Donkeys kept as companion animals in the UK face specific welfare challenges including obesity, isolation, dental neglect, and misunderstanding of their social and environmental needs.
Companion donkeys are frequently misunderstood as low-maintenance animals requiring little specialist care. In reality, their social, dietary, dental, and veterinary needs require significant investment and knowledge. The most common welfare failures - solitary keeping, over-rich feeding, and dental neglect - are all preventable with basic species-appropriate husbandry. The Donkey Sanctuary's outreach work has significantly improved companion donkey welfare in the UK.