Donkeys kept as pets or retired from work have specific welfare needs that differ from horses. Understanding their particular requirements prevents chronic neglect of their distinct biological needs.
Donkeys are frequently misunderstood as small horses with minimal needs, but their specific biological and behavioral requirements make informed care essential. Overfeeding on lush pasture or rich hay is one of the most common and serious welfare failures in donkey keeping — it causes obesity, laminitis, and metabolic disease. Isolation is another major welfare problem: donkeys form deep bonds and suffer profoundly when separated from companions. Retirement donkeys, which may live for decades, represent a significant long-term welfare responsibility that should be carefully considered before any donkey is acquired.