Donkey Shelter Tongala

Donkey Shelter Tongala Donkey Shelter Tongala is Visits by appointment only. A not-for-profit organisation started in August 1997 by Dr. May Dodd. Horses bully and intimidate donkeys.

Donkeys may be taken in by the Shelter for a number of reasons:-
They are rescued from situations of neglect and cruelty. They are surrendered by owners who are no longer able to care for them. They are bought at stockyards to prevent them from being sold for slaughter for pet meat. As soon as they reach the Shelter, the donkeys are nursed back to health and rehabilitated as necessary. When they

have recovered, donkeys whose health and temperament allow it may be located to a carer home. Old donkeys, those with ongoing health problems, and those with an unsuitable temperament will remain at the Shelter. Some donkeys are suitable to join the fundraising team, and these will also remain at the Shelter. All funds raised are used solely for the welfare of the donkeys.

“We often get enquiries from people who want to buy or adopt donkeys from Donkey Shelter. Please note that we never, ever, sell our donkeys. Sometimes, if someone had a donkey of their own, and their donkey was lonely, we would place one of our own donkeys as a companion to theirs, on the condition that we would regularly visit the carer property to assess the health and wellbeing of our donkey. Regrettably, due to time constraints, we’re unable to make these visits, so we will no longer provide Donkey Shelter donkeys as companions. If you have a single donkey, and you aren't able to get a companion for him/her, please consider surrendering your donkey to Donkey Shelter Tongala, where you can be assured that he/she will receive the best possible care for the rest of their life, and will have plenty of donkey friends!”
Dr May Dodd

Donkeys and Horses
We occasionally have people asking about keeping donkeys and horses together, this would be a no. Donkeys and horses don't go well together. Sometimes if raised together it is not too bad but generally no. May

Buying Donkeys
The only suggestion we can make about finding donkeys is to keep and eye on The Weekly Times. Sometimes animals might be advertised for sale. Also, you might ask Stock and Station agents. Those people usually have a feel for what's available in their district.

16/01/2026
2026 open day
16/01/2026

2026 open day

The weather is cool again and we are not fire-affected here at Donkey Shelter Tongala. We look forward to seeing you all...
10/01/2026

The weather is cool again and we are not fire-affected here at Donkey Shelter Tongala. We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!

09/01/2026

You may have seen two donkeys on the TV news who may have been emotionally affected by the fire situation. May has been in contact and they are both OK.

If you know of any donkeys who need a safe place please contact May Dodd 0459692842 at the donkey shelter.

If you are unable to attend the open day but still want to donate, that can be arranged by contacting the donkey shelter, please email [email protected].

Send a message to learn more

08/01/2026

2026 times are 10am - 1pm (NOT 11am-3pm)

Send a message to learn more

Travel carefully, and we'll see you this Sunday when the weather is not so hot.
08/01/2026

Travel carefully, and we'll see you this Sunday when the weather is not so hot.

Open day is almost here! Save the date: Sunday 11th January 2026.
05/01/2026

Open day is almost here! Save the date: Sunday 11th January 2026.

12/11/2025

Open Day Sunday Jan 11th, 10am to 1pm.
$20 entry per car.
Cafe and sausage sizzle, stalls, patting yards.
All welcome, May Dodd.

01/10/2025
20/09/2025

For those who have been asking, the next Open Day at Donkey Shelter is Sunday, 11th January 2026 11am-3pm

It's time to order Christmas cards and 2026 calendars.
08/09/2025

It's time to order Christmas cards and 2026 calendars.

Address

1949 Matheson Road, PO Box 71
Tongala, VIC
3621

Telephone

+61358591410

Website

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