08/21/2026
Sharing for another sanctuary. Signed at the bottom.
BEFORE YOU BRING HOME A PIG, HERE’S SOME ITEMS WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO CONSIDER…
They don't stay tiny!
Your adorable little piglet is going to grow—and potentially grow A LOT. A lot of people will lie about how big they may get and NO ONE knows exactly how big that is.
Your yard may become their playground!
Rooting, digging, mud holes… your landscaping may not survive. I have suffered many hurt ankles from the holes I’ve tripped in.
Pigs are professional escape artists!
If there's a way out, they're going to find it.
They're REALLY smart!
Smart enough to open doors, cabinets, gates and occasionally get themselves into trouble.
They can be LOUD!
That adorable little oink can turn into a full-volume squeal when they're unhappy. Bath? 95% of pigs scream. Hungry? Screaming. Want inside? Screaming.
They're surprisingly strong!
A determined pig can move, knock over and destroy things you wouldn't expect. We have experienced broken doors, broken dog doors, etc.
They have BIG personalities!
Stubborn, opinionated and absolutely convinced that they're always right. we have 3 pigs and none of them have the same personality!
They LOVE food!
And they will absolutely remember where you keep the snacks. They don’t have anything that tells them they’re full so they will act hungry 24/7.
They're messy!
Water bowls tipped over, food everywhere and mud in places you didn't know mud could reach. My back room has been turned into a mini pool more than once.
They ROOT!
That beautiful grass you've worked so hard on? Your pig may have other plans. A pig portion of my yard is now dirt/mud. And yes, that comes right into your house.
Not every pig is cuddly!
Some love belly rubs. Others prefer you admire them from a respectable distance. They hate being held up high.
They need enrichment!
A bored pig is often a destructive pig. Currently dealing with chewed up baseboards & a section of my wall chewed up because their toys were stuck under the couch. My $600 e bike was damaged just from them trying to scratch themselves on it.
They need proper veterinary care!
Find a vet who treats pigs before you need one. It’s not an easy task to find a vet who will come to you. And if you think loading up a pig is easy, ITS NOT.
Hoof care is part of pig parenting!
Those little feet need regular attention. 6 month hoof trims are a thing.
They need a secure home!
Proper fencing, shelter, shade and protection from the elements are necessities—not extras. I have rescued multiple piglets after they escaped their fencing. It doesn’t take them long.
Pigs cost money!
Feed, fencing, vet care, hoof care and unexpected expenses add up. Tractor supply will be visited more often than the grocery store.
They're a LONG-TERM commitment!
You're not bringing home a piglet for a few months. You're potentially committing to 10–15+ years. This is a big one & the reason why SO many pigs end up in rescues.
Other animals need careful introductions!
Never assume your pig and other pets will automatically become best friends. Pigs will fight for dominance & their skin is so thin, all it takes is two seconds to go from “funny” to life threatening.
And here's the BIG one…
Don't fall in love with the piglet before you fall in love with pig ownership. You have to have a tremendous amount of patience.
OUR BIGGEST SUGGESTION:
WATCH A PIG FIRST!
•Spend a weekend caring for someone else's pig.
•Feed them.
•Clean up after them.
•Deal with the rooting.
•Experience the squealing.
•Handle their attitude.
•See what happens when they don't get their way.
•Research someone who would be willing to watch your pigs when you’re out of town for any reason. Research the cost. Are you okay with potentially never leaving your house for an emergency because someone from your house has to stay behind?
Because the best time to discover that pig ownership isn't for you is BEFORE you bring one home.
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Mud, Mischief & Mayhem
