The girl's mother, Amanda Pfyl, said they were worth about $45 each and were snatched from their hutch soon after someone had visited and wanted to buy them.
''It's devastating really.
''They are show-quality girls and they are quite hard to come by, especially in Dunedin,'' she said.
The ''girls'' - Nacho, Peanut and Sapphire - were bought for her daughter with money from a relative.
An auction website post Ms Pfyl created to sell other guinea pigs the day before had attracted interest, but the three stolen animals were not for sale, she said.
A woman came and looked at the trio and after being told she couldn't have them she left without buying anything.
The next day, Ms Pfyl discovered the Peruvian pets were gone.
Senior Sergeant Shona Low, of Dunedin, said police were investigating and looking for help in locating the animals.
Dunedin police (03) 471-4800, Crimestoppers 0800 555-111.
