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.

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
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Instructions

    • 1

      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.

    • 2

      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.

    • 3

      Ask breeders you contact to show you their NAPPA certification, to ensure reputable practices and quality animals.

    • 4

      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.

    • 5

      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.

    • 6

      Ask for references from the adoption organization or breeder you select, so that you can ask past clients about their experiences.

    • 7

      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.

    • 8

      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.