Why Adopt From Longhopes?

With over 24 years of experience in pairing donkeys with adopters, Longhopes stands out as a trusted authority in the field. Our team is dedicated to assisting you in finding the perfect donkey that aligns with your unique needs and preferences. We prioritize allowing you to interact with the donkeys before adoption and offer guidance to ensure you possess the necessary skills to provide exceptional care.

Experience and Expertise

At Longhopes, the health and well-being of our donkeys are paramount. Our donkeys are meticulously maintained with up-to-date vaccinations and regular deworming protocols. To prevent unwanted breeding, all our jacks have been castrated. Additionally, we prioritize proper hoof care, with regular trimming provided for all our donkeys. All donkeys receive comprehensive and regular dental care to ensure optimal oral health. These measures, combined with their personable and friendly nature, contribute to the overall well-being of our cherished animals.

Health and Wellness

Donkey Skills

Every donkey in our care receives regular handling and training, equipping them with essential ground skills. These skills include haltering and leading, loading into trailers, standing calmly for grooming and petting, lifting feet for hoof care, and enduring fly spray and fly masks. Our comprehensive approach ensures that your donkey is well-prepared and cooperative in various situations.

Transparency

We believe in complete transparency throughout the adoption process. Prior to adoption, you will receive the donkey’s comprehensive history and detailed medical records. We are committed to empowering you with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions and create a strong bond with your donkey.

Lifetime Support

By choosing Longhopes, you gain access to a wealth of expertise accumulated over more than two decades of dedicated work with donkeys. We are committed to being a lifelong resource for you, providing ongoing support and guidance for any questions or concerns you may have regarding your donkey. If, for any reason, the adoption is not successful, we offer the flexibility of returning the donkey to Longhopes.

Choose Longhopes for an unparalleled commitment to donkey well-being, extensive experience, comprehensive donkey skills, transparent adoption processes, and lifetime support. Our mission is to ensure a harmonious and fulfilling partnership between you and your donkey companion.

Adoption Requirements for Adopting at Longhopes Donkey

Before beginning your adoption journey, please carefully review the following guidelines and financial responsibilities. Integrating a donkey into your home involves several considerations beyond the initial adoption, including routine maintenance, brand inspections for legal transport, and long-term care costs. Ensuring you are fully prepared helps create a seamless transition for both you and your new companion.

WE DO NOT ADOPT OUT OF STATE. NO EXCEPTIONS.

ADOPTION APPLICATION

    • At least one acre per equine of safely fenced pasture or turnout (i.e. two equines would require at least two acres)

    • A sturdy, clean, safely fenced corral (a smaller, separate enclosure from the turnout)

    • Continuous access to a permanent, clean, structure for weather protection of no less than 10x16 feet per pair of equines. 

    • Open loafing sheds are not acceptable.

    • Rubber mats inside shelter are required.

    • Year-round access to clean, unfrozen water source by way of a heated water tank or similar unit

    • An adequate supply of non-moldy grass hay stored in a weather-protected shelter

    • Access to a mineral supplement (we use and recommend EquiLix)

    • Equine companionship consisting of another donkey if only adopting one.

    • Adopter must be the primary caretaker of the donkey

    • Donkey must be kept at adopter’s residence except as expressly authorized by Longhopes

    • Adopter is financially responsible for the donkey including feed, farrier, dental and medical expenses

    • Shelter and corral must be regularly mucked to maintain a clean living environment for the donkey

    • Adopter must regularly groom the donkey and clean the donkey’s hooves

    • Donkey’s hooves must be trimmed as necessary to maintain normal mobility and comfort (minimum every 12 weeks)

    • Donkey must be provided with medical treatment necessary to avoid suffering and disability

    • Donkey must be protected from abuse including roping

    • Adopter may not maintain any stallion or jack donkey

    • Jennet donkeys must be protected from reproduction

    • Adopter cannot sell, trade, gift or otherwise transfer the donkey to another person or party without first offering the donkey back to Longhopes.

    • Other requirements based on application, property, set up, adopter’s skill level, etc.

    • Standard pair $1500-$2000

    • Miniature pair  $1600-$2500

    • Single donkey – starts at $600-$1,500

      *Cost to adopt varies and may be higher than indicated values above based on age, skill, size and training. Special needs or geriatric donkeys have reduced adoption fees.  Adoption funds underwrite maintenance costs of unadoptable donkeys and allow us to continue to rescue more homeless donkeys.

    • In Colorado, a brand inspection is required for the sale (change of ownership) or movement of a horse, mule or donkey over 75 miles.SEE C.R.S. 35-53-1122 This applies even if the previous owner did not comply with the law to obtain the equine.

    • The law applies regardless if you buy on Craigslist, from a breeder, a broker or a rescue.

    • Inspection is required regardless of whether the animal is branded or not branded.

    • It is the obligation of the SELLER of the equine to provide the brand inspection to the buyer.

    • To find the Brand Inspector for your area, please use the link below:

    Contact Us - Brands | Department of Agriculture