Surrendering a potbellied pig can be an incredibly difficult decision. North American Pet Pig Association (NAPPA) may be able to help you with ways to re-homing options to consider. Please read the following resources before surrendering or abandoning your potbellied / miniature pig.
Why are you considering surrendering your potbellied pig?
- Behavior issues
- Can’t afford care
- Moving (resource for pig-friendly cities is found toward bottom of page)
Other re-homing options
We know that sometimes it’s just not possible to keep a potbellied pig. Before making the decision to surrender, you may want to consider other re-homing options.
Finding a new home for your pig
Sometimes, families find themselves in situations where caring for a pig is no longer possible. Choosing to re-home a pig can be incredibly difficult to make. NAPPA is here to give caring advice and resources for owners who are searching for a new home for their pet pig.
The following are some tips to try to re-home your pig before bringing them to a rescue or abandoning them:
- Give yourself time to re-home your pig. It can often take weeks to months to find them a home.
Increase your pig’s adoptability by having them spayed or neutered. Here is list of low-cost S/N
- Spread the word to increase your chances of finding the right home for your pig.
You can use the Adopt-A-Pet re-homing tool, which gives pig owners the ability to be more involved, and it’s simple to use. Set up a pet profile, and interested people apply. Adopt-A-Pet has staff who review posts to prevent abuse such as breeder sales making it safer to use than other online marketplaces, such as Craigslist.
Behavior Issues
Sometimes behavior problems seem overwhelming, but many can be managed with knowledge.
Helpful ways to train your pet pig
Because pet pigs are highly intelligent and easily motivated by food and affection, they’re surprisingly easy to train. Although they aren’t the right pets for everyone, as a responsible pig owner you can establish good behaviors early on, with commands such as “stay, come, and leave it”. You can also train your pig to walk on a leash. With some healthy treats and patience, your pig will be trying to impress you with mastering of new tricks such as “spin, sit, and shake”.
Here are some simple things you can do to keep your vet bills down without sacrificing the quality of care that a pot- bellied pig or miniature pig receives.
- Use a Veterinarian College
Have a veterinary college nearby? Check to see what they charge for their services. They typically offer a sizable discount over what the local vet clinics and animal hospitals charge because they have lots of students who need to gain hands-on experience. Your pig will be seen by a student, but all care will be overseen by an experienced veterinarian.
- Ask for written prescriptions
Most vets mark up the medications they sell considerably. Insist on a hard copy prescription that your pig needs, so you can shop around for the best deal. If it’s a medication that’s also used to treat humans, you may be able to fill it at your local pharmacy. If it’s available in a generic form, you may even be able to fill it at Walmart for $4.
Of course, free prescriptions are better still, Always ask your vet if they have free samples available before you rush out to fill a prescription. This is a smart move if you’re trying out a new drug that you aren’t sure will agree with your pig.
- Take advantage of specials
Many vets offer a new patient discount and/or a multi-pet discount. If you already have a vet that you’re happy with, find out if they ever run a deal on dental cleaning or other preventative care services. If they do, be sure to schedule your pig’s visit then.
Many organizations, like the Humane Society, offer vaccination, microchip, spay/neuter events which some will include potbellied pigs throughout the year to ensure low-cost pet care is available to the community. Just show up, and you’ll be able to take advantage of the discounted services.
Check with your local organization to find out when the next event is scheduled. If they don’t have anything planned, they may know of other organizations that do.
- Consider all your options
Listen to the course of action your vet suggests. Then ask what other options are available. They may have a cheaper option.
- Look into Pet Insurance
Pet insurance can be a good deal, but it’s important to understand what it covers and what it excludes before you buy. If you decide that your pet pig and your vet takes the insurance that you’re considering. It’s important to find a company they work with. Many insurance companies offer multi pet discounts, so pet insurance may be a better deal for multi pet households. Nationwide Insurance has a lot to offer for potbellied pigs.
