IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FOSTERING A DONKEY THE FIRST STEP IS TO WRITE A VERY SHORT LETTER EXPRESSING YOUR INTEREST GIVING YOUR NAME, ADDRESS & A CONTACT NUMBER. YOU WILL BE CONTACTED IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIPT OF THIS  LETTER. PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU MUST ALSO APPLY TO YOUR LOCAL DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE OFFICE FOR A HR1 FORM IN ORDER TO OBTAIN AN EQUINE NUMBER. THIS IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT OF HORSE/DONKEY OWNERSHIP IN THE THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND.

Address:  Castledooey,, Raphoe, Lifford.  Co. Donegal.

The following conditions will apply:

  • Donkeys are always fostered in pairs.  In rare circumstances a single donkey may be fostered but only on veterinary advice.
  • A minimum of 1 acre of suitably fenced land is required. (This land must be owned by the fosterer – not rented).
  • As stated above you must apply to your local Department of Agriculture office for a HR1 form in order to obtain an equine number which allows you to legally keep horses/donkeys on your land.
  • Adequate shelter must be provided for the donkeys.
  • Donkeys have porous hooves.  Therefore a hard stand must be available at all times.
  • Upon receipt of application letter, a welfare officer will visit your property to inspect land, stabling, hard stand etc.
  • Following placement the fosterer must take responsibility for all costs relating to the donkeys care, e.g. hoof care, feed, veterinary expenses etc.
  • Donegal Donkey Sanctuary has a ‘ no breeding’ policy which you must adhere to on placement  of mares.
  • A welfare officer from the sanctuary can call to check on the donkeys at any reasonable time without prior notice.
  • A record of the worming programme must be kept and made available to the welfare officer on request.
  • Unfortunately individual requirements cannot be met with regard to fostered donkeys, i.e. size, colour, gender etc.
  • Once all requirements are met fosterer a will be placed on an approved list.  Please note that there may be a waiting period as all donkeys are dealt with in rotation as are fosterers.
  • Finally, the donkeys will always remain the property of Donegal Donkey Sanctuary.