Thinking of Getting a Pet Pig? What to Check Before You Buy

Pigs are easy to fall for and hard to keep well. Animal welfare guidance is openly cautious about pigs as pets, so before you look at piglets it is worth knowing what you would be committing to: for how long, at what size, and under which legal obligations.

The RSPCA's starting position

The RSPCA says: “We're concerned about the welfare of pigs when they're kept as pets, as it can be challenging to look after them properly,” and urges anyone considering one to research their needs thoroughly. It adds that while some pigs have a very good temperament, others should be handled with care. (RSPCA, pigs.)

How long and how big

The RSPCA says pigs typically live five to ten years, though some reach 25. Even miniature breeds, such as Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, grow to 35–70kg, and standard breeds can reach 200–300kg or more if overfed. Whatever a seller tells you about a “mini” pig, plan for an adult of that weight; see are teacup pigs real?. Size the space for it with the pig pen size calculator.

Other sources are more generous about lifespan. Every Pig Rescue Service says well cared for pigs can live up to 20 years or sometimes longer and calls owning them a lifetime commitment, and the Smithsonian's National Zoo gives 15–20 years for kunekunes. The sources differ, so plan for the long end. See kunekune, pot-bellied or farm breed? for sizes by type.

Get at least two

The RSPCA says you should allow for at least two pigs that get on well to live together, because pigs are social herd animals. That doubles the feed and vet costs from day one; see do pigs need a companion?.

Legal steps before the pigs arrive (England)

GOV.UK is specific. Before you get a pig you must get a county parish holding (CPH) number from the Rural Payments Agency for the land and buildings where you'll keep it, and register as a pig keeper with APHA to get a herd mark, which must be on the ear tag, tattoo or slap mark you use to identify the pig before it moves. You must report any movement through eAML2, and keep a holding register of all movements for three years after you stop keeping pigs. To walk a pig off your premises you need an annual licence from APHA. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ; see our legal guide. (GOV.UK.)

Two more rules matter when you collect a pig. The RSPCA says you need a licence to move pigs to other premises, after which they can't be moved again for at least 20 days, and that it is illegal to transport pet pigs in a vehicle not properly constructed to carry them, including a car. Arrange proper transport and the licence before you go, and see pig health and vet care. (RSPCA, laws on keeping pigs.)

What people underestimate

Every Pig Rescue Service says renters need landlord approval and should check property deeds for restrictions on fencing and shelters, and that you should check local authority rules on construction. It says rehoming often follows noise or smell complaints from unhappy neighbours, and that horses nearby can be frightened by pigs. It lists the costs as land, fencing maintenance, bedding, food, vet care, enrichment toys, a wallow and transport, and says there is always some financial outlay (initial considerations). It also notes that on a pig's death you must use an approved transporter to an approved disposal facility, and that applying for a movement licence needs your CPH number, herd mark and the addresses of the pig's current and future homes (documentation).

Questions to ask a seller

These are our suggestions rather than a published standard, but they follow from the sources on this page:

• What did the parents weigh as adults, and how big do you expect this pig to get?
• How are the pigs being fed? A breeder who tells you to feed less than a growing pig needs is describing underfeeding.
• Does the pig have identification and the paperwork for a legal movement?
• Can you take at least two pigs that already get on?
• Which vet do you use, and does anyone near me treat pigs?
• Which mange, worm and mite treatments have the pigs had, what is their erysipelas vaccination history, and what treatments are due next? (The British Kunekune Pig Society suggests asking this.)
• Can I meet the piglets' parents? (Also suggested by the society.)

Add up the cost first

Feed is the big recurring cost, and you can't legally reduce it with kitchen scraps. Run the numbers in plan my setup and read what it costs to keep a pig.

Sources: RSPCA, “Pigs”, “Caring for pet pigs” and “Laws on keeping pigs”; GOV.UK, “Keeping a pet pig or micropig”. Every Pig Rescue Service, “Initial considerations” and “Documentation”; British Kunekune Pig Society, “Buying Kunekune”; Smithsonian's National Zoo, kunekune pig. Sources checked: September 2026. General information, not legal advice.

Common questions

How long do pet pigs live?

The RSPCA says the lifespan of pigs is typically five to ten years, though some reach 25, and that even miniature breeds such as Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs grow to 35 to 70 kg, while standard breeds can reach 200 to 300 kg or more if overfed.

Does the RSPCA recommend pigs as pets?

It says it is concerned about the welfare of pigs when they are kept as pets, as it can be challenging to look after them properly, and urges prospective owners to research their needs thoroughly.

What do I need to do legally before getting a pig in England?

GOV.UK says you must get a county parish holding (CPH) number for your premises and register as a pig keeper with APHA to get a herd mark, which must be on the ear tag, tattoo or slap mark used to identify the pig before it moves. You must report movements through eAML2 and keep a holding register for three years after you stop keeping pigs.

How many pigs should I get?

The RSPCA says to allow for at least two pigs that get on well to live together, because pigs are social herd animals.

What should I ask a breeder?

The British Kunekune Pig Society suggests asking about mange, worm and mite treatments already given, vaccination history for erysipelas and future treatment schedules, and meeting the piglets' parents. It also says registered pedigree pigs must be ear tagged by the breeder before they leave.