Your guide to the wonderful world of miniature pigs! | Deciding if Miniature Pigs are the Right Pets for You

So you’re considering a mini pig but you’re wondering if they make good pets. Not so long ago, adding miniature pigs to the family pet roundup was the domain of the eccentric. That’s no longer the case. While not as common as dogs and cats, miniature pigs have waddled their way into the hearts of families all over the world because they do, in fact, make good pets. But are they the right pet for you?

If you aren’t up to researching miniature pigs before making a purchase it’s probably best that you move on an consider a less demanding pet. There are a great number of not-so-common-sense considerations to have in mind. Miniature pigs aren’t just oinky versions of dogs. We’ll give you some of the essentials to help you make the right decision but don’t let your piggy education stop here! Here are just a few considerations to keep in mind.

Not the least among your research considerations are county and city ordinances. Just because pet pigs are becoming more mainstream does not mean your city council has embraced them. Many places still consider them livestock and it would be as illegal to have one running around your house in such places as it would be to have a pet cow or horse.

You’ll also want to consider your miniature pig’s medical needs. Miniature pigs bring some special considerations such as the virtual necessity of early spaying and neutering (more on that later). Your city vet might not have much experience with livestock and, in particular, with pig anatomy. Make sure you find one who has such experience and then make sure you’d be willing to make the drive every time Wilbur is under the weather.

Also consider the rest of your family and pets. A pre-purchase introduction might be in order. While miniature pigs have little problem with other species such as dogs and cats, your average domesticated pet might not feel the same way. Give them time to get to know each other to see if a communal living arrangement will be agreeable. Skip a pig purchase entirely if you have an aggressive dog.

As with dogs, providing more than just a roof to shelter from the rain is important. Pigs graze! If you don’t have an yard or lawn adequate to provide your newest family member some grazing time then miniature pigs probably aren’t the ideal pet for you.

People often make purchase decisions and bring home dogs or cats with no idea of what they’re getting into. The cuteness factor takes over. The same happens with miniature pigs so, again, do your research and know what you’re getting into in advance.

Owning a mini pig is a significant deviation from owning a dog. Both require patience, commitment, affection and the willingness to invest time to train and bond but pigs represent an unfamiliar animal with unique demands and needs. If you feel you are lacking in patience or your time is simply too limited to invest in a miniature pig’s healthy incorporation into your life, please do both you and the pig a favor and consider a less demanding pet or maybe some plants! It’s not a negative reflection on you to have a lifestyle unsuited for a pig and you’ll have made a wise and right decision should you choose to go another route because of the limits your life or job impose on you.

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