A new committee has been formed in pet pig care that will work to promote the well-being of pet pigs and related issues to share information, improve the safety of the pet pig with this new Potbellied Pig Care Committee.  With potbellied pig ownership surging, it is even more important that our responsible potbellied pig care takes a leadership role to help the many areas of potbellied pig journeys which will engage in the benefit of the potbellied pigs, the families who will bring them home and enjoy their companionship.

This journey will begin once a pet pig is adopted to a loving family.  We will invite other pig organizations to participate such as rescues to assist with their expert advice.  Pig rescues will have the knowledge of their own potbellied pig from their rescue of the pigs’ personality, etc….

Veterinarian care for your pet pig is one of the most important way you as an owner can do for your pet pig.   With educating yourself on proper potbellied pig care and health problems by finding answers from trusted, reliable sources of information such as your veterinarian. 

• Responsible potbellied pig ownership

When choosing to add a potbellied pig to the family, you may spend more time focusing on the happiness you expect your potbellied pig will bring.  While they can certainly bring happiness, they also come with a set of commitments that everyone should consider. This is a great time to be reminded about what it means to be a good potbellied pig parent.  While there is no true definition of a responsible pig parent, there are a few accepted tips to help create a happy, healthy life for your potbellied pig.

• Commitment

When adopting your pig you should commit to caring for them for their entire life.  Potbellied pigs depend on their humans for their daily care throughout their entire lives.  You should consider your ability to care for a potbellied pig for however long their lifespan may be.  Certainly life hands us things we don’t expect, so you should also consider who may be able to care for your potbellied pig if circumstances stops you from being able to do so yourself.

• Food And Shelter

Providing your potbellied pig with the basic necessities of life should go without saying.  Your pig will need daily access to clean, fresh water, healthy and nutritious pig food, and shelter from the elements. NEVER FED YOUR POTBELLIED MEAT OR MEAT PRODUCTS. 

• Healthcare

Regular vet care is key to helping your potbellied pig live a long and healthy life.  It’s best to establish a relationship with a veterinarian to help keep you on track with regular check-ups.  An established relationship with a vet can also be helpful as your potbellied pig ages.  Your vet can help you keep your pig comfortable, pain free, and loved.

• Spay and Neuter

Potbellied pig overpopulation is a real issue in our country.  Responsible potbellied pig ownership includes preventing your pig from reproducing by getting them spayed or neutered. Until every homeless pet pig has a home, there is no reason for any potbellied pig to reproduce.

• Training and Socializing

Behavioral issues are the number one reason why miniature pigs are surrendered. To rescues, so training and socializing our pet pigs helps making sharing our homes with them much easier.  A potbellied pig who has been trained in basic training knows what behaviors are acceptable.  This can help them be more cooperative, comfortable, and confident in the home environment. 

• Exercise and Enrichment

Our potbellied pigs need to stay in shape just like we do.  Regular exercise is necessary to keep them healthy.  Regular exercise also provides the mental stimulation that keeps them happy.  Pigs long for the attention of their humans.

• Love

This may be the most important responsibility of all.  Our potbellied pigs are not possessions we own.  They are pets who depend on us for their care.  They need our love and devotion throughout their lives and should be welcomed into our homes as members of the family.  Our potbellied pigs are in tune with us and live for our happiness.  Responsible potbellied pig parents work hard to do the same for them.