Having a pig as a pet is becoming more and more common. For a while now, miniature and teacup pigs have remained very popular as the focus has been on the smaller and more unique animals. However, people are now turning their interest toward the larger breeds that were typically only before seen on a farm. Whatever the size, if a client is looking to bring home a pig to have as a pet, there is a lot of information that can be shared.

Zoning for Pet Pigs

No matter what the size, advise clients that before bringing a pig home, it is essential they check to see if the area where they live has any laws established regarding the keeping of a pet pig.

• Zoning rules may differ between each state, city, town, or municipality so a client should contact the zoning department that is specific to their address.
• If there are no rules pertaining to the keeping of a pet pig, the client needs to know to ask if there are any laws established regarding livestock that could have an impact on keeping a pig as a pet. Some laws will consider and place any type of pig into the rules for feeder and breeder pigs, in which case the client needs to know.
• During the search for information, if client is told that it is legal for them to keep a pig as a pet, they should get the information in writing.

Requirements to Keep a Pig as a Pet

Pigs can make wonderful pets, but to keep them happy and healthy, clients need to understand their needs.

Companionship

Highly intelligent and social animals, pigs prefer a buddy.

• Left on their own, a pig may get into mischief.
• Providing toys such as hard plastic balls will help discourage the animal from misbehaving and getting into troublesome activities.
• Having an area large enough to play in will also help to keep the pig from becoming bored, while encouraging exercise that combats obesity, constipation, and overgrown feet.

Housing

Pigs are strong. When they aren’t being supervised, their housing area needs to be built to prevent them from escaping to keep them safe and to help keep your property and belongings from being damaged.

Pigs also have difficulty regulating their body temperatures, and, if not inside, will require protection from the elements.

• Prone to sunburn and sun stroke, in warm weather environments, they should be provided with plenty of clean water, adequate shelter from the sun, and a cooling mud wallow.
• Susceptible to the cold, in cooler environments or during cooler night temperatures, they should be provided with access to warm, dry, and bedded-down areas that are sealed and free of drafts.

Veterinary Care

Pet pigs will also require veterinary check-ups and care. A discussion should be held so clients are aware that their pig may need to be vaccinated against certain diseases and treated for parasites.

Pigs are also prone to health conditions that will need to be watched for, such as:

• Inverted eyelids that may result in conjunctivitis
• Arthritis
• Lameness
• Dry, scaly skin
• Overgrown feet that require trimming
• Unhealthy weight.

In addition, if clients are considering a larger pig for a pet, a discussion should address any veterinary clinic differences for providing the animal’s care. While routine care may be easily met within the clinic for miniature or teacup-sized animals, the same arrangements may not be available for the larger animal.

The decision to raise a pig and keep it for a pet requires a lot of thought and preparation. While owning a pet pig will be worth all the effort, clients need to know that there may be more steps involved than they first anticipated. 

Your Covetrus representative can provide additional client information for raising pigs, contact them at: 855.724.3461.

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