Costs Involved

If you have a healthy donkey that needs a minimum amount of care probably about $600 a year would cover the expenses. If you have acreage & pasture of course the main expense of hay would be much less or eliminated altogether.  Remember, these costs are for a healthy donkey.  Many of the donkeys and mules here at the sanctuary are rescued and have ongoing health problems that need to be treated on a continual basis.  Some need special feed and many need special medicines to enjoy their lives

Approximate start up expenses are, Price of donkey $$$$

                              Halter………….……… …….$ 15.00

                              Lead………………….....……$ 5.00 - $ 15.00

                              Water bucket………………....$ 7.00 for an 18 gallon bucket

                              Feed trough…………….....….$ 7.00 - $ 85.00

                              Grooming supplies…............. .$ 20.00 (brushes, hoof pick, etc.)

                              Fly mask……………….……..$ 15.00

                              Dewormer……………......…. $ 5.00 - $10.00

                              Salt Block…………...….…… $ 6.00

                              Muck Bucket……….......……. $ 15.00

                              Manure Rake……….....……. .$ 15.00 - $25.00

                              Bale of Grass Hay…..........…..$ 14.00 100# Arizona bale

                              Adequate fencing & shelter......varies

Annual expenses: 

                Feet trimming 3 to 4 times a year……………..........................…...$ 25.- $ 45 per trim

                            Teeth checked by Vet or Equine Dentist, no charge if OK………….$ 85 - $ 165 for work

                            Worming 4 times per year……………..……………………………$ 20 - $ 40

                            Annual vaccinations…………………...……………………………$ 20 - $ 40 given by owner

                            Fly sprays, predators wasps, etc…………………………………….$ ??

What if your donkey gets sick?

He deserves to have medical care. If you have access to a trailer & can haul him to the Vet it will save you the price of a farm call, plus mileage. That’s to your gate, before any examination or treatment charges. 

If you haul to the office & it isn’t a regular appointment there will be an emergency charge, plus the office call. 

Exam………………………………………………. $ 40 - $ 60

Blood test (CBC)………………………………….. $ 125

Fecal Testing……………...……………………….. $ 30

Gelding…………………..………………………… $ 150

Surgery……………………...……………………… $ 500 - $ 750 an hour, plus equipment, meds, etc

Euthanasia…………………..……………………… $ 100 - $ 150

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