Soā¦ youāre thinking about getting a pig. Maybe you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of adorable piglet videos on TikTok or met a mini pig in person and thought, “OMG, I need one.” I get it. Pigs are incredibly smart, quirky, and full of personalityābut theyāre also a lot.
Before jumping into pig parenthood, here are five honest questions to ask yourself to make sure a pet pig is the right fit for your life (and home).
1. Can you handle a pet thatās more like a toddler than a dog?
Pigs arenāt like dogs. Theyāre more like very clever toddlers with strong opinions and an uncanny ability to find the one thing you donāt want them to mess with.
š§ Pigs need structure, boundaries, and consistent leadershipāor theyāll run the house.
š½ They can be stubborn, emotional, and sensitive to change. They’ll act out if they donāt trust you as a leader.
š Ask yourself: Am I patient enough to teach, lead, and grow with a pet that challenges me?
What you can do if you're feeling overwhelmed by their pigās intelligence + stubbornness:
š Set up a 3-minute training session each day using high-value treats (e.g., Cheerios or blueberries). Start with simple behaviors like āsitā and āspin.ā
š Use positive reinforcement onlyāclicker or marker word + treat. Keep sessions fun and short.
š Rotate 2ā3 puzzle feeders or enrichment toys to mentally stimulate their pig (like snuffle mats or treat balls).
2. Do you have the right space for a pigāindoors and out?
Pigs arenāt meant to live in crates or tiny apartments 24/7. They thrive with access to places to root (like dirt and grass, not your rug) and safe outdoor areas to explore.
š± Rooting is a natural behavior that wonāt go awayāpigs (even pet pigs) need a healthy outlet.
š” If youāre in an HOA, rental, or city ordinance area, make sure pigs are even allowed.
š Ask yourself: Can I create a pig-safe space where they can root, play, and nap without destroying my stuff?
What to do if you're struggling to pig-proof your home:
š Create a āyes zoneā where rooting is allowedālike a box of blankets, a root bin filled with plastic balls or rocks, or a dig box with treats.
š Block off unsafe areas with baby gates or pens. Pigs can open cabinetsāadd child locks!
š Do a 15-minute Piggy Safety Check: Look for cords, small items, or food within reach of snouts.
3. Are you ready for a long-term commitment?
Mini pigs can live 12ā20 years. Thatās a big promise. They’re not a trendy pet to try out and rehome later.
š As pigs grow (yes, even “mini” pigs get relatively big), their needs and behaviors change, just like people.
š¾ They bond deeply with their humans. Being rehomed is extremely stressful for them.
š Ask yourself: Am I ready to commit to my pig for the next 15+ years?
4. Do you have access to a pig-savvy vet?
Finding a vet who sees mini pigs isnāt as easy as calling your local animal clinic. Not all vets are trained in pig care.
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š„ Emergencies happen. You donāt want to scramble to find care when your pig is sick.
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š Routine care like vaccinations, hoof trims, and spaying/neutering is essential.
š Ask yourself: Have I researched local vets who will treat pigs, and can I afford regular care?
PRO TIP: Google “livestock vet near me” or “large animal vet near me” to find a local vet that sees pigs.
Here's what you can do if you're worried about vet care or not having a pig-savvy vet:
š Use Google or vet directories to call three local clinics and ask: āDo you treat mini pigs for wellness and emergencies?ā
š Print and fill out a Pig Health Binder page: record weight, vaccines, spay/neuter info, and any health concerns.
š Practice crating or car rides weekly so your pig doesnāt panic during vet visits.
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5. Are you okay with a pet that doesn't stay tiny?
Here’s the truth: thereās no such thing as a āteacup pig.ā Thatās just a misleading marketing term used by unethical pig breeders. Most mini pigs grow to 90ā160 lbs. They donāt stay the size of a French bulldog forever.
š Growth happens gradually over 3ā5 years. That baby-sized piglet wonāt stay tiny for long.
š Even full-grown pigs can be loving, cuddly, and sweetābut only if you know what to expect.
š Ask yourself: Am I okay with my pig growing up, getting big, and still being part of the family?
What You Can do if you're concerned about size, time, and long-term needs
š Weigh your pig once a month and record it on a chart. Use this to adjust feeding and track healthy growth.
š Make a daily routine chart: meals, outdoor rooting time, training time, cuddle time. (This helps you as much as it helps them!)
š Journal or voice-note why you chose a pigārevisit it when the going gets tough. Reconnect with your āwhy.ā
Final Thoughts: Pigs Arenāt for EveryoneāAnd Thatās Okay
Pigs are incredibly rewarding if youāre the right person for them. Theyāll teach you patience, presence, and how to live with your heart wide open. But theyāll also test your limits.
If youāve asked yourself these five questions and still feel excited (and ready) to welcome a pig into your home, you might be the right kind of person to own a pig as a pet. š·ā¤ļø
Additional Resources
- Facebook Groups – Getting in touch with other new pig parents is always helpful! There are a ton of new pig parents who get answered on Facebook all the time.
- AMPA Website
- Pet Pig Podcast
