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www.pigplacementnetwork.org

1 Abbie Rogers, Pig Placement Network 2023

Finding a Veterinarian for Your Pig

Locating a vet:

These websites can help you identify veterinarians in your area that reportedly see pet pigs. Be sure to

call and confirm that this is the case. Be aware that these are only resources to help identify a willing

veterinarian and do not report the skill/comfort level of the doctor(s), so further research is needed.

MPI Vet Map

AMPA Vet Map (This site has separate icons for vets that offer lower cost spays and neuters)

Pig Vet Directory Google Doc (Pig Vets and Farriers Facebook Group)

Other resources for finding a vet

Questions to ask the vet:

 Does the vet see pet pigs? If it is a multi-vet practice, do all vets there see pigs, or do

you need to schedule to see one vet in particular? What do they charge for a basic

exam?

o Some large animal vets will see farm pigs, but not pet pigs. Vets who see

“exotics” will often see pet pigs, but not always.

o Make sure that there are no weight limits on the pigs they will see, especially if

you have a pig who is under 5 years old and still growing. You want a vet you can

use throughout your pig’s lifespan!

 What is the vet’s experience with pet pigs? How many pig patients have they seen and

are pet pigs a regular part of their practice? Can they connect you with pig clients as

references?

 Does the vet offer house/farm calls? If so, what is their service radius? What do they

charge for a farm call?

 Does the vet perform hoof and tusk trims? Can they do this during a routine

appointment? How do they approach restraint? Is sedation necessary (and if so, what is

their sedation protocol)? What do they charge for trims?

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2 Abbie Rogers, Pig Placement Network 2023

 What is the vet’s pig vaccination protocol?

o This may vary by region and your pig’s age, health, and living situation. Common

vaccines include Erysipelas and Rabies (yes, pigs can get rabies, and it is a fatal

disease; the vaccine is off-label for pigs but is still frequently recommended).

o Leptospirosis and parvo vaccines are primarily used for breeding females, though

the Leptospirosis vaccine may be given to pet pigs where the disease is common

(like in Hawaii). Reactions, usually only mild, are more common with

Leptospirosis vaccination.

o Most vaccines require an initial booster shot, and then are given on a yearly

basis. Rabies vaccinations need to be boostered every year in pigs.

o Some people choose to stop vaccinating their pigs once they become seniors.

This decision should be made in conjunction with your veterinarian.

 What is the vet’s deworming protocol? Pigs may need regular deworming to keep them

parasite-free and healthy. Some vets recommend deworming twice a year (often with

ivermectin and/or fenbendazole), while others prefer to base the decision to deworm

on history, physical exam, and fecal testing.

 What is the vet’s experience with surgery on pigs? Do they spay and neuter pigs? Are

there any restrictions, such as weight limits, that might exclude your pig? What is their

anesthesia protocol?

o Overweight pigs may not be good surgical candidates until they slim down, so

discuss your pig’s weight with the vet before scheduling a surgical procedure.

o All surgery, including neuters, should be done with anesthesia, in a sterile

environment (not a “farm neuter!”)

o Because of the possible risks of anesthesia in pigs, it is generally best to avoid

sedation for routine and non-painful procedures such as hoof and (basic) tusk

trims. If possible, use a safe restraint technique instead.

 Does the vet allow the owner to stay with their pig during exams and procedures?

o Check to see if you can stay with your pig at all times during the exam/procedure

(or at least be able to watch). Do be aware that in some cases, such as when

inducing anesthesia before surgery, a pig may be more stressed by their person’s

presence. Pigs can smell our emotions, so if you become upset by seeing your pig

stressed or restrained, it may be best for you to leave the room to avoid making

things worse.

 What would the vet do if bitten by an animal in their care? Does the practice have a

protocol for this?

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3 Abbie Rogers, Pig Placement Network 2023

 Does the vet offer emergency services? Are they available evenings and weekends?

What do they charge for emergency appointments? If they are not available for

emergencies, where do they recommend you take your pig during off hours if needed?

 Where does the vet recommend you take your pig for procedures beyond their

comfort/experience level?

o Find out if there a university vet hospital or specialist clinic in your area with pig

experience.

 Does the vet have any plans to retire soon? Can they recommend another vet who sees

pigs as a back-up in case they are unavailable?

Other Tips:

Take your pig to the vet you are considering for a routine exam. This should be done well

before your pig is sick. Evaluate the vet’s bedside manner and how they handle and interact

with your pig. Does the vet listen to you and answer your questions? Are they open to learning

and do they admit what they don’t know?

Plan ahead before your vet appointment, and work with your pig to prepare them for the visit.

Consider the steps of taking your pig to the vet. How will you transport them? Get them used to

traveling in a carrier, especially if they are not harness-trained. A solid plastic carrier is

preferable to a wire crate. Wire cages are generally flimsier, plus pigs may be more scared if they can

see what’s going on, and they can catch their hooves and injure themselves. Do NOT bring your pet pig

loose in the vehicle unless they are WELL harness-trained. Pigs are prey animals who will choose to flee

if scared. There are obvious dangers to getting loose in a parking lot or even within the building, and

other animals like dogs may complicate the problem.

Acclimate your pig to being handled and touched all over their body, including face, ears,

hooves, etc., to prepare them for a physical examination. Your pig should also be comfortable

with vigorous scratching on their hindquarters, neck, and behind the ears (something a vet may

do when giving your pig an injection).

Ask the vet if they have sorting boards and a cart to transport the pig (inside their carrier) to an

exam room if they are too heavy to carry. Ask if they have rubber mats or other surfaces to

keep the pig from slipping on a smooth floor. If they don’t have these supplies, make sure to

bring them with you (a yoga mat or non-skid bath mat can make a good surface for your pig to

stand on). You may want to bring some small treats, but avoid this if your pig gets overly pushy

or worked up over food; you want to keep this experience as calm as possible.