Advice

The Donkey Sanctuary has published a number of books and fact sheets. The list below is aimed at owners of donkeys or those considering getting a donkey.

Owning or caring for a donkey is most rewarding, although very few realise just how much time, effort and expense goes into the care of donkeys.

If you require further information and guidance, please get in touch with our welfare team.

Donkey Scales
Worrying about weight gain or loss is not exclusive to a few thousand humans who are obsessed with their looks, or others who are genuinely worried about the impact weight can have in their health. It is in this last sense that we worry about our donkey’s weight at El Refugio del Burrito; anything for their well being.

Owning or caring for a donkey is most rewarding, although very few realise just how much time, effort and expense goes into the care of donkeys. This guide published by The Donkey Sanctuary is intended for anyone who has newly acquired, or is intending to acquire a donkey.

The Donkey Sanctuary has also published a number of books and fact sheets available to download from their website.

During your holidays, if you come across any establishment offering Donkey-Taxi or Donkey Tours services, we ask you to take into consideration the welfare of the donkeys and mules involved. To help you and your family decide whether or not to use such services, please answer the following questions. If the majority of answers are NO, the animals may be suffering and we’d decidedly encourage you not to use such service.

Having a donkey, or any other animal, implies a great responsibility as it will mean a time (a donkey may live up to 40 years) and financial commitment.

Start at the withers and run a hand down the shoulder, onto the leg then down the back of the front leg to the fetlock joint. Tug gently to encourage the donkey to pick the foot up. Using the hoof pick, working from the heel to toe, pick out any mud and stones. Check the frog and white line areas for stones or damage.

Donkeys can suffer from many hoof problems and it is therefore advisable to regularly check your donkey's feet for any early signs of trouble.