SO YOU WANT TO ADOPT
PUTTING FIRST THINGS FIRST

So you want to adopt a potbellied pig and you don’t know what to do first. Please read through the following and then if you have any questions or want to proceed with adopting, contact us at info@farec.org.

1.  Doesn’t matter if you live in a city or the country; live in a house, apartment or condo.  You need to call your local zoning office or code enforcement to find out if potbellied pigs are legal to have where you live.  Get it in writing one way or the other.  If you rent, you will need to check with your landlord and get permission in writing.

2.  The cost of adopting will vary, depending on where you live, who you are adopting from and the age of the pet pig.  Usually, the adoption fee starts at $50.00 and goes up from there.  Some are free if you qualify as an approved home from some sanctuaries and rescue groups.

3.  Are you willing to travel 2 to 3 hrs to pick one up or to pay for transportation?  This can be an added cost.

4.  For an inside/outside pig, do you have the proper fencing (like a fenced backyard) to give him a secure place to be outside part of the day and to go potty?  For an outside pig, do you have a pen with shelter set up?  In very cold climates, pigs need an insulted barn or shelter with lots of bedding in the winter.  Also, a pool will be needed in the yard or pen for cooling off during the hot months as they have no other way to cool down.

5.  Have you located a veterinary that will see and treat the pig should it become sick?  If not, we can help you locate one.  But remember, it may entail driving for a couple hours to get to a good vet.

6.  Does your whole family want the pig?  If not, the pig may be in for a hard time and won’t be happy if mistreated by other family members, no matter how much you love it.

7.  Do you have small children and if so, are you willing to work on integrating the pig into the family?  Like any animal with teeth, pigs can and do bite.  Lots of people with children have pet pigs and are willing to help you make the adjustment if needed.

8.  Have you “pig” proofed your house as you would for a small child?  With a potbellied pig, that is basically what you will have for about 15 yrs.  Are you ready for a LONG TERM commitment?  Average life span is between 9 and 14 years, with some living longer.