Potbelly Pigs are cute, highly intelligent and filled with personality. It's not surprising that many people find the desire to bring one of these amazing animals into their home. Don't rush into it however, owning a potbellied pig is a tremendous responsibility. You are only doing yourself and the pig that you adopt a disservice if you decide to adopt one before considering the amount of time and energy that you will need to invest in one of these handsome creatures. If you are considering adopting a potbelly you should read this article first to determine if your home is a good one for these amazing pets.

Initial Cost
When considering the purchase of a potbellied pig it is best to avoid bargain hunting. A potbellied pig can live as long as fifteen years, that's quite a long time, so make your investment wisely with the best available breeder rather than the cheapest. Also realize that each breeder will have their own individual pricing policies. Generally breeders who are dedicated to producing quality pigs demand a higher price because of the higher price involved in creating them in the first place. Paying a higher price for a piglet who has been registered, vaccinated, socialized and properly cared for from birth by a reputable breeder will be well worth the extra investment.

Costs Of Maintaining Your Potbelly
The initial investment is not the only cost to consider when purchasing your new pet. The piglet you take into your home will require proper care in terms of both food and health care (vaccinations, wormings, tusk and hoof trimmings, etc.). Furthermore, don't forget the cost of spaying or neutering your new piglet. You'll also want to provide a bed, a harness, leash and feeding bowls. After establishing the cost of properly caring for your pig in addition to the initial adoption cost you will be better able to accurately forecast what you can expect to spend for your new addition. Now is the time to be honest with yourself about whether you are willing and able to afford the cost of a new pig.

Are You Responsible Enough?
In addition to the costs involved, the amount of responsibility that you must have to deal with a high maintenance pet like a potbelly pig can be overwhelming. There is no doubt that there is nothing cuter than a brand new baby potbellied pig, but is that enough for you to maintain this commitment? Owning a pig can be either the beginning of a wonderful love affair with your animal or an overwhelming responsibility for which you are not adequately prepared. Since this will be a long term relationship, you should ask yourself a few serious questions to determine if you are ready and able to become a potbellied pig owner.

• Knowledge: Have I done adequate research to ensure that I know what I am getting into? Have I found out enough information about the pig's temperament, the eventual size of the animal, training methods, daily care needed, health care problems, amount of space required that will adequately allow me to judge if a pig is the right pet for me?

• Costs: Can I afford to take good care of my pig? Can I afford food, veterinarian costs, maintenance and supplies for my pig? If I leave and have to board the pig, can I afford that additional expense?

• Time: Do I have the necessary amount of time to dedicate to the training of my pig? Am I gone too much to spend enough time with my new pet or will I be around when I am needed? When I leave who will watch over the pig?

• Space: Will a pig fit into my lifestyle and my home? Do I have adequate space in my house? Will my pig have the freedom to roam outside when the weather is appropriate? If my pig is outside, do I have the proper fencing to make sure the pig doesn't wander off? Will my pig have his/her own personal space in the house? In the yard?

• Laws: Does my community have restrictions concerning potbellied pigs as pets? What are those restrictions?

Final Considerations
Adopting any pet is a big decision, as it should be, and a potbelly pig is no different. Should you have reservations about adopting a potbellied pig then you probably are not ready. Remember the feeling of newness will wear off. You need to be sure that you are up to the task of caring for your pig even when he/she is getting into chaos day in and day out. It is irresponsible to adopt a pet only to bring it to a shelter later because you found out the responsibility was not what you were looking for. Be prepared to work to take care of your new animal. If you have the time, patience and finances available to take care of a new pig in addition to the eagerness then perhaps a pig is the right pet for you.

A Pig IS Right For Me!
So you've decided that a pig does fit into your lifestyle, you have the space, and you can afford the time and costs of owning a pig. Great! So now what? You need to find yourself a breeder, shelter or rescue where you can get your new animal. When you do find that breeder be sure to talk to them and ask lots of questions. There are no stupid questions when adopting an animal for the first time, not asking something you don't know about, now that's stupid. Conscientious breeders will eagerly and openly offer the information you need to properly care for your new pet. You can find breeders at pig shows as well as by contacting NAPPA for information and recommendations.

It goes without saying that you should only adopt a piglet from a responsible and respected source. The risk is too great to your family to deal with a source (whether a breeder, rescue or shelter) that is in question. Responsible breeders are concerned with the betterment of the breed and not only interested in financial gain. A good breeder will breed only healthy and happy piglets, both physically and mentally.

If you adopt a pig from a breeder be sure to screen them carefully. Visit their home and see how they take care of their piglets, check out the piglet's parents if possible. Notice how the pigs and the breeder interact with each other. Examine the other pigs as well for signs of sickness, trauma or mistreatment. If any pig in the household seems afraid of the breeder or shys away, that should be a red flag for you to move on. Conversely you should be aware that a good breeder will be screening you at the same time. Afterall, you will be adopting one of their babies and it's never easy to give up an animal that you feel an attachment to.

Special thanks to Janie and the NAPPA (North American Potbellied Pig Association) for their permission to use this valuable information. Check out their website for tons more information on Potbellied Pigs and what you can expect from owning a pig as a pet.

The North American Potbellied Pig Association is the oldest potbellied pig service organization in the United States. NAPPA's mission is to protect and preserve the potbellied pig as a pet along with educating the pet pig owner. If you have any questions about your potbellied pig please visit their website and use the contact information there to get in touch.

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