Changing Lives Through Compassion, Care, and Community
Southern Oaks Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pig rescue founded by Beth and Keith Downs in Thomson, Georgia. The sanctuary was built on a simple but powerful belief: every animal deserves safety, care, and respect.
What started as an act of kindness quickly grew into something much larger. Over time, the sanctuary has become home to dozens of pigs who were once overlooked or at risk. Today, it stands as a place of refuge where animals are not only rescued but given the opportunity to live out their lives in a secure, nurturing environment.
The mission of Southern Oaks Sanctuary is to protect, rehabilitate, and advocate for animals in need. Through education, outreach, and daily care, the sanctuary works to raise awareness about animal welfare while providing hands-on support for those they rescue.
At its core, Southern Oaks Sanctuary is about compassion in action—turning empathy into meaningful change for animals who cannot speak for themselves.
Before considering a mini pig as a pet, please understand that pigs require a tremendous amount of responsibility, care, patience, and can live 15–20 years or more.
Please do your research thoroughly before bringing a pig into your home. If you have questions, please reach out to us — we are always happy to help educate and guide people who are truly interested in giving pigs the proper care they deserve.
If you are serious about adding a pig to your family, we strongly encourage you to contact rescues and sanctuaries instead of breeders. Sadly, a very high percentage of pigs are surrendered before they even reach two years old. This is why so many sanctuaries are overwhelmed and full.
These pigs have loved, trusted humans and believed they were part of a family — only to be given away when they became “too much.” They feel love, companionship, fear, and loss just like any other pet.
A pig deserves a forever home, not a temporary one.