Our Story
How It Began
Oscar’s Place began during a time when former media executive Ron King was unsure about what his own future looked like. He found himself in Hopland, California, in between jobs and trying to help a friend sell a property. That property was meant to be an animal sanctuary, but it never got off the ground.
He didn’t plan to stay. But then, Ron saw a TikTok video about the heartbreaking fate of unwanted donkeys who find themselves at kill pen auctions, destined for slaughter. He knew he had to do something. That “something” became Oscar’s Place.
Before long, Ron had written a business plan, welcomed the first few donkeys in January 2021, and got to work. Ron and Co-founder Phil Selway chose the name “Oscar’s Place” in honor of Phil’s beloved cat who passed away.
How It’s Going
Years later, Oscar’s Place has grown beyond what we initially dreamed was possible. It has become a place where healing happens every day for both donkeys and the humans who love them. Our promise to each donkey who walks through our gates is that we will do everything in our power to keep them safe, healthy, happy, and with their bonded companion for the rest of their life.
Together, we have saved hundreds of donkeys from auctions and welcomed dozens of donkeys from owners who could no longer care for them. Some of our rescues have been rehomed into loving forever families after making a full emotional and physical recovery. Others live out their final chapter at Oscar’s Place.
In August 2025, Oscar’s Place was generously gifted a gorgeous 116-acre property in Potter Valley, California. This allowed us to open our second location, a sanctuary for donkeys who prefer less human interaction to roam freely and live in peace. With two locations, our capacity is now 500 donkeys in our care at any given moment.
Running this rescue and sanctuary has taken the dedication and persistence of countless people. But our work is not done. There are still many donkeys in crisis who need our help. Together, we can create a better world for donkeys.
Will you be part of our story?
Every rescue, every transformation, and every quiet moment of healing in between happens because of people like you. Give a donkey who has endured abuse, neglect, or trauma a second chance. Your compassion and generosity will change their life forever.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Oscar’s Place has two locations: our ranch in Hopland and our sanctuary in Potter Valley.
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Yes, you must have an appointment to visit. Oscar’s Place is not open to the public. We cannot accommodate visitors without an appointment or visitors who have not signed waivers. We welcome scheduled visits from donors, volunteers, and potential adopters.
All tours must be booked at least 48 hours in advance and take place during visiting hours (9 am to 3 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays). You can schedule your tour on our Visit page.
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If you are a current monthly donor, you can manage your donation here. You can update your credit card information, change the amount of your donation, change the day of the month that the donation processes, and/or download a receipt.
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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. Learn more about our adoption policy and process here, or if you’re ready, submit your adoption application.
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Oscar’s Place Guardians is our dedicated group of monthly donors and donkey sponsors. When you join, you become one of our closest supporters and will be treated like a VIP insider.
By giving any amount each month, you’ll help provide rescued donkeys with the food, medicine, shelter, and care they need to thrive. Learn more about becoming a Guardian and choosing a donkey to sponsor here.
If you can’t become a Guardian, you can still make a one-time gift by visiting our donation form and selecting “Give once” at the top of the secure donation window.
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On our donation form, you’ll see a checkbox to “Dedicate this donation.” Check that box, and follow the prompts to donate in memory of a loved one or celebrate someone with a personalized e-card. You can either make a one-time or monthly recurring donation.
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Groups that are either volunteers, donors, or potential adopters may schedule a visit during volunteer hours. We do not have the capacity for overnight guests.
All tours must be booked at least 48 hours in advance and take place during visiting hours (9 am to 3 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays). You can schedule your group tour on our Visit page.
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All volunteers and visitors must be at least 12 years old due to liability reasons. Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Our Venmo is @oscarsplace. You can find more information about online giving on our Ways to Give page. Thank you for making a difference for donkeys in need.
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Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization tax identification number is 87-0859346.
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We do! You can browse our Amazon Wishlist here. Send supplies, treats, or equipment to Oscar’s Place. Choose something for the donkeys to enjoy, or select an item that will help our ranch and sanctuary run smoothly. Thank you in advance for your contribution.
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For insurance reasons, Oscar’s Place does not offer onsite accommodations and does not allow tents or RVs. Visitors are only permitted on site during scheduled visiting hours, and all visits must be booked in advance. You can learn more on our Visit page.