Welcome
to pigsaspets.org
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!
Who We Are
Pigs as Pets is all volunteers. We are dedicated to serving the people and pet pigs as a pet in the United
States. Pigs as Pets vision is……
The primary objectives and purpose of PAP shall be: To provide advocacy , action, and necessary support
towards attaining the best quality for pigs as pets, to supply education about the pig as pets to current pig
owners, prospective pig owners, the general public, and community partners, to give back to the needs of
the community through services provided by PAP and collaborations with PAP, with the best practices in
pig husbandry such as behavior, housing requirements, feed recommendations, seeking veterinary care,
and to continuously enhance the support to meet these objectives and purposes.
What We Do
We work around the country to help protect pigs as pets, we are in collaborating with Pet Advocacy
Network and a vast coalition of others to ensure that animal welfare legislation is put into place
throughout the country.
States to contact for statewide support as a bill allowing pigs as a pet:
•
Alabama
•
Alaska
•
Arizona – contact first
•
Arkansas
•
California- contact last
•
Connecticut
•
Delaware
•
Florida
•
Idaho- contact second
•
Indiana
•
Iowa
•
Kansas
•
Kentucky
•
Louisiana
•
Maine
•
Maryland
•
Massachusetts
•
Missouri
•
Montana
•
Nebraska
•
Nevada- contact third
•
New Hampshire
•
New Jersey
•
New Mexico
•
New York
•
North Carolina
•
Ohio
•
Oregon
•
Pennsylvania
•
Rhode Island
•
South Carolina
•
South Dakota
•
Texas
•
Utah
•
Vermont
•
Virginia
•
Washington D.C
•
Washington
•
West Virginia
•
Wisconsin
•
Wyoming
Our goal is to reclassify pigs as pets from livestock to companion animals in states that don’t recognize
them as pets. The importance of allowing pet pigs as pets: Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and miniature pigs
are native to Southeast Asia and since 1985 have been imported into the United States as pets. They are
highly intelligent, social and playful who require mental stimulation and an appropriate living environment
for optimal well-being. Municipal zoning laws were usually created to delineate urban from rural areas to
protect citizens from nuisance. They were created long before the advent of pet pig ownership in the
United States and do not reflect the reality of the proliferation of companion pigs in recent years. With pig
rescues at maximum capacity pet pigs are often abandoned or destroyed. It is the view of Pigs as Pets that
action to create protection for pet pigs and their loving families is long overdue. The first and foremost
concern should be the safety of the pet pig. A secondary concern should be the right of the pet pig
owners to be secure in their ownership of their companion animal.
Take action for pigs as pets in your state. Talk to your state legislators about passing laws to recognize
pigs as pets and regulations to protect them! In order to address these concerns we respectfully request
you contact your State Representatives with the following:
• {The Ask:} Please consider supporting legislation that would allow the statewide keeping of these type of
pigs as pets.
• Currently, pet pigs are not considered as pets in state of XXX. An estimated amount of pigs in
households in the state of XXX.
Steps to take for reclassifying pet pigs as pets:
• Please contact your State Affairs led by your state director, partnered with elected officials, law
enforcements….. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/state-affairs
• Once you talk with your state director ask them to help with reclassifying pigs as pets in upcoming
session. They have the ability to give you contact name of State Rep in your state to ask them to sponsor a
potential bill.
• Write an email message to state reps with similar message.
• If you don’t choose to call your state representative – send a letter such as the following:
Dear ______ ,
My name is XXX. I am writing on behalf of the North American Pet Pig Association (NAPPA) to consider
supporting legislation that would allow the statewide keeping of Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and miniature
pigs as a pet. Currently, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and miniature pigs are not allowed as a pet in some
states. The Importance of Allowing Pigs as Pets: I am writing today to ask for your support about recognizing
them as a pet. Current laws treat all pigs as livestock, a situation that does not reflect the real differences
between species suited for companionship and domestic residence and their much larger cousins (farm
livestock). By enacting thoughtful regulations, xxx (state) can ensure that its citizens are educated and
equipped to keep Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and miniature pigs as animal companions. I look forward to
hearing from you. Thank you.
