Adopt a Donkey from Oscar’s Place

Do you want to give a rescued donkey a loving forever home? When you adopt from Oscar’s Place, you do more than give them a home; you help a donkey who has been through hardship continue their journey of healing. You give them a future full of safety, love, and care.

Our adoption process is an open dialogue. We’ll get to know you and what you’re looking for to match you with donkeys whose personalities and needs could be the best fit. Whether you’re a new or seasoned donkey caregiver, our team will support you every step of the way.

The Adoption Process

Step 1

Complete an online application

Get the process started by submitting your application here.

Step 2

Visit Oscar’s Place

We’ll arrange a visit so that you can tour our facilities and meet the herd. We’ll get to know each other, share information, answer any questions you may have, and begin thinking about which donkeys could be your perfect match. Some adopters visit the ranch once, while others visit regularly for a year. Every adoption is unique.

Step 3

Site visit

The final step in the process is for the Oscar’s Place team to do a site visit at your home. We will check shelter and fencing, as well as answer any lingering questions.

Step 4

Moving day!

Organizing transportation of your new donkeys from Oscar’s Place to your home will be your responsibility. We can recommend transporters. On occasion, we can assist with local drop-offs.

Adoption Requirements & Home Guidelines

At Oscar’s Place, we take great care to ensure every donkey is placed in a home where they’ll be safe, healthy, and loved. We only adopt out animals that we believe are recovered from their trauma, trusting of humans, and ready for their forever family.

We only adopt out donkeys as pets, and we never separate bonded pairs or send a donkey to a home where they would be the only donkey. Oscar’s Place is located in Hopland, California and generally only adopts to homes within a 4-hour radius of our ranch.

An ideal home for donkeys includes:

  • Plenty of space: At least one acre of safely fenced pasture or turnout per donkey (for example, two donkeys would need at least two acres).

  • Safe enclosures: A sturdy, clean, and safely fenced corral (a smaller, separate enclosure from the main pasture).

  • Shelter: Continuous access to a weather-protected, permanent shelter of at least 12x12 feet per pair of donkeys. Shelters should be enclosed on at least three sides with a solid roof (four-sided shelters are even better).

  • Proper nutrition: Hay or straw must be stored appropriately, and donkeys must have constant access to clean, unfrozen water. Because rich, green grass can be unhealthy for donkeys, there must be an alternative plan to grazing during the spring months.

  • Ongoing care: Donkeys must be kept at the adopter’s residence, and the adopter must be the primary caregiver, unless expressly authorized by Oscar’s Place. We ask for a commitment to quarterly hoof care and annual dental checkups.

Apply to Adopt a Donkey

Not quite ready to adopt?

Find Other Ways to Help

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! In fact, most of our adopters are first-time donkey owners. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about getting set up to welcome your new family members. You can call or email us before, during, and after your donkey adoption.

  • A single donkey costs $1,000 to adopt, and a bonded pair of donkeys costs $1,800. We are committed to the physical and emotional recovery of each donkey that comes to Oscar’s Place. We only adopt out animals that we believe are recovered and ready. This level of commitment comes at a high cost. Some of this cost is offset by adoption fees. Our team spends one-on-one time with each donkey every day—feeding, grooming, training, and restoring their faith in humans.

  • Oscar’s Place will serve as a safety net for your donkey. Adopters can always return their donkey if they are unable or unwilling to provide proper care.

  • Oscar’s Place is located in Hopland, California and generally only adopts to homes within a 4-hour radius of the ranch.

Donkeys Looking for Their Forever Homes

Meet a few of the donkeys who are ready to find a safe, loving home to call their own. Each donkey below has been fully rehabilitated, both physically and emotionally. They are ready to bring joy and companionship into your life. We’ll work closely with you to make sure it’s a perfect match for both you and the donkey.

  • MaryLou

    MaryLou is a sweet-natured donkey who always stays close to her son. She enjoys being part of a bonded herd.

  • Molly

    Molly is a gentle, calm donkey who enjoys attention. She is closely bonded with her son. They are a sweet donkey family.

  • Jeff

    Jeff is a curious, lively donkey who loves to play with his best friend, Boone.

  • Boone

    Boone is a playful young donkey with lots of energy. He has a strong bond with his best friend, Jeff.

Ready to adopt a donkey?

Start Your Application

Still have questions? We’re here to help. Whether you’re a first-time donkey owner or want to learn more about the process, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Submit an Inquiry

Not ready to adopt a donkey? You can still change a donkey’s life.

Even if now’s not the right time to adopt a donkey, you can still make a meaningful difference.

Become an Oscar’s Place Guardian to help donkeys who have endured abuse, neglect, or trauma feel safe again. Give any amount each month to provide them with the food, shelter, medicine, and care they need to heal.

As a Guardian, you’ll also get to choose a permanent resident donkey to sponsor and receive updates on.

Help a Donkey Heal