In the 1980s, Vietnamese potbelly pigs were introduced to the West as companion animals, quickly gaining popularity due to their unique appearance and manageable size. This trend reflected a broader cultural shift towards unconventional pets and the growing interest in exotic animal ownership. The introduction of these pigs also sparked discussions about animal care, welfare, and the responsibilities of pet ownership, influencing pet industry standards and practices.

The rise of Vietnamese potbelly pigs as pets in 1980 inspired a wave of modern pet-themed poetry. Poets began exploring themes of companionship and the emotional bonds between humans and animals, as seen in the works of Mary Oliver, who often celebrated the intimate connections between people and their pets in her nature-infused verses.