Springtime in Sanctuary

Latest News

New! Enhanced Donkey Sponsorship

Looking for a special way to support the donkeys while building a deeper connection with one of our long-eared residents? Our Enhanced Donkey Sponsorship Program offers a meaningful opportunity to make a direct impact while enjoying unique behind-the-scenes experiences at the Sanctuary.

$300 per year, helps support the daily care, nutrition, veterinary attention, and enrichment that every donkey receives at the Sanctuary while you enjoy unique Enhanced Sponsorship benefits.

Click here for Enhanced Sponsorships

Planning a Visit?

There are many ways to experience the magic of the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada (DSC), whether you are planning a special day trip, looking for a peaceful outing, or hoping to visit the donkeys throughout the season. From our popular Open Days to Seniors’ Days, Guided Tours, and Annual Passes, there is a visit option for everyone.

Plan your visit now!

Driving for Donkeys

Over the years, our truck has travelled thousands upon thousands of kilometres in the name of donkey welfare.

It has brought approximately 90% of the donkeys and mules who currently call the Sanctuary home safely through our gates.

But after years of service, those long kilometres are beginning to take their toll and it’s time to replace the truck.

Every mile it has driven tells a story of rescue, care, and second chances.
With your support, we can keep driving for donkeys for many more miles to come.

Click here to support Driving for Donkeys

The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada strongly opposes the donkey skin trade.

We believe donkeys deserve protection, humane treatment, and recognition for their vital role in both human and animal communities. We support education, policy reform, and international collaboration aimed at ending this trade and promoting ethical, sustainable alternatives. Read our full statement here.

 

Donkey stories, information and advice

Read about the animals at the DSC, and get the latest in education, advice & information.

Information centre

A photo of two donkeys and a young person visiting at the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada.
Our new annual pass program gives visitors unlimited access to our Open Days for a whole year...
Sanctuary and refuge for wildlife as well as our beloved donkeys and mules...
Answering your questions about donkeys, mules and the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada...
Photo of a donkey named Walker standing in a field at the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada.
While there are over 30 breeds of donkeys recognized worldwide, most donkeys in North America are not bred to any specific standard......

Sponsor a donkey or mule

Dylan and his sister Sydney were beloved family pets before coming to the DSC. They had received regular veterinary and farrier care and were well handled. They came to the DSC when their owner decided wisely to plan for the animals’ future.

Apollo lived on a farm with cattle. When he did not show interest in the cattle and did not protect them his caretaker physically abused him and refused to pay for his hooves to be trimmed. The SPCA was called in to investigate. It was not long before the donkey was relinquished and the DSC was asked to take him into care.

Before arriving at the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada (DSC) Tequila lived with another donkey, a jack named Cruze, on a farm in Western Ontario. There they were used as a breeding pair and had several offspring. When they were no longer able to have offspring they were moved to a different farm, where they received very little care. The DSC was contacted to see if we could help.

Oliver is blind in both eyes and only has one fully developed ear. Before coming to the DSC, Oliver lived on a beef farm. When a visitor to the farm noticed the young donkey pacing in circles in a small stall, she talked to the owner about purchasing the donkey.

Before being admitted to The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada (DSC) in late spring 2019, Franny lived on a loving farm with horses and other donkeys in Southwestern Ontario. She was well cared for, but her owners were getting older and were beginning to downsize.

 

Hummer has lived in many places, under the care, time and again, of people determined to ride him. Hummer was not interested in being ridden and could become very uncooperative if asked to do so. When he first arrived at the DSC Farm, he was cautious and anxious around people, but has since developed a love of visiting with people over the fence and receiving attention.

Sponsor a donkey or mule

Dylan and his sister Sydney were beloved family pets before coming to the DSC. They had received regular veterinary and farrier care and were well handled. They came to the DSC when their owner decided wisely to plan for the animals’ future.

Apollo lived on a farm with cattle. When he did not show interest in the cattle and did not protect them his caretaker physically abused him and refused to pay for his hooves to be trimmed. The SPCA was called in to investigate. It was not long before the donkey was relinquished and the DSC was asked to take him into care.

Before arriving at the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada (DSC) Tequila lived with another donkey, a jack named Cruze, on a farm in Western Ontario. There they were used as a breeding pair and had several offspring. When they were no longer able to have offspring they were moved to a different farm, where they received very little care. The DSC was contacted to see if we could help.

Oliver is blind in both eyes and only has one fully developed ear. Before coming to the DSC, Oliver lived on a beef farm. When a visitor to the farm noticed the young donkey pacing in circles in a small stall, she talked to the owner about purchasing the donkey.

Before being admitted to The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada (DSC) in late spring 2019, Franny lived on a loving farm with horses and other donkeys in Southwestern Ontario. She was well cared for, but her owners were getting older and were beginning to downsize.

 

Hummer has lived in many places, under the care, time and again, of people determined to ride him. Hummer was not interested in being ridden and could become very uncooperative if asked to do so. When he first arrived at the DSC Farm, he was cautious and anxious around people, but has since developed a love of visiting with people over the fence and receiving attention.

Ways to give

How you can help the donkeys and mules at the DSC

It costs approximately $5,000 per year, per donkey (or mule) to care for the animals at our sanctuary. If you’d like to support our work, wonderful!  There are many ways you can help.