Programs

The Vischer Ferry Pig Center runs four primary programs to serve the community at large. Each program, or ad hoc effort, of VFPC will focus on preparing people to care for pigs, providing for pigs to keep them in their homes and preserving the relationship between pigs are their caretakers.

1. Home Stabilization. VFPC’s founding program and primary mission is to keep pigs in their homes. After taking an intake form and conducting an interview, appropriate action will be taken. Often pigs being rehomed could stay where they are with appropriate fencing, food deliveries or coaching. Everyone makes mistakes, can be mislead or defrauded when it comes to the care of animals. VFPC seeks to meet companion pig care takers where they are without judgement and improve their lives, and the lives of their families.
   
2. Companion Pig Preparation Certification. The VFPC has acquired a learning management system to certify people to care for companion pigs in advance of them taking on their care. This certification is accepted by the following rescues and sanctuaries: TBD
   
3. Forever Foster (Unlocks with sponsors). Forever Foster covers the life time costs for difficult to place pigs. Older, medically needy, mixed breed, large or behaviorally challenging pigs can be difficult to place. VFPC seeks to open capacity in the rescue and sanctuary network by placing these pigs in private homes with a monthly provision for food and supplies, while also committing to cover medical care. This program will be on hold until fundraising revenues can reasonably be expected to meet the potential program costs for long term veterinary care.
   
4. Pig Sanctuary Networking Grants (Unlocks with sponsors). Click here to apply. Pig sanctuary and rescue founders, board members and staff are often on an island in their community. While they may have mentors or a network available thanks to social media and communications technology, there is no substitute for hand on experience. To that end VFPC seeks to provide grants to cover travel, an appropriate per diem, increased payroll while the grant recipient is away and some hidden costs like reduced fund raising during that time. This program will open up for award when the board of VFPC feels reserves are sufficient for the primary mission of home stabilization.