Pig Vaccinations for Pet Pigs: What Vaccines May Be Recommended?

For many pet pigs, erysipelas is the vaccine most consistently recommended in veterinary references. Erysipelas is caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae and can lead to fever, skin lesions, septicemia, and arthritis. Merck notes that vaccination is very effective for controlling outbreaks and preventing acute disease, although it may be less effective against chronic arthritis.

Leptospirosis is also commonly considered, especially for pigs with outdoor access, wildlife exposure, or contact with wet environments. Leptospirosis is important not only because it can affect pigs, but also because it is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread to people. In pigs, disease importance varies by region and management, so your vet will weigh local risk carefully.

Some pig-savvy veterinarians also include tetanus in routine piglet vaccination plans, even though it is not listed in every formal pet pig table. VCA states that many veterinarians consider erysipelas, leptospirosis, and tetanus the minimum starting point for pet piglets. In selected cases, other vaccines may be discussed based on herd, rescue, breeding, or respiratory disease risk.

Rabies vaccination in pigs is more complicated than in dogs and cats. Merck lists rabies for pet pigs at 14 to 16 weeks, then annually, but specifically notes this is extra-label use and recommended based on exposure risk. That means your vet may consider it when a pig lives outdoors, has contact with wildlife, or lives in an area where rabies exposure is a concern.

Because rabies rules vary by state, county, and product labeling, your vet may also need to consider local legal requirements and how public health officials handle exposure incidents in vaccinated pigs. A rabies vaccine given to a pig does not always carry the same legal recognition as a labeled rabies vaccine in dogs or cats. If your pig spends time outside, travels, or may encounter wildlife, ask your vet how rabies risk is handled where you live.

Timing depends on the vaccine product, your pig’s age, and risk level. Merck’s pet pig vaccination table lists erysipelas, leptospirosis, and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae beginning at 8 to 12 weeks, followed by a booster 3 to 4 weeks later. That same table lists rabies at 14 to 16 weeks if used.

A separate Merck table for potbellied pigs says young pigs are often first vaccinated at or after 4 weeks of age, then vaccinated again 3 to 4 weeks later, with boosters every 6 to 12 months. In practice, your vet will choose the schedule based on the pig’s age at first visit, prior vaccine history, product instructions, and how likely your pig is to be exposed to disease.

Adult pigs with an unknown history often need a fresh starting series rather than assuming they are protected. If you adopted a rescue pig and do not have records, bring any available background information to your appointment so your vet can build a practical plan.

Booster timing varies by vaccine and risk. Merck’s pet pig table lists semiannual or annual boosters for erysipelas, leptospirosis, and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, while the potbellied pig table gives a general booster range of every 6 to 12 months. Your vet may lean toward more frequent boosters for pigs with higher exposure, such as outdoor pigs, pigs around other swine, or pigs in breeding or sanctuary settings.

Indoor pigs with limited exposure may still need boosters, but the exact interval should be individualized. Vaccine protection is not one-size-fits-all, and your vet may also consider local disease patterns, travel plans, and whether your pig has had any prior vaccine reactions.

For pet pigs in the United States in 2025 and 2026, a routine vaccine visit often includes more than the injection itself. A pig-savvy exam commonly runs about $75 to $150, and each vaccine may add roughly $25 to $60 depending on the product, clinic, and region. If your pig needs a starter series with boosters, total preventive vaccine costs over the first few visits may land around $150 to $350 for a straightforward case.

Some pigs need sedation for safe handling during exams or injections. VCA notes this is not unusual for mini-pigs. If sedation is needed, that can add about $80 to $250 or more, depending on monitoring and the drugs used. Mobile farm-call services, after-hours care, or specialty exotic/livestock practices may increase the cost range further.

Ask for a written estimate before the visit. That helps you compare options, including a focused vaccine appointment, a standard wellness visit with fecal testing, or a more advanced preventive plan that includes bloodwork, hoof care, and parasite screening.

Most pigs tolerate vaccines well, but mild tiredness, brief soreness, or a small lump at the injection site can happen. Contact your vet promptly if your pig develops facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing, collapse, severe lethargy, worsening lameness, or a large painful swelling after vaccination.

Also tell your vet if your pig is currently ill or receiving antibiotics. Merck notes that antimicrobials can interfere with the immune response to some erysipelas vaccines, so timing may need to be adjusted. If your pig has reacted to a vaccine before, your vet may recommend spacing vaccines out, monitoring longer after the visit, or changing the plan.