Welcome
Pigs as Pets - A New Platform Dedicated to Pet Pigs
and Pig Lovers
Pigs as Pets is excited to announce the launch of a new
platform dedicated to potbellied pigs, miniature pigs, and all
pig lovers. This specially designed website will be your go-to source for all pig
related information. The website’s content is structured in the form of
questions, mirroring the typical inquiries that pig owners have about the overall
care of their pigs.
The mission of Pigs as Pets is to preserve and protect the pet pig. Our website
seeks to provide a thorough, user friendly resource for pet pigs. It will offer
exclusive, valuable information about porcine behavior, diet, care, and health.
Pigs as Pets recognizes the close relationship between people and their pet pig
friends. We hope to foster a community of pig lovers who can interact and
develop a deeper appreciation for their pet pigs. The website will offer a wide
variety of information on pig diets, covering inquiries regarding the ideal food
selections, quantity sizes, unique dietary requirements, and more. Pig owners can make educated
decisions to make sure their pet pigs get the nutrition they need with the help of Dr. Carr.
It is also important to note that a pleasant home life with your pet pig depends on your understanding of
pig behavior. Pigs as Pets is an excellent resource for knowledge backed by experts in various porcine
behavior related topics, including training, socialization, aggressiveness, and more. Pig owners will have
access to plenty of knowledge and helpful advice to better understand the many sides of pig behavior.
Additionally, Pigs as Pets understands the value of keeping a pig’s general health in good condition. We
will address various pig health-related issues, such as preventative care, typical health problems, vaccines,
parasite control, and emergency preparedness. Users will have access to materials and articles written by
experts to assist them in providing proactive care for their pet pigs.
We are thrilled to debut this innovative platform, where pig lovers and owners can obtain trustworthy
information. By gaining knowledge and giving your pig the attention it deserves, we strengthen the
relationship between people and their pet pig friends, making their lives happier and healthier. Whether
you are an experienced pig lover or a first-time owner, this site is for you.
NAPPA’s Hope for Hooves Project
2022/2023
A Guide for Foster Pig Parents
This guide is designed to provide foster parents with a comprehensive overview of the NAPPA’s Hope for
Hooves Project. Along with information included in the foster pig packet, the guide is meant to be helpful
resource for foster parents and should answer many of the questions that may arise before and during
foster care. All information is subject to change.
A second chance is sometimes all we need. The same goes for pet pigs hoping to find a new loving home.
There are plenty of pigs longing for a new life and welcoming owners, so before you buy we should
remember that many of the sweetest and loving pigs are found in local rescues and should be considered
as your next foster pig. Our mission is to create the safety net these potbellied and miniature pigs need so
desperately.
Reason to Foster
Thank you for opening your heart and home to a homeless pig. Your generosity will provide young, old,
injured and abused and under socialized pigs a chance to grow or heal before finding their forever home.
Our hope for placing homeless pigs will save many pigs other wised homeless. The Hope for Hooves
Project plays an integral part in facilitating adoption of many pigs into forever homes. Fostering is a
wonderful experience for you and your family. You can feel good knowing you have helped enrich a pig’s
life. Even better, you’ve created space in the rescue to accommodate other homeless pigs. Foster pigs
provide hope. Your act of kindness is repaid in rewards that are beyond words.
How long are pigs in foster homes?
It depends on the pig and situation. The average stay in a foster home is about 1-2 years. However, pigs
recovering from an injury and seniors may stay much longer.
Can I adopt my foster pig?
YES! Foster parents have first choice to adopt their foster pig.
If I have my own animals, can I foster?
Yes, but keep in mind that it’s always a risk to expose your established animal to a foster pig due to being
prey and not adjusting to their surroundings.
What supplies are needed to foster?
Foster parents provide space, basic training, exercise, and love for the pig. Hope for Hooves will provide
food for the foster pig and give contact information on partnered veterinarians, vet access and list of
veterinarian colleges. We proudly have a sponsor to give feed to your foster pig. Always provide plenty of
clean fresh water!
Do I have to crate-train my foster pig?
Yes, it is one of the most efficient ways to house train a foster pig. Some pigs need to be trained to walk
into a crate. This is relatively easy to accomplish by putting a small amount of treats into crate. When the
pig walks into the crate, then secure the door behind them. Crates should never be used as punishment.
Stay calm, be patient and read about the 3-3-3 Rule
The 3 day, 3 week, 3 months Rule: In the first days, your foster pig will be overwhelmed with their new
surroundings. Let them walk up to you as they may be scared and unsure of what is going on.
