Instructions
Educate yourself thoroughly about the behavior and care of donkeys. If you already take care of donkeys, there is always more to learn about these fascinating animals. You can read informative books; like Sue Weaver's "The Donkey Companion" and "Donkey" by Jane Morrison and Michael Tobias, and web pages like the Tennessee Donkey Association's on donkey health issues.
Familiarize yourself with state and federal laws pertaining to the treatment and welfare of donkeys. You can easily look up current Tennessee laws and any proposed legislation at AnimalLaw.com, using "donkey" as your keyword. You can search for federal laws at the online Animal Legal and Historical Center.
Honestly evaluate your living situation to make sure that you are donkey-ready. "The Donkey Companion", has a New Owner's Checklist and information on finding a knowledgeable local veterinarian before your donkey arrives. You can also try contacting professional organizations like the state veterinary society, the American Association of Equine Practitioners or Veterinarians for Equine Welfare. Fortunately because of its large equine population, it may be easier to find an appropriate vet in Tennessee than in many other states.
Find ethically run rescue organizations and identify leads on adoptable donkeys. Learn about equine rescue standards from the Homes for Horses Coalition (HHC) and about locating reputable rescues from TheHorse.com. The HHC publishes its member groups, including those in Tennessee, on its website. You can also look for equine rescues and adoptable donkeys within or near Tennessee on Petfinder.com. If you are willing to transport your new animal home from outside Tennessee, you can adopt a wild burro from the Bureau of Land Management or BLM.
Choose and apply for your donkey, taking care to meet all of the rescue's requirements first.
How to Adopt Unwanted Donkeys in Tennessee
Tennessee is a good place to raise horses and their relatives, including donkeys. The state has the second largest population of donkeys in the U.S. Some of them suffer abuse and neglect, or need to leave their original homes. Fortunately, adoption is an option for many donkeys, and one that their human caregivers often find very rewarding. These gentle, sweet-faced animals have deep emotions and form strong social attachments. With proper care, donkeys can live as long as 30 to 40 years. The oldest donkey on record lived to be over 60.