Could you be a donkey guardian?
Donkeys are very sociable animals and make fantastic companions. In return, they need your time, love and attention. Your own life will be transformed too - the joy and fulfilment of living with donkeys is hard to beat.
We have a select number of donkeys that are currently being prepared for rehoming.
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything in place yet - we’ll support you every step of the way.
Guardian checklist
Donkeys need appropriate care and facilities to ensure they can lead their best lives with their Guardians so there are a few things that need to be in place in advance before donkeys travel to a new home.
- Approximately one acre of safe land for a pair of donkeys.
- An area of hard standing to help protect your donkeys’ feet.
- Free access to a stable or suitable housing to protect your donkeys from the elements.
- Robust fencing to keep your donkeys secure
- Time and commitment to allow donkeys to become a big part of your life.
- A commitment to providing for their daily needs, including feeding adlib straw and clean bedding.
- The means to cover routine health care, including dental, farriery, annual vaccinations and other veterinary costs, for your donkeys
- A big heart to give your donkeys all the love and attention they deserve.
- We ask that all of our Guardian applicants attend our practical donkey care course (free of charge) at one of our dedicated venues around the country and complete our online theory course at your convenience.
- We ask that all Guardian homes take out third party insurance cover, we would advise you also consider having cover for vet’s bills.
In the Republic of Ireland all Guardians need to apply for an Equine Premises Number from the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine before we can deliver donkeys.
An Equine Premises Number is not required in Northern Ireland.
For further details on how to apply, please visit the Government of Ireland website or telephone +353 (01) 607 2567.
The completed form must be sent to your local District veterinary office.
Rehoming privately owned donkeys
Alongside our Rehoming Scheme, we also regularly help to rehome privately owned donkeys.
If you are interested, please complete our rehoming application form and ask to discuss private rehoming when one of our Donkey Welfare Advisers gets in touch.
Please note that private rehoming terms and conditions differ to our Rehoming Scheme’s terms and conditions.
Apply now
Rehoming donkeys offers people and donkeys the opportunity to form long-lasting, life-enhancing relationships, while providing a meaningful contribution to The Donkey Sanctuary and making way for donkeys in desperate need.
Before applying, please read our Rehoming Scheme’s terms and conditions.
The form will take about 20 minutes to complete, so get comfy, put your hooves up, and start your application.
Contact us
If you feel you would like to know more, please contact us.