Apply to our rehoming scheme

Two skewbald coloured donkeys.

Apply to our Rehoming scheme

Become a donkey guardian?

If you're considering giving our rescued friends a home, you will be joining an extraordinary group of supporters here in the Ireland: our Donkey Guardians.

It takes a special type of person to rehome donkeys and mules, so thank you for considering giving our rescued friends a home.

You will be joining an extraordinary group of supporters here in the Ireland: our Donkey Guardians. In return, you’ll earn our unending gratitude and complete support.

Before you register your interest and apply, please read our terms and conditions.

If you think rehoming donkeys or mules could be for you, please contact us using the form below.

Required field labels are announced with '(required)' after their name.

Equine premises registration

A person may not have an equine in their possession or under their control unless the details of their premises are registered.

Will the donkeys or mules be kept at your home address?
What type of setting will the donkeys be living in?

Donkeys enjoy the company of other donkeys. They can form friendships and strong bonds with their companions. Therefore our donkeys are only rehomed in pairs or small groups, or as a single to join another donkey companion.

Which are you interested in rehoming?
Are you able to provide a minimum of 0.5 acre (2,000 sq metres) per donkey of suitable and safe space for exercise and grazing?
Do you currently have any other equines, or do you plan on getting any?
Due to donkeys requiring different management, do you have the facilities to manage the donkeys separately?
Do you have any other grazing animals (such as sheep), or do you plan on getting any?
Due to donkeys requiring different management, do you have the facilities to manage the other grazing animals separately?
Do you have a suitable shelter/stable, hard-standing and well maintained permanent fencing and access to water?
Would you be prepared to provide these?
Do you have facilities for storage of forage, bedding and donkey care tools, and a location for a muck heap?

As a Guardian you would be responsible for all of the care costs of the donkeys including, but not limited to, bedding, feed, vets, dental care, vaccinations, farrier and insurance. (The average cost of keeping a pair of donkeys is estimated to be €437-€990 a year and an initial outlay €507-€822).

Do you have the funds to cover these costs?

Donkeys require consistent and patient handling. Their daily care will involve a minimum of an hour of your time to provide enrichment, grooming and mucking out (you need to check the donkeys at least twice a day).

Do you have the time to commit to this?
Please categorise your equine experience
Please tick all that apply.

Your equine experience

Donkeys have different characteristics, some are energetic, love to play and go for walks. Some are inquisitive and enjoy mental enrichment activities. Others love to relax and to be groomed.

Do you have professional service providers to look after the donkeys?
Don't worry if not, our Donkey Welfare Advisers can help.

Any questions?

How did you hear about The Donkey Sanctuary?

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