From the very beginning, zoning has been an issue for potbellied pigs, as the different communities across the nation have looked at city ordinances. When the pigs first arrived in this country, in the mid 1980s, they were zoned out of almost every community. Gradually many cities and townships have addressed the potbellied pig as a pet within the city limits. In various locations it is required that the pigs be registered by a recognized potbellied pig registry and be neutered or spayed to be kept as a pet within the city. Other aspects of city ordinances include the pig’s size, the number of pet pigs allowed per family, the square footage of the back yard area, how close the pig’s area is to the neighbor’s property, annual vaccinations and licensing fees. It is wise for each prospective pig owner to contact his local animal control agency or city hall to determine the exact requirements of his community. It is much better for the pet owner, his family and of course the pig to get this information prior to adoption.

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