National Pig Day is celebrated on March 1 each year to recognize the domesticated 🐷.

Pigs as pets have become more common since the mid 1980’s, when the first Vietnamese Pot-Bellied pigs were imported. Most pet pigs are mini pigs, but occasionally a regular-sized pig is also adopted into a family.

Besides the Pot-Bellied pigs, there are Juliana pigs and Kunekune pigs. Although pigs may be noted as teacup pigs, they invariably grow to their true size, which can be half the size of a farm pig. In three to four years, micro pigs may range from 30 kg to 100 kg! Seeing the adult parent pig will give you an idea of how big your pig will grow. Pet shelters are full of unwanted pet pigs that grew to the size of an average farm pig. Beware of unethical breeders for this reason.

Pigs are smart, inquisitive animals who like interaction and stimulation. They don’t like being left alone for long periods of time and can become restless and destructive. Therefore, it is best to keep at least two pigs at a time. Access to plenty of outdoor space is essential for your pet pig. The average life expectancy of a pet pig is 5 - 25 years.

7 Things to consider if you want to raise a Pet Pig

1. Are Pet Pigs allowed in your municipality?
   Pet Pigs are still considered as livestock in most urban municipalities. Therefore, it is important to find out if there are bylaws that prohibit the ownership of pigs within your urban boundaries.

2. What do pet pigs eat?
   Pigs have dietary requirements which differ from dogs or cat. Mini or pet pigs can be fed commercial diets or you could source commercial pig feed from a feed store.
   They should be fed limited amounts daily in order to prevent obesity, but they can be supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables. Do not feed pet pigs table scraps.
   Pet pigs require fresh water daily. Failure to provide adequate water can result in the pig developing seizures, which are difficult to treat.

3. How do I prevent my pet pig from getting sick?
   Pet pigs are susceptible to various diseases, some of which are found in other countries known as “foreign animal diseases”. One of these is African Swine Fever. Despite its name, this disease is found in numerous countries, including Russia, China and Eastern Europe. Your pet could be affected by this disease if it accidentally eats meat products smuggled back in a suitcase. Pigs are break-in artists and won’t hesitate to break into a suitcase when they smell food. This disease can be fatal to your pet pig.

4. Do you have access to veterinary care?
   It is recommended that your pet pig be spayed or neutered as both males and females go through reproductive cycles that can cause them to exhibit aggressive behaviour including biting. Pet pigs should also be vaccinated for rabies as well as other diseases. Your veterinarian can advise you further.

5. Travelling with your pet pig?
   If you are crossing an international border such as the Canada-United States border, the pig will require federal paperwork that is filled out by an accredited veterinarian. Returning with the pig will be more difficult, as a 30 day quarantine will be required once you are over the Canadian border. Therefore, it may be easier to have someone care for the pig at home.

6. Does your pet pig have a bed and potty area?🐖
   House pigs should have an area to sleep in that they can call their own. House pigs are also easily trained to use an inside cat litter box, or to go potty outside. Pigs are clean animals and do not like going potty near their bed or feeding area. A small piglet will need to go potty often as they do not have the best bladder control, so try to put it in its litter box as often as possible when you first bring it home. Be patient and reward with treats.

7. Can a pet pig live with a dog?
   The majority of pet pig owners say that pigs and dogs do not always co-habitate well. A dog is a predator animal while pigs are prey animals. The two species often fight. Therefore, you should never leave your dog and pet pig alone unsupervised. The dog could permanently injure the pig or even kill it.

   So on March 1, let your pet pig “hog” the spotlight as it is their big day!

Source: Guide to Pet Pig Ownership