Many people are becoming interested in owning a pig as a pet which is why it is important to learn about the rules in owning one!
How to get a pig license? For UK, you must first be registered as a “pig keeper” at DEFRA (The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs). Afterwards, you will need to get a county parish holding (CPH) number from the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). Finally, inform the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
For USA, you may follow the same procedures. You can go to the nearest county licensing departments to get your pig registered. Steps may differ depending on your area.
Here is a detailed post on how to get your CPH number: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-land-you-use-to-keep-livestock#register-to-record-and-report
You will also need a license for WALKING your pig.
For the walking license, you will only have to contact your local Animal Health Office (AHO). Your routine needs to be approved.
In case your application is declined, it means they probably determined that there is a possible risk (not limited to health risks) that could pose a problem for you and your pig.
A walking license needs to be renewed manually in case it gets approved.
Registration procedure can also be done over the phone for some cases and you will be provided with the details that you need to take note of.
After following the steps above and exchanging required information, you might be asked to wait for the meantime to get verified.
The waiting period is necessary as they will review the given details and determine the possible risks as there are several factors that they need to consider.
Once everything is approved and ready, you will receive a herd mark which is a unique code and vital to your pig’s registration. You will receive the documentation through your local animal health office.
If you purchase from a breeder, there’s a high chance that your pig will arrive licensed plus spayed and neutered. You will receive the legal documentations and the only thing you are left to handle is renewing the license manually.
Now, it does seem like a chore to get your pig registered and you may wonder why it is required to do so.
THE IMPORTANCE OF REGISTERING YOUR PIG
The main purpose of registering pigs regardless if they are pets or not is for disease prevention. Owning a pig has become very strict due to the high risk of exposure to contagious zoonotic diseases.
A zoonotic diseases are sicknesses that can be transmitted between animals and humans.
If a pig is registered, the local veterinarian offices can monitor a pig.
A licensed pig will be kept away from risks and so will the owners.
If a threat has been detected, the owner will immediately be contacted for safety measurements and to ensure the pig is medically checked.
There have been several disease or virus outbreaks that happened in the past.
The most notoriously known viruses are..
* Swine Influenza (H1N1 virus)
This virus is deadly to all ages. It may be similar to a typical fever, but once it gets bad, it can be fatal to the point of death.
* Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Causes severe fever, inflammation, appetite loss, sore throat, depression, and pain in the tongue or gums, red rashes on palms and soles and irritability in infants or toddlers.
These viruses are notably remembered for their terribly symptoms. The symptoms may appear normal at first which is why it poses even more danger.
This is why it is very important to register your pig. Licensing may take a long process in the beginning, but it can become beneficiary for both owner and pet.
BENEFITS OF LICENSING YOUR PIG
– A licensed pig is constantly monitored without fail therefore, giving the owner the security and trust that their pet can live a long, healthy life.
Licensed pigs will be given with a unique code which is called a “herd mark“. This is what is used to monitor your pig.
– Having a license for your pig could also be used as supporting documents when traveling with your pig.
The license is like an extension and a mark of approval that lets people know your pig is being safely observed by the proper officials.
Most airline companies would require a pig owner to present a health certificate which can easily be acquired and supported by your pig’s legal license.
Traveling with a pet could be complicated, especially for an unusual and risky type such as pigs. It is advised to contact the country’s embassy for the requirements and regulations first before traveling.
– Applying for the WALKING LICENSE will require the owner to make their pigs identified. Identification marks can either be a tattoo or a tag on the ear.
These identification marks is not only required by the local animal health offices, but is also helpful for owners in case their pig gets lost or goes missing.
Having a license can be very handy, so it’s worth registering your pig.
HELPFUL TIPS ABOUT THE REGISTRATION
When applying for a license, you may need to prepare a certain amount to pay for fees. Prices may vary depending on your country or area.
Prepare important documents in advance that may be asked. You might also be asked to fill up a form. You must be 18 years old and above before you can apply.
You may see a sample of an application form in this link plus additional information regarding it: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/animalidentificationmovement/nationalpigidentificationandtracingsystem/
Click the ” Pig Herd Application Form ” to download a .docx file in order to have more ideas on what you might need to prepare.
Once you’ve sent out an application, the “verification” process and the things they will consider are some of the following.
