Indiana is one of the most agricultural states in the Midwest, so you might assume that keeping a pig on your property is straightforward. The reality is more layered. Whether a backyard pig is legal where you live depends on a combination of state classification rules, local zoning codes, and private community agreements — and those three layers do not always point in the same direction.
This guide walks you through every legal consideration Indiana residents face when keeping pigs, from how the state defines swine under its agriculture statutes to what your HOA’s fine print might say. Before you bring any pig home — whether a potbellied companion or a heritage-breed hog — read through each section carefully and verify the rules with your local planning and zoning office.
Important Note: Indiana does not have a single statewide law governing backyard pig ownership in residential settings. The rules that apply to you are almost entirely local. Always check your city or county ordinance directly before acquiring any pig.
Are Backyard Pigs Legal in Indiana?
The short answer is: it depends on where in Indiana you live. In Indiana, laws regarding pigs as pets can vary depending on county or city ordinances, and one key factor that determines whether pigs are allowed relates to how they are classified by authorities — either as livestock or domesticated animals. There is no statewide ordinance that either permits or bans backyard pigs in residential zones across the board…