After 3 weeks ,your foster pig will be settling in, feeling more comfortable, and realizing this will be their
safe home awaiting for their forever home. They have figured out their environment and have established
a routine that you have set. Behavior issues may start showing, this is your time to be a strong leader and
calmly show them what is right from wrong.
After 3 months, your foster pig is now completely comfortable in their home. You have built trust and true
bond with your foster pig, which gives them a complete sense of security with you.
The 3-3-3 Rule is a general guide. Every pig is unique and will adjust differently. Give your foster pig space
and allow them to go at his own pace.
How much time each day is needed to foster?
Commitment and responsibilities are requirement for fostering a pig. It is essential that foster parents
understand that a pig may be stressed and even emotional post transport from the rescue to the foster
home. Foster parents must be willing to be patent and commit to the pig because our goal is to keep
them in a stable and consistent environment. Create a routine that you set from day one.
Transporting your Foster Pig
The safest way to transport your pig is in a secure crate in the back of a SUV. The crate should be secured
so that it doesn’t tip over.
Harness Training
Harness training should not be attempted until your pig trusts you and is totally comfortable being
touched all over. During your touching sessions, try taking measurements of your pig’s neck and girth
with a cloth tape. This will be helpful when adjusting the harness (off the pig) before the initial fitting.
Take your time and be patient. Rub the harness on the pig’s body. Let your pig sniff and root the harness.
This is called desensitization.
Training Tip
We suggest positive, rewards based training for pigs. Increasing your foster pig’s basic-training skills has
many benefits. Not only will the future adopter appreciate these skills, but your foster pig will have better
manners when visiting a vet and you will have a much happier foster experience. Some basic training
cues that your foster pig should learn are: Sit, Come and Crate. These are very helpful in managing any
pig.
Your foster pig should be allowed to root in the soil and graze on the grass (not treated with chemicals or
fertilizers). Pigs are susceptible to selenium deficiency. If pigs are allowed to graze and root in the soil
they will get enough.
Do not feed dog or cat food (it is too high in protein). Never feed salty snacks. Never feed any pork or
pork products. Give plenty of fresh water, do not give in to begging.
Help us Legalize
Miniature Pigs as
Pets
CLICK HERE
click photos to enlarge
click photo to enlarge
Welcome
Pigs as Pets - A New Platform Dedicated to
Pet Pigs and Pig Lovers
Pigs as Pets is excited to announce the launch
of a new platform
dedicated to potbellied
pigs, miniature pigs,
and all pig lovers. This
specially designed
website will be your go-
to source for all pig
related information.
The website’s content is
structured in the form
of questions, mirroring
the typical inquiries that
pig owners have about
the overall care of their
pigs.
The mission of Pigs as
Pets is to preserve and
protect the pet pig. Our
website seeks to
provide a thorough,
user friendly resource
for pet pigs. It will offer
exclusive, valuable
information about porcine behavior, diet, care,
and health.
Pigs as Pets recognizes the close relationship
between people and their pet pig friends. We
hope to foster a community of pig lovers who
can interact and develop a deeper appreciation
for their pet pigs. The website will offer a wide
variety of information on pig diets, covering
inquiries regarding the ideal food selections,
quantity sizes, unique dietary requirements, and
more. Pig owners can make educated decisions
to make sure their pet pigs get the nutrition
they need with the help of Dr. Carr.
It is also important to note that a pleasant home
life with your pet pig depends on your
understanding of pig behavior. Pigs as Pets is
an excellent resource for knowledge backed by
experts in various porcine behavior related
topics, including training, socialization,
aggressiveness, and more. Pig owners will have
access to plenty of knowledge and helpful
advice to better understand the many sides of
pig behavior.
Additionally, Pigs as Pets understands the value
of keeping a pig’s general health in good
condition. We will address various pig health-
related issues, such as preventative care, typical
health problems, vaccines, parasite control, and
emergency preparedness. Users will have
access to materials and articles written by
experts to assist them in providing proactive
care for their pet pigs.
We are thrilled to debut this innovative
platform, where pig lovers and owners can
obtain trustworthy information. By gaining
knowledge and giving your pig the attention it
deserves, we strengthen the relationship
between people and their pet pig friends,
making their lives happier and healthier.
Whether you are an experienced pig lover or a
first-time owner, this site is for you.
NAPPA’s Hope for Hooves Project
2022/2023
A Guide for Foster Pig Parents
This guide is designed to provide foster parents
with a comprehensive overview of the NAPPA’s
Hope for Hooves Project. Along with
information included in the foster pig packet,
the guide is meant to be helpful resource for
foster parents and should answer many of the
questions that may arise before and during
foster care. All information is subject to change.
