Sadly most pigs are confined to intensive farms where they are hidden from the public eye and denied the chance to engage in their most natural behaviors and simply be themselves.

Those of us who are fortunate enough to get to know pigs one-on-one, seeing them live out their lives in peace at a sanctuary, know that pigs are curious, adventurous, playful, and smart. 

Even those who have the chance to visit a sanctuary for just one day and experience a guided tour often feel inspired when they meet and interact with rescued pigs. 

At Farm Sanctuary, many people who visit our New York and California sanctuaries tell us that they see moving similarities between our pig residents and their dogs, beloved companion animals they consider part of their family.

When we call our dog companions by name, it’s most likely that we’ll quickly see their furry faces coming towards us. Dogs know when we’re referring to them by name, and so do pigs! 

These intelligent animals will even come bounding over when they’re called. Watch enthusiastic George pig run to his caregiver.

Like other farm animals, pigs have rich emotional lives, and they form close relationships with each other. In other words, pigs have friends!

Research shows that pigs, as well as dogs, can differentiate between individual pigs, and mothers can identify the calls of their own piglets. Pigs are also loving and protective mothers, and like any of us choose who we spend most of our time with, pigs have friends they prefer and some they don’t.

Pigs are also loving and protective mothers and will build nests for their piglets – or for themselves, or to cozy up to friends. 

Watch Guyute pig as he carefully moves straw to create the perfect spot to relax.

Visitors to Farm Sanctuary are often surprised by how affectionate the rescued pigs are. In fact, many people are happy to discover how much the pigs enjoy belly rubs, back scratches, and other gentle touches enjoyed by the dogs they know and love at home.

Blue pig is a perfect example of the joy of belly rubs. This silly and sweet pig will stop in his tracks to lie down for belly rubs!

Just like dogs, pigs enjoy snacking on delicious treats and will even actively seek them. Some of our rescued residents will stay right near caregivers at feeding time and nudge them to ask for food and snacks.

Have you noticed that your dogs seem able to tell when it’s dinner time? Pigs may know this, too! Research has shown that pigs can estimate the passage of time, even across a span of multiple days.

Watch as Jenny pig follows close behind her food bowl to enjoy a meal in the snow.

For those of us who have not had the chance to meet a pig face to face, it may come as a surprise that these fun-loving animals love to play! Research shows that engaging in play can improve relationships between pigs and humans, making the animals less afraid and improving their emotional state.

Anything can be a toy when you’re a clever and curious pig! Watch Rhino play with a stick like a puppy.

Have you ever watched your dog sleep and swooned over the cuteness as their eyes fluttered and their paws moved as if running? 

Research shows that, like dogs and humans, pigs experience a phase of sleep called rapid eye movement (REM). This indicates that, like us, they can dream when they sleep!

Watch pigs peacefully snuggled up together to sleep at our New York sanctuary.

All animals deserve the freedom and care experienced by rescued pigs at Farm Sanctuary, regardless of their similarity to other species we value. Dogs and pigs alike can suffer, and they can also feel joy. So, let’s build a world that’s kinder to both.

Share this blog today: By helping others to see farm animals not for what they can produce but as the sentient individuals they are, we can build the good, changing hearts, minds, and systems.