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Farm Animals as Pets

Keeping pigs as pets

We're concerned about the welfare of pigs when they're kept as pets, as it can be challenging to look after them properly due to the difficulties of meeting their very specific needs. Like farmed pigs, there are also strict laws concerning their diet, identification and movement. 

A pot-bellied pig named Chuck at Block Fen Animal Centre. because his owner couldn't look after him.

If you're thinking about keeping a pig as a pet, we urge you to find out as much as possible about their needs and whether it's a realistic pet for you.

Here are some of the reasons why pigs make challenging pets:

  • Size - piglets may look cute, but even miniature breeds (such as the Vietnamese pot-bellied pig) soon grow up to weigh anywhere from 35 to 70kg (and even over 150kg if they're overfed). Other breeds will grow as large as a commercially farmed pig - 200 to 300kg, sometimes more.
  • Lifespan - the average lifespan of these breeds is five to ten years, although some can live up to 25 years.
  • Temperament - while some pigs have a very good temperament, others should be handled with care. 

Here are other important considerations if you're thinking about/already keeping pigs:

To find out more about pet pigs and our thoughts on micro and mini pigs, as well as Defra's guidance on keeping a pet pig or 'micropig'.

Find out more