Based on information collected over the last several years, it has been estimated that 95% of pet pigs are re-homed before their 1st birthday. Some of these pigs were re-homed because of zoning restrictions, which forbid them to live within city limits, this is something that we hope to change. Since the 1980s pet pigs have become almost as common as dogs but unfortunately city and homeowners association regulations have not caught up creating heartache for people who have opened their homes and their hearts to these special animals. Did you know that mini pigs aren’t new to the United States, but most ordinances were put into place long before they were? Terms like livestock or swine are used frequently to describe production pigs whereas mini pig has become an acceptable word used to describe the pigs frequently seen as pets. Mini is not a breed of pig, simply an adjective to differentiate between the farm pig and their cousin, the mini pig. Several breeds fit into this category such as potbellied pig, Kune-Kune and most importantly, the mixed breeds, which is what we see most nowadays. Essentially, “mini” doesn’t refer to the size a pig will be when grown, instead, it is a comparison and classification term as stated above. Most mini pigs will weigh somewhere between 80-200 pounds when fully grown. Maturity is sometime between 3-5 years old. A pig's size will change dramatically between birth and 5 years old in most cases. I believe that it is time for the city of Houston to set an example for other cities to follow and we should legalize the ownership of the following breeds of pigs and their crosses:

• the Vietnamese Potbelly Pig 
• The New Zealand Kunekune Pig 
• the Chinese Meishan Pig
• the Juliana Pig

This should be done by Instituting a licensing system that educates potential pet pig owners and prevents impulse buying that leads to pet pigs being abandoned at shelters because someone bit off more than they can chew. I believe that pet pigs can make excellent pets for those who are prepared to take care of them. and I believe that responsible pig parents should be able to own them no matter where they live. Also, I believe that by legalizing pet pigs new economic opportunities will be made available to the city due to new businesses that specifically service pet pigs and their owners.   Below I have included zoning packets that have made the case for pet pigs in other cities and towns across America as well as links to informative websites related to pet pigs.

Mini pig Zoning Packet​

Information Packet Regarding Potbellied Pigs​

Ross Mill Farm​

North American Pet Pig Association​

Mini Pig Info | Mini Pig Education