When it comes to improving donkey welfare, we are facing some serious challenges. Due to increased indiscriminate breeding and donkeys being abandoned by their owners, our Irish sanctuary is full to capacity - but we are here to help.
Read on to learn more about how we can offer support and advice to donkey and mule owners on how about how to care for their animals.
Supporting donkeys in the community
To help owners provide vital care and improve the welfare of their donkeys, we are able to offer a one-off service, supporting donkey welfare in the community across the country.
Support comes in many forms, including castration of stallion donkeys, veterinary care, farriery and dental treatment.
As experts in all things donkey, we can also offer advice on feeding your donkey, housing your donkey, and even the opportunity to attend our free donkey care training courses.
Microchipping and passports
It is a legal requirement to ensure that donkeys are microchipped and that owners hold a registered identity passport for each donkey. Therefore, registered passports are required before donkeys are eligible for treatment from our Veterinary Team. If you need help with the registering process, please get in touch and ask for assistance, we will be happy to help.
Frequently asked questions
- Will The Donkey Sanctuary use my own vet/farrier?
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We will engage with local service providers such as registered veterinary practices, farriers and dental technicians wherever possible.
- What happens if I am not the owner of the donkeys?
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If you are not the legal owner please make this clear at the time of your initial enquiry and provide us with contact details, where possible, for the owner who would have to give permission for our involvement.
- How much will it cost for someone to come and check my donkeys?
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If one of The Donkey Sanctuary’s staff comes to visit you there will be no direct charge. However, as a charity, you may wish to make a donation towards our operational costs or join our mailing list with a view to supporting us in the future.
Should The Donkey Sanctuary engage a service provider to visit on our behalf then the responsibility to pay will be ours. If the owner or keeper of the donkeys is able to contribute towards the cost of treatment, this will enable us to help more donkeys in the community.
- After treatment, will there be a follow up visit?
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Donkey Welfare Advisers will be available to advise on future care, it is therefore likely that they will want to keep in contact with the donkeys and their owner.
- How do I apply for the rehoming scheme, to rehome a pair of donkeys?
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If you would like to rehome a pair of donkeys from The Donkey Sanctuary and become a Donkey Guardian, please see our Rehoming Scheme.
- How do I find out more about the donkey care training courses?
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Please get in touch with our Welfare Team for further information.
- How do I make a donation to support your work?
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You can make an online donation or call us on + 353 (0)22 48398 to speak to a member of our Fundraising Team.
All donations are gratefully received and help us to reach donkeys and mules that need our help across Ireland.
