SAFE HARBOAR FARM SANCTUARY

Safe Harboar Farm

A Sanctuary for Potbellied Pigs

The thinking man must oppose all cruel customs no matter how deeply rooted in tradition and surrounded by a halo...We need a boundless ethic which will include the animal also.

Dr. Albert Schweitzer

As a 501(c)(3)

tax-exempt organization,

all donations are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by law.

SAFE HARBOAR FARM SANCTUARY

ADOPTION APPLICATION

Full Name: ___________________________________ Phone#: ________________________

Home Address: _______________________________ Email Address: __________________

Are you over 21 years old? If no, how old are you?

(Please read the information in this application carefully, and provide the information requested.)

HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION:

Number of Adults in your Home: Number of Children and Ages:

Do you currently have a potbelly pig?

If so, please describe? (Age, size, etc)

If no, have you ever had a pig before?

If yes, what happened to it?

What do/did you feed it?

Who will be responsible for the care of the pig?

Are all household members open to the idea of having a pet pig?

Do you have other pets/animals? Please describe:

Are these pets spayed or neutered?

Describe the pig you are looking for (color, sex, age range)

How do you feel about taking a pig that is obese/overweight, elderly, or a piggy with other special needs?

Would you be willing to take two piggies that are buddies? (Pigs are by nature, herd

animals, and really enjoy the company of another pig to snuggle with, especially if they are outdoor pigs.)

Are you willing to take an unsocialized pig (one who has had little to no human contact)?

Will your pig live indoors or outdoors?

Describe the living conditions that will be provided to the potbelly pig.

How many hours will the pig be left alone each day, and where will the pig spend this time?

Do you have any questions/concerns about caring for a pig?

Why do you want a pig as a pet?

PROPERTY INFORMATION:

Do you own or rent? ___________ Live in town, subdivision or country (circle one)

If you live in town, is your town zoned for a potbelly pig? (A lot of communities do not allow potbelly pigs, and have the legal right to come to your home and confiscate your pet. If you live in a planned community, you will need written permission from your homeowner’s association to have a pig. Even though local zoning ordinances may permit pigs, a homeowner’s association has the legal right to refuse them.)

Describe your home/yard (indicate # of acres, fencing, etc).

VET INFO:

Name and phone#/email address of current vet: _______________________________________________

Does your vet care for potbelly pigs?

References (Name, address and phone#)

1. ___________________________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________________________

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Please read carefully and initial the following information.

I understand that the average weight of a full-grown potbellied pig is 150 pounds, a few smaller with the most being larger, and that genetics determines size. Underfeeding the pig will not change his skeletal size and will only lead to health and/or behavioral problems. Overfeeding the pig or not feeding him food specific to his species will also lead to health and/or behavioral problems.

(Do not feed dog food. The sodium, protein, and fat content are very harmful to the health and well being of the potbelly pig!)

I understand that rooting is a basic natural instinct and that ALL pigs will root to varying degrees. This can lead to destructiveness in the house when they are bored, and do not have other outlets or if they do not get enough outside time. It can also lead to destructiveness of your lawn and flowerbeds.

I understand that dogs and pigs must be carefully monitored and should NEVER be left unsupervised together, even the most gentle dog, and even if the pig and dog are best of friends. They are both animals with animal instincts. Dogs are predators and pigs are prey, and a dog can kill a pig if provoked.

I understand that a pig can become territorial. This can include growling, snapping, charging, or even biting to varying degrees. It is most common in house pigs but can also occur outside. In the wild, pigs are herd animals, and it is a natural instinct for them to try to test their dominance and become “top pig”. Behavioral modification techniques can help. Because of this instinct, children and pigs must always be carefully supervised!!!!

I understand that a pig should not be placed in a home until he is at least 6-12 weeks of age, properly weaned, and eating on his own. Earlier placement can lead to starvation and/or aggressive behavior.

I understand that spaying/neutering of all pigs is ESSENTIAL, not only for reproduction purposes but also for behavioral and health reason as well. Unaltered pigs do not make a good house pet. An unaltered pig may also develop reproductive organ disease when older and larger, and no longer will be a safe candidate for surgery.

I understand that it will, most likely, be difficult to find a competent vet who will care for my pig. I also understand that I must have a plan set up in advance to get my pig to the vet in an emergency situation. This plan should include an adequate vehicle and adequate muscle power if the pig is no longer mobile.

In the case that this pig is to be a companion for a current pig, I understand there will be an “introduction” period between the two, whereby they work it out between themselves who will be the “top pig”.

I understand that this animal is a pig, and as such, I will allow him to be a pig. I understand that pigs have specific needs basic to his nature, and I will strive to meet those needs, and appreciate the very qualities that make the piggy such a unique and delightful creature.

HYPOTHETICAL (what if) QUESTIONS: (If more space is needed to answer these questions, please continue answers on a separate sheet of paper.)

What steps would you take to find a lost pet?

What will you do with your pig when you go away on vacation?

What will you do if your pet became ill and needed expensive veterinary care?

What would you do if you became ill and could no longer care for your pet?

What would happen to the pig if you had to move?

I certify that the information that I have provided in this application is true, correct, and complete to the best of my knowledge, and you may rely on this information to evaluate my application, and perform a home visit.

Please sign (full signature) Date

Thank you for your serious consideration toward adopting a potbelly piggy from a sanctuary, instead of supporting the backyard breeding industry.

Tamara Schweitzer

Executive Director

Safe Harboar Farm

A Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) Potbelly Pig Sanctuary

411 Wood Rd

Knob Lick KY 42154

(270)453-3897

safeharboar@scrtc.com