Deciding to get a mini pig as a family pet is not a decision to be taken lightly. Yes, they are cute, but they are also a hand full! This blog will help you decide if a mini pig is the right pet for your family.
Commitment…
A mini pig’s life span is around 15 years. Many people can’t see their life 5 years from now, and if you don’t know for sure if you can keep an animal its entire life then no pet is right for you. Pigs become extremely attached to their human families and it is not a good idea to rehome them later in life. This can cause severe depression in pigs. My pig gives me a cold shoulder when I go out of town, which brings me to the next thing…
Who will take care of your pig if you are out of town or get sick? Most pet boarding places will not take pigs. You can check if one is willing and will also provide a safe place for your pig away from dogs. Will a family member be able to care of the pig? It’s important to know where the pig will stay if you are away.
A Family Member…
This pig will be a family member once you bring him/her home. If you don’t feel this way then don’t get a pig, because trust me the pig will feel like you are their family. Will all the other family members accept the pig? Will a child or spouse be afraid of the pig? How will your dogs or other pets react to the new pig? A large dog can easily kill a small pig.
Commitment…
A mini pig’s life span is around 15 years. Many people can’t see their life 5 years from now, and if you don’t know for sure if you can keep an animal its entire life then no pet is right for you. Pigs become extremely attached to their human families and it is not a good idea to rehome them later in life. This can cause severe depression in pigs. My pig gives me a cold shoulder when I go out of town, which brings me to the next thing…
Who will take care of your pig if you are out of town or get sick? Most pet boarding places will not take pigs. You can check if one is willing and will also provide a safe place for your pig away from dogs. Will a family member be able to care of the pig? It’s important to know where the pig will stay if you are away.
A Family Member…
This pig will be a family member once you bring him/her home. If you don’t feel this way then don’t get a pig, because trust me the pig will feel like you are their family. Will all the other family members accept the pig? Will a child or spouse be afraid of the pig? How will your dogs or other pets react to the new pig? A large dog can easily kill a small pig.
Care requirements…
Do you have enough space to have a pig? Pigs need to excise and have a safe and secure outdoor area to roam around. Although some people do successfully keep pet pigs in apartments, this is not something I recommend. Pigs can be trained to use a litter box, but this is messy, smelly and a not fun to clean. I find it much easier to give the pig access to an area outside to go to the restroom. Pigs also love to sit in water and would benefit from having a small pool to cool off and play in.
Do you have time for the pig? Pigs need to be fed twice a day and have water at all times. However a pig is not a pet you can just provide food to and leave to their devices. They require constant attention and can have behavioral problems when not given that attention.
Regulations…
Don’t forget to also think about your neighbors and how they will react. Some neighborhoods and cities have regulations on what type of animal you can own. If you own a pig your neighbors will know! Unless you live several acres away from your nearest neighbor, they will hear your pig scream! When upset a pig can squeal remarkably loud. The way I like to describe it is, you won’t even be able to hear yourself think.
You can find out what regulations your city has on pigs by calling your local animal control services.
Medical care…
Most people are under the impression that pigs are like other exotic pets that do not require medical care regularly but instead only well illnesses or accidents occur. However this is untrue. Pigs are domesticated animals that require yearly veterinarian exams and vaccinations in order to maintain good health and a long life span. Your pig will also more than likely require his/her hooves to be trimmed every couple of months. Pigs’ hooves continuously grow like our own finger nails. Unless you know how to properly trim hooves, please have a professional do this for you.
In conclusion…
So in the end do pigs make good pets? Yes they do! But they are not for everyone. If you decide after reading this article that a mini pig is the right pet for you, I can tell you that it will take no time at all for you to fall in love with your new pet. Pigs are very smart and very affectionate. A bond made with your pet pig is a bond that will last a life time.
Look for my next article, Mini Pig Breeds and Avoiding Scams.
Do you have enough space to have a pig? Pigs need to excise and have a safe and secure outdoor area to roam around. Although some people do successfully keep pet pigs in apartments, this is not something I recommend. Pigs can be trained to use a litter box, but this is messy, smelly and a not fun to clean. I find it much easier to give the pig access to an area outside to go to the restroom. Pigs also love to sit in water and would benefit from having a small pool to cool off and play in.
Do you have time for the pig? Pigs need to be fed twice a day and have water at all times. However a pig is not a pet you can just provide food to and leave to their devices. They require constant attention and can have behavioral problems when not given that attention.
Regulations…
Don’t forget to also think about your neighbors and how they will react. Some neighborhoods and cities have regulations on what type of animal you can own. If you own a pig your neighbors will know! Unless you live several acres away from your nearest neighbor, they will hear your pig scream! When upset a pig can squeal remarkably loud. The way I like to describe it is, you won’t even be able to hear yourself think.
You can find out what regulations your city has on pigs by calling your local animal control services.
Medical care…
Most people are under the impression that pigs are like other exotic pets that do not require medical care regularly but instead only well illnesses or accidents occur. However this is untrue. Pigs are domesticated animals that require yearly veterinarian exams and vaccinations in order to maintain good health and a long life span. Your pig will also more than likely require his/her hooves to be trimmed every couple of months. Pigs’ hooves continuously grow like our own finger nails. Unless you know how to properly trim hooves, please have a professional do this for you.
In conclusion…
So in the end do pigs make good pets? Yes they do! But they are not for everyone. If you decide after reading this article that a mini pig is the right pet for you, I can tell you that it will take no time at all for you to fall in love with your new pet. Pigs are very smart and very affectionate. A bond made with your pet pig is a bond that will last a life time.
Look for my next article, Mini Pig Breeds and Avoiding Scams.
About Animal Care Expert Meghan Arriola
Meghan Arriola is an animal care consultant from Texas that spends her time promoting holistic wellbeing for humans and animals, while also caring for her many pets including dogs, ferrets, reptiles, goats and much more!
Copyright 2015 – All Rights Reserved MJ Arriola Creations LLC
Meghan Arriola is an animal care consultant from Texas that spends her time promoting holistic wellbeing for humans and animals, while also caring for her many pets including dogs, ferrets, reptiles, goats and much more!
Copyright 2015 – All Rights Reserved MJ Arriola Creations LLC
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