How to Adopt a Pig
Domesticated pigs, also known as pot-bellied pigs, reached the height of their popularity in the United States during 1990s, when they were imported from their native Vietnam and bred domestically. The pot-bellied pig overpopulation left many pig rescue agencies with too many pigs in need of adoptive families. Welcoming a pot-bellied pig into your home requires some preparation, but their reputation for being easily trainable, clean and intelligent has intrigued many people into adopting these exotic pets.
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Things You'll Need
- Money for adoption fees (varies by agency)
- Adequate shade and water
- Separate bedroom in your home (if indoors) or equivalent yard space
Instructions
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Place a call to your local SPCA or City Hall to find out what zoning restrictions exist on owning pot-bellied pigs. Some cities and counties do not allow pot-bellied pigs to live in domesticated environments. Many areas still consider pigs of all kinds as livestock.
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Get in touch with the rescue organizations and sanctuaries that offer pot-bellied pigs for adoption. The North American Potbellied Pig Association (NAPPA) can be reached by telephone at (480) 266-8755 or contacted online (see Resources below) for referrals to associations in your area.
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Ask breeders you contact to show you their NAPPA certification, to ensure reputable practices and quality animals.
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Select a pot-bellied pig to adopt. Choose a piglet or pig with a healthy weight, remembering that they do not fully mature until they are two to three years old. Select your desired physical characteristics, such as coloring, markings, body type and nose length.
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Run a background check on the pot-bellied pig you've chosen. Ensure that your pig has been spayed or neutered, as pot-bellied pigs that aren't tend to be more aggressive, louder and odorous. Although virtually all pot-bellied pigs come from the same family line (the Lee-Connel line), ask to see pedigree and litter papers from your rescue agency or breeder, to ensure that your pig is not inbred, as inbreeding can cause health problems. You'll also want to obtain a copy of any blood test results and other health records, to ensure your pot-bellied pig is healthy and that you are aware of any issues it might have.
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Ask for references from the adoption organization or breeder you select, so that you can ask past clients about their experiences.
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Prepare your home for your new pot-bellied pig. Remember that while pot-bellied pigs vary greatly in size and weight, on average they will grow to be 125 lbs, so you will need to ensure the pig has adequate space to live and walk. You will also want to ensure your pig will have plenty of shade and water in the summer. Many adoption agencies will require a pre-adoption visit to your home, in order to ensure the environment will be suitable for your pot-bellied pig.
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Pay any adoption fees to the rescue organization or purchasing fees to the breeder you've chosen. The person or organization in question will give you ownership of your pig in return.
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Tips & Warnings
Pot-bellied pigs live from 12 to 20 years. Make sure you can provide that length of commitment to ownership.
The size of a pig's parents is the best indicator of how large it will grow.
Buy only registered pigs. Which organization they are registered with matters less than confirming they are not cross-bred.
Ensure the pot-bellied pig's tail is straight and not curly or curved. Tails that are not straight indicate cross-bred pigs.
Get any guarantees regarding how the pig will mature in writing.
Ensure that any imported pigs carry proper federal and state certifications and entry papers.
Ask your city or county agency how you can petition laws restricting domesticated pig ownership. Many counties and cities that now allow pot-bellied pigs to live as pets changed their laws only after citizens petitioned them to do so.
Not all veterinarians will service pot-bellied pigs. Be sure to make local inquiries to find a vet who does.
As a general rule, dogs and pigs do not get along. Never leave dogs and pigs alone together.
Avoid obese pigs as they can have severe health problems, including vision and mobility impairments, or heart disease.
Never buy untamed pigs.
Never leave small children or infants around your pig unsupervised. While pigs are generally kid-friendly, pigs can get aggressive around children with food.