Sincerely,
xxxx
• Many pet pig owners are forced to fight their municipal Government or surrender them to pig
sanctuaries or pig rescues.
• Additionally, pig rescues are inundated with full-sized Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and miniature pigs
who have been surrendered after the owners could no longer care for them.
• Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and miniature pigs are native to Southeast Asia and since 1985 have
imported into the United States as pets.
• They are highly intelligent and playful who require mental stimulation and an appropriate living
environment for optimal well-being. As Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and miniature pigs have become
widely accepted as pets, many towns, cities and municipalities throughout the United States have enacted
laws to permit the keeping of Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs as miniature pigs as pets.
• They have the ability to form bonds with their humans and are very affectionate and playful. Each has
their own unique personalities.
• They can indeed make great pets for the right people with the right expectations.
Summary:
Our goal is to reclassify Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and miniature pigs from livestock to companion pets
and allow them to live with their families in cities and towns. The definition from zoo: These population
are bred and raised under human control for many generations and are substantially altered as a group in
appearance or behavior. Examples include potbellied pigs, ferrets, turkeys, canaries, domestic pigeons,
budgerigars, goldfish, silkworms, dogs, cats, sheep, chickens, llamas and guinea pigs. When classified as
an exotic animal many cities and towns refuse these categories and the potbellied pig ultimately end up in
a sanctuary or is euthanized. Potbellied pigs and miniature pigs as pets can be a delight to have around
your home. They make good pets and easy to care for as well. I would hope that everyone has educated
themselves in the difference of potbellied pigs, miniature pigs and farm livestock. They are intelligent,
readily trained, affectionate, curious, playful, clean, generally quiet, odor free and usually non-allergenic.
Many owners consider their pigs’ an integral part of the family and involve them in all activities. The pot-
bellied pigs and miniature pigs do not have sweat glands and therefore no odor. They are easily trained
and housebroken like dogs and cats.
Help us Legalize
Miniature Pigs as
Pets
CLICK HERE
click photos to enlarge
click photo to enlarge
Welcome
to pigsaspets.org
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!
Who We Are
Pigs as Pets is all volunteers. We are dedicated
to serving the people and pet pigs as a pet in
the United States. Pigs as Pets vision is……
The primary objectives and purpose of PAP shall
be: To provide advocacy , action, and necessary
support towards attaining the best quality for
pigs as pets, to supply education about the pig
as pets to current pig owners, prospective pig
owners, the general public, and community
partners, to give back to the needs of the
community through services provided by PAP
and collaborations with PAP, with the best
practices in pig husbandry such as behavior,
housing requirements, feed recommendations,
seeking veterinary care, and to continuously
enhance the support to meet these objectives
and purposes.
What We Do
We work around the country to help protect
pigs as pets, we are in collaborating with Pet
Advocacy Network and a vast coalition of others
to ensure that animal welfare legislation is put
into place throughout the country.
States to contact for statewide support as a bill
allowing pigs as a pet:
•
Alabama
•
Alaska
•
Arizona – contact first
•
Arkansas
•
California- contact last
•
Connecticut
•
Delaware
•
Florida
•
Idaho- contact second
•
Indiana
•
Iowa
•
Kansas
•
Kentucky
•
Louisiana
•
Maine
•
Maryland
•
Massachusetts
•
Missouri
•
Montana
•
Nebraska
•
Nevada- contact third
•
New Hampshire
•
New Jersey
•
New Mexico
•
New York
•
North Carolina
•
Ohio
•
Oregon
•
Pennsylvania
•
Rhode Island
•
South Carolina
•
South Dakota
•
Texas
•
Utah
•
Vermont
•
Virginia
•
Washington D.C
•
Washington
•
West Virginia
•
Wisconsin
•
Wyoming
Our goal is to reclassify pigs as pets from
livestock to companion animals in states that
don’t recognize them as pets. The importance
of allowing pet pigs as pets: Vietnamese pot-
bellied pigs and miniature pigs are native to
Southeast Asia and since 1985 have been
imported into the United States as pets. They
are highly intelligent, social and playful who
require mental stimulation and an appropriate
living environment for optimal well-being.
