So… you’re thinking about getting a pig. Maybe you’ve fallen down the rabbit hole of adorable piglet videos on TikTok or met a mini pig in person and thought, “OMG, I need one.” I get it. Pigs are incredibly smart, quirky, and full of personality—but they’re also a lot.
Before jumping into pig parenthood, here are five honest questions to ask yourself to make sure a pet pig is the right fit for your life (and home).
1. Can you handle a pet that’s more like a toddler than a dog?
Pigs aren’t like dogs. They’re more like very clever toddlers with strong opinions and an uncanny ability to find the one thing you don’t want them to mess with.
🧠 Pigs need structure, boundaries, and consistent leadership—or they’ll run the house.
🐽 They can be stubborn, emotional, and sensitive to change. They’ll act out if they don’t trust you as a leader.
💭 Ask yourself: Am I patient enough to teach, lead, and grow with a pet that challenges me?
What you can do if you're feeling overwhelmed by their pig’s intelligence + stubbornness:
👉 Set up a 3-minute training session each day using high-value treats (e.g., Cheerios or blueberries). Start with simple behaviors like “sit” and “spin.”
👉 Use positive reinforcement only—clicker or marker word + treat. Keep sessions fun and short.
👉 Rotate 2–3 puzzle feeders or enrichment toys to mentally stimulate their pig (like snuffle mats or treat balls).
2. Do you have the right space for a pig—indoors and out?
Pigs aren’t meant to live in crates or tiny apartments 24/7. They thrive with access to places to root (like dirt and grass, not your rug) and safe outdoor areas to explore.
🌱 Rooting is a natural behavior that won’t go away—pigs (even pet pigs) need a healthy outlet.
🏡 If you’re in an HOA, rental, or city ordinance area, make sure pigs are even allowed.
💭 Ask yourself: Can I create a pig-safe space where they can root, play, and nap without destroying my stuff?
What to do if you're struggling to pig-proof your home:
👉 Create a “yes zone” where rooting is allowed—like a box of blankets, a root bin filled with plastic balls or rocks, or a dig box with treats.
👉 Block off unsafe areas with baby gates or pens. Pigs can open cabinets—add child locks!
👉 Do a 15-minute Piggy Safety Check: Look for cords, small items, or food within reach of snouts.
3. Are you ready for a long-term commitment?
Mini pigs can live 12–20 years. That’s a big promise. They’re not a trendy pet to try out and rehome later.
🐖 As pigs grow (yes, even “mini” pigs get relatively big), their needs and behaviors change, just like people.
🐾 They bond deeply with their humans. Being rehomed is extremely stressful for them.
💭 Ask yourself: Am I ready to commit to my pig for the next 15+ years?
4. Do you have access to a pig-savvy vet?
Finding a vet who sees mini pigs isn’t as easy as calling your local animal clinic. Not all vets are trained in pig care.
-
🏥 Emergencies happen. You don’t want to scramble to find care when your pig is sick.
-
💉 Routine care like vaccinations, hoof trims, and spaying/neutering is essential.
💭 Ask yourself: Have I researched local vets who will treat pigs, and can I afford regular care?
PRO TIP: Google “livestock vet near me” or “large animal vet near me” to find a local vet that sees pigs.
Here's what you can do if you're worried about vet care or not having a pig-savvy vet:
👉 Use Google or vet directories to call three local clinics and ask: “Do you treat mini pigs for wellness and emergencies?”
👉 Print and fill out a Pig Health Binder page: record weight, vaccines, spay/neuter info, and any health concerns.
👉 Practice crating or car rides weekly so your pig doesn’t panic during vet visits.
Keywords: is a pet pig right for me, should I get a pet pig, what to know before getting a pig, pet pig pros and cons, mini pig ownership, are pigs good pets, owning a pig as a pet, new pig owner tips, things to consider before getting a pet pig, what to expect with a pet pig, challenges of owning a mini pig, how to know if a pig is the right pet for you, first-time pig owner guide
5. Are you okay with a pet that doesn't stay tiny?
Here’s the truth: there’s no such thing as a “teacup pig.” That’s just a misleading marketing term used by unethical pig breeders. Most mini pigs grow to 90–160 lbs. They don’t stay the size of a French bulldog forever.
📏 Growth happens gradually over 3–5 years. That baby-sized piglet won’t stay tiny for long.
💖 Even full-grown pigs can be loving, cuddly, and sweet—but only if you know what to expect.
💭 Ask yourself: Am I okay with my pig growing up, getting big, and still being part of the family?
What You Can do if you're concerned about size, time, and long-term needs
👉 Weigh your pig once a month and record it on a chart. Use this to adjust feeding and track healthy growth.
👉 Make a daily routine chart: meals, outdoor rooting time, training time, cuddle time. (This helps you as much as it helps them!)
👉 Journal or voice-note why you chose a pig—revisit it when the going gets tough. Reconnect with your “why.”
Final Thoughts: Pigs Aren’t for Everyone—And That’s Okay
Pigs are incredibly rewarding if you’re the right person for them. They’ll teach you patience, presence, and how to live with your heart wide open. But they’ll also test your limits.
If you’ve asked yourself these five questions and still feel excited (and ready) to welcome a pig into your home, you might be the right kind of person to own a pig as a pet. 🐷❤️
Additional Resources
- Facebook Groups – Getting in touch with other new pig parents is always helpful! There are a ton of new pig parents who get answered on Facebook all the time.
- AMPA Website
- Pet Pig Podcast