- Maintain your pig’s weight
Make sure your pig get the right amount of food and plenty of exercise. A pig with a healthy weight is less likely to suffer from arthritis. And dishing out the proper portions also means less food expense for you. A win-win.
- Micro Chip your pet pig
We encourage all pigs to be micro chipped for safety reasons, reuniting with family and protection, if auctioned off.
- Schedule annual exams
Take your pig for yearly check-ups, so the vet catches problems before they turn into something big and expensive. Early detention will save you money and ensure your pig maintains a good quality of life.
- Seek out Animal Welfare Charities
If your pig requires care that you can’t afford, there are organizations that may be able to help. The Pet Fund offers vet assistance which has a guideline to follow and other links that also could help with pet pigs.
Low- Cost Spay/Neuter Low-Cost S/N
List of states and cities 4/2023
Alabama
Baldwin Animal Clinic
Summerdale (215) 989-6213
Holly Pond Animal Clinic
Holly Pond (256) 796-0055
Tuskegee University Veterinary Hospital
(334) 727- 8461
Alaska
N/A
Arizona
Road Runner Animal Clinic
Peoria (623) 878- 0033
Midwestern University
Glendale (623) 572-3200
Arkansas
Alma Animal Clinic
Alma (479) 430-7280
Country View Animal Care Center
Gravette (479) 787-6284
St. Francis Veterinary Clinic
Forest (870) 423-2630
California
Look Ahead Veterinary Services
Oroville (530) 534-0722
Mokelumne River
Lockeford (209) 727-5359
Pedley Square Vet. Clinic
Riverside (951) 685-3331
Loma Linda Animal Hospital
Bernardino (909) 825-3144
Colorado
Mesa Vet Clinic
Pueblo (719) 542-6075
Strasburg Vet. Clinic
Strasburg (303) 622-4415
Connecticut
Roxbury Animal Clinic
Roxbury (860) 354-8612
Delaware
N/A
Florida
Bayou Vet Hospital
Pinellas Park (727) 548-8387
Heartland Large Animal Services
Bartow (863) 537-1495
Shelton Vet Clinic-Elkon
Elkon (904)692-3935
Georgia
Philema Animal Clinic
Leesburg (229) 439-2266
Royston Animal Hospital
Royston (706) 245-6650
Hawaii
N/A
Idaho
N/A
Illinois
Midwestern University
Downers Grove (630) 971-6080
Advanced Vet Care, LLC
Effingham (217) 347-2838
Huston Vet Services
Roseville (309) 426- 2419
University of Illinois
Urbana (217) 333-5300
Indiana
Hillview Vet Clinic
Franklin (317) 736- 8880
Iowa
Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Ames (515)294-1250
Walcot Vet Clinic
Walcot (563) 284-6233
Winterset Vet Center
Winterset (515)462-2650
Kansas
N/A
Kentucky
Flanary Vet Clinic
Paducah (270) 898-9738
Millcreek Vet Center
Greensburg (270) 932-5000
Roe-Burk Vet Services
Hardinsburg (270) 756-9088
Shwely Animal Clinic
Louisville (502) 778-8317
Louisiana
Brandon Vet
Leesville (337) 239-0226
Franklinton Vet Clinic
Franklinton (985) 839- 3406
Morris Vet Hospital
Rayville (318) 728-5599
Maine
N/A
Maryland
N/A
Massachusetts
N/A
Michigan
N/A
Minnesota
Caledonia Vet Clinic
Caledonia (507) 725-3380
Mississippi
N/A
Missouri
Halt Animal Clinic
Holt (816) 320- 3726
Ivan Animal Hospital
House Springs (636) 671- 0700
Pleasant Hill Animal Clinic
Pleasant Hill (816) 540-3545
Sullivan Vet Hospital
Sullivan (573) 468-6774
Vet Clinic of the Mineral Area
Farmington (573) 756- 9400
Tilsit Road Animal Clinic
Jackson (573) 243-2010
Animal Clinic of Ava
Ava (417)-683-6830
Frederickson Animal Hospital
Frederickson (573) 783-2348
Holden Animal Clinic & Supply, Inc.
