Baby Pig Available For Adoption In The Bay Area

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Pigs are not commonly found at animal shelters, but there is one in San Mateo County, the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA announced Tuesday.

His name is Checkers and he's 17 pounds. He is a black and white pot-bellied pig and has been deemed healthy and very sweet.

Checkers will need a yard to dig, run around, and play in, with plenty of shade at all times of day. He will also need a little muddy pool to wallow around in as well. Pigs wallow in the mud to stay cool, protect their sensitive skin from sunburn, and deter insects like mites and ticks.

Pigs are social, intelligent and need to have their minds stimulated. He eats fresh greens, hay and commercial pig food, with an occasional fruit treat.

“And just so you know, Checkers will grow to be over 100 pounds, so make sure you are ready for this guy,” said Colleen Crowley, Communications Manager at PHS/SPCA.

Anyone interested should first check their local ordinances to make sure they are allowed to keep a pig in their area. Then they can call PHS/SPCA at 650-340-7022 to schedule an appointment to meet Checkers.