Municipal zoning laws were usually created to
delineate urban from rural areas to protect
citizens from nuisance. They were created long
before the advent of pet pig ownership in the
United States and do not reflect the reality of
the proliferation of companion pigs in recent
years. With pig rescues at maximum capacity
pet pigs are often abandoned or destroyed. It is
the view of Pigs as Pets that action to create
protection for pet pigs and their loving families
is long overdue. The first and foremost concern
should be the safety of the pet pig. A secondary
concern should be the right of the pet pig
owners to be secure in their ownership of their
companion animal.
Take action for pigs as pets in your state. Talk to
your state legislators about passing laws to
recognize pigs as pets and regulations to
protect them! In order to address these
concerns we respectfully request you contact
your State Representatives with the following:
• {The Ask:} Please consider supporting
legislation that would allow the statewide
keeping of these type of pigs as pets.
• Currently, pet pigs are not considered as pets
in state of XXX. An estimated amount of pigs in
households in the state of XXX.
Steps to take for reclassifying pet pigs as
pets:
• Please contact your State Affairs led by your
state director, partnered with elected officials,
law enforcements…..
https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/state
-affairs
• Once you talk with your state director ask
them to help with reclassifying pigs as pets in
upcoming session. They have the ability to give
you contact name of State Rep in your state to
ask them to sponsor a potential bill.
• Write an email message to state reps with
similar message.
• If you don’t choose to call your state
representative – send a letter such as the
following:
Dear ______ ,
My name is XXX. I am writing on behalf of the
North American Pet Pig Association (NAPPA) to
consider supporting legislation that would
allow the statewide keeping of Vietnamese
pot-bellied pigs and miniature pigs as a pet.
Currently, Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and
miniature pigs are not allowed as a pet in
some states. The Importance of Allowing Pigs
as Pets: I am writing today to ask for your
support about recognizing them as a pet.
Current laws treat all pigs as livestock, a
situation that does not reflect the real
differences between species suited for
companionship and domestic residence and
their much larger cousins (farm livestock). By
enacting thoughtful regulations, xxx (state)
can ensure that its citizens are educated and
equipped to keep Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs
and miniature pigs as animal companions. I
look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.
Sincerely,
xxxx
• Many pet pig owners are forced to fight their
municipal Government or surrender them to pig
sanctuaries or pig rescues.
• Additionally, pig rescues are inundated with
full-sized Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and
miniature pigs who have been surrendered
after the owners could no longer care for them.
• Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and miniature
pigs are native to Southeast Asia and since 1985
have imported into the United States as pets.
• They are highly intelligent and playful who
require mental stimulation and an appropriate
living environment for optimal well-being. As
Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs and miniature pigs
have become widely accepted as pets, many
towns, cities and municipalities throughout the
United States have enacted laws to permit the
keeping of Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs as
miniature pigs as pets.
• They have the ability to form bonds with their
humans and are very affectionate and playful.
Each has their own unique personalities.
• They can indeed make great pets for the right
people with the right expectations.
Summary:
Our goal is to reclassify Vietnamese pot-bellied
pigs and miniature pigs from livestock to
companion pets and allow them to live with
their families in cities and towns. The definition
from zoo: These population are bred and raised
under human control for many generations and
are substantially altered as a group in
appearance or behavior. Examples include
potbellied pigs, ferrets, turkeys, canaries,
domestic pigeons, budgerigars, goldfish,
silkworms, dogs, cats, sheep, chickens, llamas
and guinea pigs. When classified as an exotic
animal many cities and towns refuse these
categories and the potbellied pig ultimately end
up in a sanctuary or is euthanized. Potbellied
pigs and miniature pigs as pets can be a delight
to have around your home. They make good
pets and easy to care for as well. I would hope
that everyone has educated themselves in the
difference of potbellied pigs, miniature pigs and
farm livestock. They are intelligent, readily
trained, affectionate, curious, playful, clean,
generally quiet, odor free and usually non-
allergenic. Many owners consider their pigs’ an
integral part of the family and involve them in
all activities. The pot-bellied pigs and miniature
pigs do not have sweat glands and therefore no
odor. They are easily trained and housebroken
like dogs and cats.
Help us Legalize
Miniature Pigs as
Pets
CLICK HERE
click photo to enlarge
click photos to enlarge