Holden (816) 732-4412
Montana
N/A
Nebraska
Alliance Animal Clinic
Alliance (308) 762- 4140
Nevada
N/A
New Hampshire
N/A
New Jersey
N/A
New York
NA
North Dakota
NA
Ohio
All God’s Creatures Hospital & Mobile Service
Lancaster (740) 654-3111
Cross County Vet Services
Delaware (740) 363- 2515
Lincoln Way Animal Hospital
Upper Sandusky (567) 257-3500
Orchard Vet Clinic
Wilmington (937) 383-0008
Red Star Vet Clinic
Canton (330) 871-8013
Stonewall Vet Clinic
Garrettsville (330) 527 4400
West Geauga Vet Hospital
Chesterland (440) 729-9584
North Carolina
Academy Animal Hospital
Fayetteville (910) 323- 1335
New Mexico
Double J Animal Hospital, LLC
Hobbs (575) 738-0143
Oklahoma
Cimarron Animal Clinic
Stillwater (405) 372-3200
Cross Timbers Large Animal Mobile Vet Service
Arcadia (405) 777-2081
Shawnee Animal Hospital
Shawnee (405) 275- 0990
Voss Vet Clinic
Checotah (918) 473- 2761
Oregon
Valley Vet Clinic
Rainier (503) 556- 3084
Allen Creek Vet Hospital (541) 476-2233
Pennsylvania
Wilde Vet Center
Waterford (814) 796-4860
South Carolina
Twin Oaks Animal Hospital
Silverstreet (803) 276- 5563
Langston Vet Clinic
Easley (864) 859- 2443
Outlaw Vet Clinic (869) 859- 5033
Tennessee
Fayetteville Animal Clinic
Fayetteville (931) 433-1202
Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services
Memphis (901) 324-3202
University of Tennessee
Knoxville (865) 974-8387
All Animals Vet Hospital
Dickson (615) 446-7991
Texas
Vanzandt Animal Care Center
Point 903) 873-4100
Ark Vet Hospital
Stephenville (254) 968-7916
Belton Vet Clinic
Belton (254) 939- 1884
Bridgeport Animal Clinic (940) 683- 2257
Cottonwood Creek Vet Hospital
Waco (254) 757- 0460
Kingsville Vet Service
Kingsville (361) 516- 0774
Millsap Vet Clinic
Millsap (940) 682-4970
Pet Check-up
Houston (281) 955-8560
Pittsburg Vet Clinic
Pittsburg (903) 856- 6518
Simmons & Harlan Vet Clinic
Wichita Falls (940) 723- 4054
Utah
Zion Vet. Clinic
Hurricane (435) 635-4033
Virginia
Chesdin Animal Hospital
Petersburg (804) 732-6420
Vermont
NA
Washington
Washington Animal Hospital at Murphy’s Clinic
Mill Creek (425)316-8387
Best Mobile West Vet. Hospital
East Graham (360) 893-2210
Cascade West Vet. Hospital
Centralia (360) 736-3361
West Virginia
Help for Animals
Barboursville (304) 736-8555
Oak Hill Animal Hospital
Oak Hill (304) 465-8267
Pocatalico Animal Hospital
Charleston (304) 984-0064
Wisconsin
NA
Wyoming
NA
Colleges of Veterinarian Medicine- typically offer a sizable discount over vet clinics and animal hospitals
Alabama
Auburn University
College of Veterinarian Medicine
(334) 844-4546
Tuskegee University
School of Veterinary Medicine
(334) 727-8174
Arizona
Midwestern University
College of Veterinary Medicine
(623) 572- 3215
University of Arizona
College of Veterinary Medicine
(520) 621- 2355
California
Western University of Health Sciences
College of Veterinary Medicine
(909) 469- 5628
Colorado
Colorado State University
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
(970) 491-7051
Florida
University of Florida
College of Veterinary Medicine
(352) 392- 4202
Georgia
University of Georgia
College of Veterinary Medicine
706) 542-3000
Illinois
University of Veterinarian Medicine
(217) 333- 2760
Indiana
Purdue University
College of Veterinary Medicine
(765) 494-7607
Iowa
Iowa State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
(515) 294- 1242
Kansas
Kansas State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
(785) 532-5660
Louisiana
Louisiana State University
School of Veterinary Medicine
(225) 578-9900
Massachusetts
Tuft University
School of Veterinary Medicine
(508) 839- 5302
Michigan
Michigan State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
(517) 355-9793
Minnesota
University of Minnesota
College of Veterinary Medicine
(612) 625-5000
Mississippi
Mississippi State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
(662) 325-3432
Missouri
University of Missouri-Columbia
