01/13/2026
✨Spot on!✨
Donkeys are wonderful animals, just as dogs, cats, horses, and lizards are wonderful animals. But not everyone should own every animal, even if you really, really like them— this explains the disappointing lack of zebu on my farm!
To add one more note to Alyssa’s post: before bringing home that donkey, even if you have a vet and farrier budget figured out? *Make sure you have access to vets and farriers.* a $300 monthly farrier or vet budget still won’t bring a farrier or vet to your location if no farrier or vet services your location, or if they don’t have any openings where you live. You may need to be prepared to haul your animals, sometimes several hours each way, to get the basic care they need.
If you are thinking of bringing home a donkey, check out our free Owner’s Guide, pinned at the top of our profile, and also on our website, or consider joining one of Desert Donkey Experiences Introduction to Donkeys classes.
As cute and wonderful as donkeys are, I strongly feel that not everyone should own them.
Donkeys are a big commitment, in both time and money. Donkeys live about 35 years, on average, and require all the same routine care as horses, including regular (typically every 6 - 8 weeks) hoof trims, routine veterinary care and vaccinations, and teeth floating. None of these things are cheap, and as with any animal, typically the purchase or adoption price is the least expensive part of owning and properly caring for an animal. And donkeys typically do best with other donkeys, so all expenses will be multiplied by two, if not more.
Here is Arizona, there are some upcoming opportunities to adopt wild burros through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM.) These animals can be adopted for $125. However, even though this is an extremely cheap initial cost, it is so important to realize that these donkeys will need lifelong care. They also will need to be gentled and trained to accept and ideally love humans, and learn basic skills like being touched, haltered, groomed, and being comfortable having their hooves handled. It is ESSENTIAL that a donkey learns these skills so that they can safely receive the care they require to live comfortably.
All too often I see people that adopt burros without doing any research, or realizing the time and effort that training and caring for these wonderful animals requires. They are not bikes that you can just pull out in nice weather when you feel like it- they require care every single day, whether it is 120 degrees or -30, or if you are ill or injured. They are living, thinking, feeling beings that are incredibly intelligent, sensitive and emotional. The more time you invest in your donkey, the more rewarded you will be with their affectionate, kind, curious, and adorable antics.
Donkeys also need space. Too often I see donkeys living in 20' x 20' pens, as that is all the BLM requires to adopt one. Although a pen of that size is terrific as an initial training pen, it is completely unfair to expect a donkey to live an enclosure that size without regular turnout in a larger area where they can run, play, and move freely. They also should have an adequately sized solid roof shade/shelter (here in the Phoenix area- in colder climates they should have enclosed shelters/barns) to protect from sun and rain. They may not always choose to use it, but they should absolutely have that option.
If you cannot provide these essential, MINIMAL basics for a donkey- another donkey for companionship (or at the very least another equine, as some donkeys will bond with a horse or mule), proper training, routine farrier and veterinary care, a spacious living area, and adequate shelter- then please, do not get a donkey. Volunteer at a responsible donkey rescue, instead, as they can always use help! It is incredibly unfair for these amazing animals to suffer because of human ego and selfishness.
Also, if you have a donkey, and have been unsuccessful training it, or cannot care for it properly, please reach out for help. Good trainers or rescues will have resources and most will do anything in their power to help owners who want to do the right thing by their animals. I know I will!
