The Vischer Ferry Pig Center is a non-profit dedicated to preparing people to care for companion pigs, providing material and infrastructure to keep companion pigs in their homes and preserving the relationship between companion pigs and their families. VFPC is guided by the three P’s: Prepare, Provide, Preserve. In the United States as many as 90% of companion pigs are rehomed or destroyed by their third birthday. VFPC has initiated a series of programs aimed at the above three P’s. The organization is funded by donations solicited from networking, social media and referral. Responsible, ethical fundraising will be at the core of the VFPC’s survival.
Programming include grants, infrastructure and supplies to keep companion pigs in their homes, an online learning system to provide education to the public, support sanctuary and rescue activities, “forever fosters” supporting medically needy and behaviorally difficult pigs with life time financial support, and networking grants for sanctuary and rescue staff and volunteers to meet each other and learn on site.
Meet the Board
Craig Berndt will serve as a permanent member of the Board of Directors and initial President. Craig and his family are in love with pigs. After discovering the world of pig rescue and rehabilitation in 2021, thanks to Arthurs Acres Animal Sanctuary in Parksville, NY, the Berndts rescued their first two pigs, Nina and Otis the following summer. These two presented both engineering and medical challenges above and beyond the usual level of a rescue. Nina and Otis were both morbidly obese and were in very poor hoof health. With the help of experts the Berndts helped Nina and Otis lose hundreds of pounds each, regain mobility due to improved hoof health and thrive at their home. In 2024 The Berndts took on two more pigs, Wesley and Phil, who needed a new home due to the responsible wind down of the sanctuary that had rescued them. Craig has bachelors degrees in both History and Mass Communications from Plattsburgh State as well as an MBA from Fitchburg State. He is a long time technology professional, currently serving as a business segment manager at a technology company.
Corinne Berndt will also serve as a permanent member of the Board of Directors and initial Director of Pig Behavior. Corinne has been right along side Craig in rehabilitating and caring for their four pigs, along with their children, cats and dogs. Corinne brings a wealth of experience in the area of behavior. She has been serving as a Behavior Specialist at various Nonprofit organizations for over a decade. She holds a bachelors degree in Psychology from Siena College, a Masters in School Counseling from Russel Sage, a Certificate in Autism from The University at Albany and is finalizing her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) credential at the University of North Dakota while serving as Assistant Director of Behavior and Community supports at a large nonprofit organization that serves people with developmental disabilities.
Board member Tess Hogan is a dedicated advocate for pigs as companion animals, specializing in education, logistics and organization. As a television and film producer, she uses her skills to coordinate rescue efforts, particularly highlighted in large scale hoarding cases. Tess is a board member at The Pig Sanctuary Collective, an organization focused on promoting education and resources for pig sanctuaries and rescues. Through her platform, Rise of the Pig on Instagram, she educates the public on proper pig care and helps rehome pigs from challenging situations, ensuring they find safe and loving homes.
Cara Cayer is the founder and president of Clover’s Pig Preserve, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong sanctuary to pigs in need. With a deep passion for animal welfare, Cara has made it her mission to advocate for pigs, educate the public, and ensure that these intelligent, affectionate animals receive the care and respect they deserve. In addition to running the sanctuary, Cara also operates The Swine Shuttle LLC, a specialized transport service for pigs. Recognizing the urgent need for safe and reliable pig transportation, she and her husband launched the service to help pigs reach rescues, sanctuaries, and forever homes across the country. Through both Clover’s Pig Preserve and The Swine Shuttle, Cara is committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of pigs and the people who love them.
Jessy Palloto has committed her life to the rescue and rehabilitation of animals. She founded and ran a multi-species farmed animal rescue, where she provided care and refuge to animals in need. Jessy also takes her expertise on the road, traveling across the country to trim hooves for a variety of species, with a particular focus on pigs. As a full-time Animal Control Officer, her commitment to animals extends to both her professional and personal life. Her love for animals is boundless, and she continues to make a difference in the lives of creatures both big and small.
Our dedication to Ethics:
Ethics and accountability will be the top priority for VFPC.
Fundraising efforts will be guided by ethical standards as well. At no time will VFPC threaten to withhold care or supplies for a specific animal based on urgent fundraising. This practice, generally known as “emotional blackmail” will never be employed. Decisions to help or not help in a situation will be made based on resources on hand, not potential fundraising.
The advisory board will also provide additional oversight. Members will have full access to meetings, documents and financial records. While they cannot vote, they will provide continuous feedback on fundraising and expenditures to ensure they meet ethical standards.
Vischer Ferry Pig Center 