The Association for Donkey and Equine Haven, USA (the “Haven”) is an all volunteer-operated 501(c)(3) dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of abused, neglected, and abandoned equine animals. We rescue without regard for age, health, or adoptability, and fervently believe that every animal deserves a humane, healthy, loving existence, and a compassionate end. Lack of capacity is the only reason an animal is turned away. To learn more about the Haven please visit our website.
Healing Begins Here
In 2025 alone, the Haven touched the lives of over 400 donkeys, mules, and other equines. 300 of those lives passed directly through our care. For many, a safe haven is their primary need. For others, who are sick, injured, starving, lame, orphaned, or very senior, extraordinary medical intervention is required to keep them alive. For some, the only thing standing between them and a fulfilling, tranquil life is treatment for conditions caused by long-term neglect. With your support, we can increase our capacity and transform the lives of these sacred animals. Please give if you can, and please keep telling their story.
The Story of the Modern Donkey
Time has a way of weaving our lives into stories. Donkeys are no exception.
Donkeys have been a part of oral and written history since language was invented. Ancient cultures domesticated them. A humble donkey carried Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, and another carried the pregnant Mary into Bethlehem. Donkeys are mythical. They are literary icons. Characters in beloved children's books. They are movie stars. Tourist attractions on Route 66.
Donkeys have built civilizations. They still perform some of the hardest and most dangerous labor carried on today. They provide income for women and families in lesser-developed countries, and they endure war, famine, and poverty more than any other domesticated working animal.
Today, they are the target of kidnappers, poachers, and massive industries that depend upon cheap binding agents, collagen, and gels for cosmetics and other personal care products. According to some government and academic studies, Donkeys are disappearing at a rate of over 6 million each year. The donkey skin trade is an $8 billion per year business and current demand for Donkey skin is unsustainable.
In countries like the U.S., where equine slaughter and processing are forbidden, Donkeys are funneled through livestock sales and auction barns, then sold in cross-border trade with our neighbors to the north and south. These curious, intelligent, and loving animals are delivered into an unregulated industry where they are slaughtered and skinned.
Industry Numbers
Is this really the story we want to tell?
The Haven's Numbers
How Your Support Can Change Their Story
$50 = 7 bags of bedding (serves 2 shelters for one week on average); purchases 2 50-lb. bags of grain
$75 = farrier visit and trim for a donkey, or a farm visit fee for our mobile vet
$125 = 2 round bales (feeds a pasture for approximately 7 days)
$200 = fecal panel and bloodwork for an incoming Donkey
$250 = castration for a donkey, getting him one step closer to adoption
$275 = 200 mg lifesaving antibiotics (approximately 33 doses)
$500 = 21-bale bundle of coastal hay (feeds approximately 55 donkeys for 4 days)
$750 = 6 hour round-trip transport fee to bring donkeys to safety at the Haven
Every dollar you give goes directly to ensuring that no donkey is turned away.
Since 2009, the Assn for Donkey & Equine Haven, USA, has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abused, neglected, and abandoned donkeys and equine animals. We do so without regard for age, health, or adoptability. We fervently believe that every animal deserves a humane, healthy, and loving existence, and a compassionate end.
An integral component of our mission is providing a space for people of all ages and abilities to learn and experience empathy, compassion, and loving kindness through personal contact and connections with these loving and intelligent animals and carry it forward into their daily interactions with others.
Our aspiration is for our organization to look like our community. We welcome people of all cultures, colors, ages, abilities, and orientations. Bring your compassion and love for donkeys and equines and join us.
An integral component of our Mission is providing a space for people of all ages and abilities to experience empathy, compassion, and loving kindness through personal contact and connections with these loving and intelligent animals and carry it forward into their daily interactions with others.
View our current participation opportunities.
Direct Animal Care
Ongoing
Celina, TX
Organization name
Assoc for Donkey and Equine Haven
Tax id (EIN)
87-2080140
Causes
Animals
Operating Budget
Less than $100,000
Counties Served
Collin, Cooke, Denton, Grayson, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Kaufman, Montague, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant, Wise
BIPOC Leadership
Executive Director/CEO
Address
10172 COUNTY ROAD 132