How to Adopt an Abandoned Potbellied Pig

Unfortunately, far too many potbellied pigs are abandoned because their owners cannot or will not take care of them any longer. Pet pigs are a big responsibility that not everyone can handle. Abandoned potbellied pigs usually end up in shelters waiting to be adopted by a new family. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Find an Abandoned Potbellied Pig to Adopt

1. Consult the list of shelters provided by the North American Potbellied Pig Association (NAPPA)(see Resources below). While NAPPA doesn't recommend these shelters or guarantee their pigs, this is a good place to start when looking for a pig to adopt.

2. Browse pigs available at the Petfinder website (see Resources below). Petfinder is a nationwide directory for animals up for adoption, and there are hundreds of pigs available for adoption on that site. You can search their listings by region and view pictures and biographies of abandoned pigs.

3. Check message boards on online potbellied pig communities. Often people who are looking to adopt out their pigs will post there.

4. Visit the abandoned pig if possible to see the conditions he has lived in and talk to his caregiver about his temperament.

5. Ask questions about why the pig was abandoned before you adopt her. If the pig has aggression problems that are unresolved, she might be too much for you to handle and the pig could end up back in a sanctuary or rescue center.

6. Check with your local potbellied pig club. They may have a line on pig owners looking for a good home for their pet pigs for various reasons.

Tips & Warnings

• Adopting an abandoned potbellied pig is the cheapest way to get a great pet pig. Some pigs may be free to a good home and other may require a nominal adoption fee. Either way, you'll pay less than if you buy a piglet from a breeder.
• Occasionally sanctuaries and rescue centers have piglets for adoption in addition to adult pigs. This is usually because a pregnant sow was abandoned.
• Be sure you can provide a forever home for an abandoned potbellied pig before you decide to adopt one. Too many people are not prepared to take care of these animals and give up.
• Check your local zoning laws. Some cities or counties will not allow you to keep a potbellied pig as a pet because it is considered a farm animal. This is how many pigs end up in shelters.
• Think twice about adopting a potbellied pig if you have a dog or dogs. Even the gentlest dog can attack a pig without warning because that's in its nature. Pigs are natural prey of dogs.

Resources

• NAPPA recommended shelters
• Search Petfinder for abandoned pigs