Can children visit the sanctuary? Are kids under 4 allowed?

• No, kids under 4 are not allowed for safety and security reasons.

Can older children visit?

• Yes, children aged 8 and older are welcome on our standard Educational Tour when accompanied by an adult. For children aged 4 to 7, please contact us in advance to review our Youth Safety Guidelines before booking.

Are service animals allowed on the premises?

• • Yes, but with advance notice. Because donkeys are prey animals with a natural predator-defense mechanism against canines, they may perceive dogs as threats and attempt to attack or kill them. For the safety of your service animal, you must contact us in advance and disclose your service animal when scheduling your appointment. Special arrangements will be made to restrict animals to designated safe areas at a secure distance from the donkeys.

What should I wear / bring to a tour?

• • Closed-toe shoes (boots or sturdy sneakers) are mandatory—no sandals, Crocs, or heels. Wear weather-appropriate layers, hats, and sunscreen. Paddock footing is dirt and uneven terrain.

Can I bring treats or food to feed the donkeys?

• • No. Outside food, carrots, apples, or treats are strictly prohibited. Donkeys are prone to serious metabolic conditions (like laminitis and founder) so strict diets are required. Treats also encourage biting/crowding behavior among herd members.

Can I just drive by or drop in without an appointment?

• • No. Rancho Burro is a working, private sanctuary. For the safety of the animals and visitors, our gates remain closed to unannounced visitors.

What happens if it rains or there is extreme weather?

• • Tours run rain or shine unless severe weather or muddy paddock conditions pose a safety hazard. If the sanctuary cancels due to weather, we will contact you to reschedule your visit.

Do you adopt out donkeys?

• • No. Rancho Burro is a permanent sanctuary, meaning all resident donkeys and mules stay with us for life to receive ongoing care, medical rehabilitation, and love.

Where can I go to adopt a donkey?

• • You can find reputable adoption organizations recommended on our Donkey Owner Resources page, including:
    • All Seated in a Barn (California)
    • Oscar’s Place (Northern California)
    • Redwings Horse Sanctuary (Paso Robles, CA)
    • Longhopes Donkey Shelter (Colorado)

What care and tips should prospective owners know before getting a donkey?

• • Never keep a donkey alone: Donkeys form intense, lifelong social bonds and become severely depressed without a companion. Always adopt an existing bonded pair.
  • Dietary Needs: Donkeys require low-sugar, high-fiber forage (e.g., Timothy or Orchard grass). Rich pasture grass or high-protein alfalfa can make them seriously ill.
  • Donkeys are NOT Guard Animals: Donkeys protect themselves, not livestock. Due to their play habits and predator instincts, they can injure or kill small animals like sheep, goats, or dogs.
  • Donkeys are NOT Horses: Donkeys react to fear by freezing or fighting rather than running away, and earning their trust takes time, quiet patience, and positive reinforcement.

We have located a donkey/group of donkeys that needs to be rescued or surrendered. What are the next steps? 

• Because Rancho Burro operates as a permanent lifetime sanctuary with limited paddock capacity, intake is evaluated on a strict case-by-case basis depending on current space, quarantine availability, and medical resources.

1. Immediate Danger / Neglect / Strays: If you suspect active animal neglect/abuse or find loose animals on public roads, please immediately contact your local county Animal Services or Sheriff’s Department, as sanctuaries do not have legal seizure authority.
2. Surrender / Rescue Inquiry: Please email our intake team at info@ranchoburrodonkeysanctuary.org with:
   • Location and current condition of the donkey(s)
   • Clear full-body and hoof photos
   • Known medical/behavioral history and whether they are a bonded pair
3. Alternative Placement: If we are at maximum capacity, our team can help connect you with partner rescue networks and reputable foster/adoption organizations across California and the Western U.S.

Ways to Get Involved

• How can I support?
  • Donate Online: Go on Support Our Donkeys and donate into our general funds.
  • Become a Virtual Guardian: For $35/month, you can sponsor a resident donkey and receive exclusive photos and video updates as they thrive at the sanctuary. Become A Guardian
  • Book a Tour or Event: Reserve an Educational Tour, attend sanctuary events (like art workshops or sound journeys), or host a private event. Tours And Events
  • Volunteer or Donate: Submit a volunteer application, make a tax-deductible donation, or donate a vehicle to help fund daily feed and medical care. Get Involved
  • Cash or Check: You can donate by giving us cash or send us a check to Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary, 4855 Righetti Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401.

How old do you have to be to volunteer?

• • Volunteers handling animals or paddock maintenance must be at least 18 years old. Fill out our Volunteer Application at Become A Volunteer.
• Do you accept group volunteering, corporate workdays, or school field trips?
  • Yes. We welcome private corporate team-building days, youth groups, and field trips. Please submit a request under Educational Tours – Private Group Educational Tour.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

• • Yes. Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity (EIN # 81-4256555).

Do you accept physical item donations (in-kind gifts) like hay, halters, or medical supplies?

• • Yes, but please contact us first to ensure items match our medical and dietary standards (e.g., specific low-sugar grass hay, fly masks, rubber stall mats).

Can I donate stock, set up a legacy gift/bequest, or give through a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)?

• • Yes. Please contact us at info@ranchoburrodonkeysanctuary.org for more information.

Can I book the sanctuary for a private photo shoot (e.g., engagement, commercial photography)?

• • Commercial filming and private photography sessions require advance approval, a signed property waiver, and a site fee that supports herd care. Inquire via our Contact/Private Events page.