With Los Angeles having so much to offer, I tried my hand at a few different things, such as going on a nationwide tour photographing dance competitions and even doing some background acting work in television and movies - when in Rome, right? When Covid hit, it shook the world. With
everything left in uncertainty - I turned to a more stable job, so I began working at a pet store. After rising up to a management position, my attention turned to the pet care department, more specifically - guinea pigs! That's when my whole world changed. Although I had a guinea pig as a child, I didn’t quite remember the care required, but I knew something didn't sit right with how they were being cared for.

I began researching and acquiring any knowledge I could, which turned into me teaching my co-workers. I soon got a reputation as the "crazy guinea pig lady," all in good fun. And then there was Piggy Smalls... A piggy returned by a customer who said he was "TOO LOUD." It was love at first sight! That's when I began to truly learn about guinea pig care. More research ensued and I discovered my local guinea pig rescue that provided me even more knowledge. When a guinea pig in grave shape arrived at the pet store, I knew I needed to get him proper care and help immediately. I took him to the rescue where they brought him back to health. This was a game changer for me. One thing led to another and I eventually became the operations manager of that same rescue. So much was gained by these two positions. I now have eight guinea pigs of my own. With three of them needing serious rehabilitation, I did everything in my power to make them better and I am happy to report all eight of the piggies are all healthy now!

Hi ya'll I'm Alison, the co-owner and co-founder of The Piggy Place. I grew up in Los Angeles, CA and spent some time in Lake Havasu, AZ. I have always been very drawn towards animals despite being raised in a Chilean household with my grandparents who didn't really care for them. Although I have a huge passion for animals, growing up my focus was on art and my education. At first I took some pre-vet classes but eventually decided to commit myself to one major, completely unrelated to animal care. I received a Bachelor's in Deaf Studies at CSUN and hope to go back to school become an interpreter, while working on animal rescue and care. I decided to pursue a job in animal rescue after hearing about my local guinea pig rescue needing help. I just showed up one day and asked for a job or to at least volunteer. Next thing I know I'm working with all kinds of animals, meeting amazing new people, and gaining so much knowledge and experience. 

I did not have much experience with guinea pigs until I started working at the guinea pig rescue. I learned SO much about so many different animals, including pigs, horses, and chickens! I quickly fell in love with guinea pigs and did everything I could to learn about their care and absorb as much information as possible. Having the opportunity to work so closely with other guinea pig experts and having access to hundreds of guinea pigs, I realized that there is so much misinformation out there and there is still so much to be learned about these little guys. I'm committed to researching more about guinea pigs and helping others learn about proper care. I'm grateful to now be a part of the guinea pig community and be a part of the much needed change!