College of Veterinary Medicine
(573) 882- 3877
New York
Cornell University
College of Veterinary Medicine
(607) 253-3700
Long Island University
College of Veterinary Medicine
(516) 299-3679
North Carolina
North Carolina State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
(919) 513- 6200
Ohio
The Ohio State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
(614) 292-1171
Oklahoma State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
(405) 744-6961
Oregon
Oregon State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
(541) 737- 2098
Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
School of Veterinary Medicine
(215) 898- 5438
Tennessee
University of Tennessee
College of Veterinary Medicine
(865) 974- 7262
Lincoln Memorial University
College of Veterinary Medicine
(423) 869- 7150
Texas
Texas A & M University
College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
(979) 845- 5051
Texas Tech University
School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
(806) 834- 1291
Virginia
Virginia Tech
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
(540) 231- 7666
Washington
Washington State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
(509) 335- 9515
Wisconsin
University of Wisconsin- Madison
School of Veterinary Medicine
(608) 263- 6716
Use a vet in a less expensive area. Vets in smaller towns may charge lower fees.
Rescues & Sanctuaries. Mazuri mini pig food is part of Purina family. It is always worthwhile to reach out to a local dealer near you. They are very helpful in ordering any Mazuri diet and can help to serve you. Go to the following link to type in your zip code to find a dealer near you. https://www.purinamills.com/where-to-buy-animal-feed?navid=where-to-buy
Mazuri is part of the Purina family, so any Purina certified dealer can order any Mazuri diet for you. They are available at Tractor Company stores. Sometimes they are great at placing personal orders for their customers. Other times, not so much. It depends on the store and how they operate. Otherwise, most local dealers are really great at catering to your specific needs and bulk needs. Some bulk orders are at a discount – just ask the dealer.
If any rescue in CA. is in need of blankets or are driving through the state they can reach out to Brad –director of Operation Blankets of Love at (818) 402- 6584. OBLA is a non -profit helping many rescued animals: pigs, dogs and cats with pet beds, large crates, and blankets!
Pig-friendly cities
https://petpigs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Pet-Pig.pdf
Traveling with your pig
- Get your pig accustomed to car travel. Take short trips at first, then gradually increase the time.
- If you must transport your pig on an airplane, give yourself ample time to research airline regulations. Consult with your vet, too, and take precautions to help ensure your pig’s safety.
- If you’re moving to a new city or town, make arrangements in advanced for any overnight stops. Keep your pig in a secure crate. Regardless of how well adjusted your pig is they may get spooked by all the noise and activity.
- Research regulations such as health regulations, quarantines, or required documents for your new home. This is especially important if you’re moving across international borders.
Moving successfully with pet pigs
Moving can be stressful, especially for pet pigs, which is why we’ve created a list of things to consider as you move to your new home.. If you have questions about any of the information or concerns, please contact us at [email protected]
Identification & documentation
- If your pet pig has a microchip, remember to update your contact information on your account
- Keep your pig’s documents in a safe, accessible place. Documentation includes vaccination records, microchip numbers, spay/neuter certificate, your current vet’s contact information, and a recent photo of your pet pig.