Full course description
About the course
Transporting donkeys safely, ethically, and following best practice is a vital responsibility, one that requires care, knowledge, and sound decision-making.
This course will equip you with an understanding of how to make good and ethical decisions at every stage of transport. Whether planning routine movements or responding to urgent situations, your role is central to ensuring that donkey welfare remains the top priority.
This course directly supports our mission to:
- Improve the lives of donkeys every single day
Modules
-
Module 1: Preparing the donkey for travel
Learn how to apply safe loading techniques for donkeys onto a mode of transport, to ensure the donkey's well-being and minimise stress.
-
Module 2: Preparing the vehicle for travel
Analyse the different vehicle available for transporting donkeys and learn how to plan the transport.
-
Module 3: Legal requirements, health and safety preparations for travel
Explore the legal requirements for transporting donkeys and learn how to evaluate and mitigate risks related to both human and donkey health and safety during transport-related procedures.
-
Module 4: Monitoring during travel
Learn the necessary actions to maintain the donkey’s welfare and well-being throughout the journey.
-
Module 5: Unloading donkeys
Learn how to unload donkeys minimising stress and explore how to assess the donkey’s condition upon arrival.
Target audience
This course has been designed for donkey owners or carers who are directly involved in the movement of donkeys for any reason.
Why the course matters
Benefits to you
By understanding and applying best practices and ethical decisions, you help ensure that donkeys are transported safely, ethically, with their well-being at the heart of all decisions. Whether responding to emergencies or planning scheduled movements, your role directly impacts the donkeys' physical and emotional well-being. You will be equipped to make informed, compassionate, and confident decisions at every stage of the journey.
By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped to confidently oversee donkey transport. You’ll learn how to complete essential documentation, select and prepare suitable vehicles, and make ethical, informed decisions that prioritise donkey welfare. The course covers accurate record-keeping, risk management, vehicle preparation, and safe movement procedures, ensuring you’re ready to handle both routine and urgent transport with care and confidence
Benefits to donkeys
This course directly benefits donkeys by ensuring their transport is carried out with the highest standards of care, safety, and compassion. When owners or carers are confident and well-informed, every journey becomes less stressful and more secure for the animals. By understanding how to assess travel needs, prepare suitable vehicles, and respond to risks effectively, you help minimise discomfort, prevent injury, and protect the emotional and physical wellbeing of each donkey.
Assumed prior learning
A current, valid driving licence.
Sentience statement
The Donkey Sanctuary recognises and celebrates animal sentience, understanding that donkeys and other equids have the capacity to experience feelings and emotions. These emotions may be positive, like joy, or negative, such as fear and distress. As individuals, equids have desires and dislikes, and make choices based on their unique personalities.
How to cite
The Donkey Sanctuary. (21/01/26). Good practice guide for transporting donkeys (WCEL111). [Online]. https://thedonkeysanctuary.eu-west.catalog.canvaslms.com/