A second chance is sometimes all we need. The
same goes for pet pigs hoping to find a new
loving home. There are plenty of pigs longing
for a new life and welcoming owners, so before
you buy we should remember that many of the
sweetest and loving pigs are found in local
rescues and should be considered as your next
foster pig. Our mission is to create the safety
net these potbellied and miniature pigs need so
desperately.
Reason to Foster
Thank you for opening your heart and home to
a homeless pig. Your generosity will provide
young, old, injured and abused and under
socialized pigs a chance to grow or heal before
finding their forever home. Our hope for
placing homeless pigs will save many pigs other
wised homeless. The Hope for Hooves Project
plays an integral part in facilitating adoption of
many pigs into forever homes. Fostering is a
wonderful experience for you and your family.
You can feel good knowing you have helped
enrich a pig’s life. Even better, you’ve created
space in the rescue to accommodate other
homeless pigs. Foster pigs provide hope. Your
act of kindness is repaid in rewards that are
beyond words.
How long are pigs in foster homes?
It depends on the pig and situation. The
average stay in a foster home is about 1-2 years.
However, pigs recovering from an injury and
seniors may stay much longer.
Can I adopt my foster pig?
YES! Foster parents have first choice to adopt
their foster pig.
If I have my own animals, can I foster?
Yes, but keep in mind that it’s always a risk to
expose your established animal to a foster pig
due to being prey and not adjusting to their
surroundings.
What supplies are needed to foster?
Foster parents provide space, basic training,
exercise, and love for the pig. Hope for Hooves
will provide food for the foster pig and give
contact information on partnered veterinarians,
vet access and list of veterinarian colleges. We
proudly have a sponsor to give feed to your
foster pig. Always provide plenty of clean fresh
water!
Do I have to crate-train my foster pig?
Yes, it is one of the most efficient ways to house
train a foster pig. Some pigs need to be trained
to walk into a crate. This is relatively easy to
accomplish by putting a small amount of treats
into crate. When the pig walks into the crate,
then secure the door behind them. Crates
should never be used as punishment.
Stay calm, be patient and read about
the 3-3-3 Rule
The 3 day, 3 week, 3 months Rule: In the first
days, your foster pig will be overwhelmed with
their new surroundings. Let them walk up to
you as they may be scared and unsure of what
is going on.
After 3 weeks ,your foster pig will be settling in,
feeling more comfortable, and realizing this will
be their safe home awaiting for their forever
home. They have figured out their environment
and have established a routine that you have
set. Behavior issues may start showing, this is
your time to be a strong leader and calmly show
them what is right from wrong.
After 3 months, your foster pig is now
completely comfortable in their home. You
have built trust and true bond with your foster
pig, which gives them a complete sense of
security with you.
The 3-3-3 Rule is a general guide. Every pig is
unique and will adjust differently. Give your
foster pig space and allow them to go at his own
pace.
How much time each day is needed to
foster?
Commitment and responsibilities are
requirement for fostering a pig. It is essential
that foster parents understand that a pig may
be stressed and even emotional post transport
from the rescue to the foster home. Foster
parents must be willing to be patent and
commit to the pig because our goal is to keep
them in a stable and consistent environment.
Create a routine that you set from day one.
Transporting your Foster Pig
The safest way to transport your pig is in a
secure crate in the back of a SUV. The crate
should be secured so that it doesn’t tip over.
Harness Training
Harness training should not be attempted until
your pig trusts you and is totally comfortable
being touched all over. During your touching
sessions, try taking measurements of your pig’s
neck and girth with a cloth tape. This will be
helpful when adjusting the harness (off the pig)
before the initial fitting. Take your time and be
patient. Rub the harness on the pig’s body. Let
your pig sniff and root the harness. This is
called desensitization.
Training Tip
We suggest positive, rewards based training for
pigs. Increasing your foster pig’s basic-training
skills has many benefits. Not only will the future
adopter appreciate these skills, but your foster
pig will have better manners when visiting a vet
and you will have a much happier foster
experience. Some basic training cues that your
foster pig should learn are: Sit, Come and Crate.
These are very helpful in managing any pig.
Your foster pig should be allowed to root in the
soil and graze on the grass (not treated with
chemicals or fertilizers). Pigs are susceptible to
selenium deficiency. If pigs are allowed to graze
and root in the soil they will get enough.
Do not feed dog or cat food (it is too high in
protein). Never feed salty snacks. Never feed
any pork or pork products. Give plenty of fresh
water, do not give in to begging.
Help us Legalize
Miniature Pigs as
Pets
CLICK HERE
click photo to enlarge
click photos to enlarge