Rehoming Scheme - apply now

Donkey guardians the Wearne family

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 UK: 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 UK: 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. One of our Donkey Welfare Advisers will then be in touch (within seven days) to answer any questions you may have and talk you through the practicalities of rehoming donkeys.

Alternatively, please call 01395 578222 and ask to speak to us about rehoming donkeys.

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

Will the donkeys 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?
Would you be prepared to provide these?
Do you have facilities for storage of forage, feed and donkey care tools, and a location for a muck heap?

As a Donkey 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 £1,704 - £2,814 a year).

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 see the donkeys twice a day).

Do you have the time to commit to this?
Please categorise your equine experience

(tick all that apply)

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.

How did you hear about The Donkey Sanctuary?

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