– The environment in your area
– The climate in your area
– If there are other animals
– If the pigs will be exposed to risks
– Applicant’s caring and financial capabilities
If you still have further questions about the process, you have the option to call the service hotline to get your answers. You may also check their website.
DEFRA HOTLINE # 08459 33 55 77 Site: www.defra.gov.uk
When visiting another country with your pet, it is recommended to contact the country’s embassy for the requirements and regulations first before traveling.
– Applying for the WALKING LICENSE will require the owner to make their pigs identified. Identification marks can either be a tattoo or a tag on the ear.
These identification marks is not only required by the local animal health offices, but is also helpful for owners in case their pig gets lost or goes missing.
Having a license can be very handy, so it’s worth registering your pig.
HELPFUL TIPS ABOUT THE REGISTRATION
When applying for a license, you may need to prepare a certain amount to pay for fees. Prices may vary depending on your country or area.
Prepare important documents in advance that may be asked. You might also be asked to fill up a form. You must be 18 years old and above before you can apply.
You may see a sample of an application form in this link plus additional information regarding it: https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/animalhealthwelfare/animalidentificationmovement/nationalpigidentificationandtracingsystem/
Click the ” Pig Herd Application Form ” to download a .docx file in order to have more ideas on what you might need to prepare.
Once you’ve sent out an application, the “verification” process and the things they will consider are some of the following.
– The environment in your area
– The climate in your area
– If there are other animals
– If the pigs will be exposed to risks
– Applicant’s caring and financial capabilities
If you still have further questions about the process, you have the option to call the service hotline to get your answers. You may also check their website.
DEFRA HOTLINE # 08459 33 55 77 Site: www.defra.gov.uk
HOW MUCH IS A MICRO PIG LICENSE?
There is actually NO specific amount for a micro pig license as they are not considered any different from other breeds of pig.
As mentioned above, most pets you buy from breeders such as micro pigs will already come with a license and they may charge you extra for the money they already spent for the process.
To provide a general answer, a micro pig could cost $750 up to $3500 depending on your deal with a breeder.
Since prices may range depending on your country or area, the best advice we can provide is to call your local Animal Health Office who most likely handles registration processes and inquire about the costs and fees.
RELATED QUESTIONS
- Are pigs good pets?
Yes, pigs can be good pets! Despite their bad image, people are now being surprised by how pigs can be sweet, gentle and trainable.
Many owners state that domestic pigs behave in a way similar to dogs.
However, pigs do have their own unique traits. They have the intelligence level of a 2 year old child.
Given with proper care, love and attention, they are one of the sweetest pets you can come across with. Raising a pig is also unique in its entire way.
They like lap visits and cuddling too!
Pigs also wag their tiny tails like dogs when they are happy, excited and contented.
Since they are so smart, you can house train them the same way you train a dog. Treat rewards prove to be effective as studies say.
It is also studied that they can prove to be a well emotional support animal or a therapy animal that helps reduce depression.
- Are pigs dangerous?
No, in general, domestic pigs are friendly or neutral most of the times to the point you can even allow them near children.
They’re very similar to dogs in behavior.
Though they are capable of biting, it rarely happens and probably only does when they are hurt, mistreated or threatened.
Pigs are prey animals and they would rather prioritize fleeing than facing danger themselves as it is too risky. Their only way of fighting is charging with their tusks if they have one and biting if they can reach.
Their aggression could also depend on the type of breed. Since most breeds are now domesticated, not many of them are dangerous.
Sometimes, it could also depend on their age or how they were raised.
Piglets that grew up lonely without social interaction tend to be unfriendly towards people and even other pigs. Older pigs could also be a bit aggressive when it comes to having an alpha male status.
As discussed above, one reason why pigs could be “dangerous” is if they are sick or carrying a disease.
Which is why, it’s important to have a pig license and have them checked medically plus get vaccinated too.
- How much does it cost to raise a pig?
An estimated total could take up to $600 and more. It’s natural to wonder about the total costs after finding out about their needs, so here’s a helpful page that can explain all the costs in full detail for you.
Link: https://lovelivegrow.com/cost-to-raise-a-pig/
To explain further with more detail, the feed alone could get expensive. You must also consider the amount of water supply for drinking.
Housing or bedding if they are indoor pets is necessary for comfort too. Medications and treatments should be added to your calculations and lastly, if it’s required, licensing may cost some money as well.
Please be reminded that prices may differ depending on your country or area therefore we can only provide an estimated amount.