Donkey sanctuaries provide refuge for neglected and overworked animals, and leading organisations have developed evidence-based welfare standards for donkey care worldwide.
Donkey sanctuaries serve a critical welfare function by providing refuge for animals who have been overworked, neglected, abused or abandoned. The welfare standards developed by leading sanctuaries go beyond basic care to address species-specific needs: social housing in pairs or groups, appropriate diet avoiding rich pasture, regular hoof care and pain assessment using donkey-specific indicators. Sanctuaries also play an important educational role, training community vets and owners in regions where donkeys are essential working animals. The model demonstrates that welfare improvement is achievable even in resource-constrained settings.