Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary's logo

FAQ's

Here are our frequently asked questions. If you can't find what you're looking for, please get in touch here.

Visiting us

  • How much is it to get in?

    Entry is free but donations are gratefully received upon arrival. Parking is also free. 

  • Is there parking?

    Yes, we offer free parking with enough space for 120 cars or 90 cars with space for coaches.

  • What are your opening hours?

    We are open from 10am - 4:30pm 7 days a week, except Christmas Day and New Years Day when we are closed. 

  • How can I get to you?

    You can get to us by car by heading towards Ventnor/Wroxall with postcode PO38 3AA; by bus (the number 3 stops directly outside at the top of the drive and just across the road); or there is a Red Squirrel trail footpath that leads from Shanklin, and  runs directly through the Sanctuary.

  • Where is your main office?

    Our main office is on site, in the cottage across from our café.

  • What is there to do?

    We offer a variety of interactions with our animals such as grooming, walking, and more (availability may vary), a free donkey spotting sheet and quiz, over 100 animals to meet, a café for food and drink, a gift shop selling donkey related gifts, and scheduled events throughout the year. See more on activities and events here.

  • Do you have disabled access?

    There are some disabled parking places in our car park. There is also the option to bring a vehicle down to the café for those that cannot make it from the car park when access or animal movements allow. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on site but may require some assistance in certain areas of uneven or wet ground.

    We have two wheelchairs available on site for your use. Please ask at Meet and Greet if you would like to use one. These wheelchairs are used at your own risk.

    An accessible toilet is available in the cafe area.

  • Are dogs allowed?

    Well behaved dogs are very welcome and are allowed in every area of the site, including the barns, shop, and the café, as long as they are kept on a lead.

  • Do you have toilets?

    Yes, toilets with steps by the courtyard or accessible toilets with baby changing in the Cafe. 

  • Is smoking allowed?

    No smoking or vaping allowed anywhere on site. 

Adoptions

  • How can I adopt a donkey?

    Ways to adopt:


    Via the website: You can adopt a donkey via the website here


    Over the phone: Call us on 01983 852693


    At the Sanctuary: Pop in to the Sanctuary and head to the adoption hub or the shop to fill in a paper form. There are also large boards with pictures of all the donkeys, where each donkey has a QR code. You can use your smart phone's camera on the QR codes, which will lead you straight to the website to adopt. 

  • How can I pay for my adoption?

    Payments can be taken through our website, over the phone and in person in our shop.


    Ways to pay for your adoption:


    Via the website: Monthly or yearly via a direct debit, or as a one-off payment (single) using a credit or debit card. Adoptions are here. 


    Over the phone: Call 01983 852693


    At the Sanctuary: We have a huge board with pictures of all the donkeys; each donkey has their own QR code, which will take you to the website to adopt. Alternatively, you can adopt via a paper form in the adoption hub or shop, which also has the option of a one-off (single) payment with cash. 

  • Do I have to renew my adoption?

    If you adopted a donkey and paid as a one-off (or single) payment, you can renew your adoption for the next year. You can renew your adoption at the Sanctuary, over the phone on 01983 852693 or via the online form here. 


    If you don't know your adopter number, don't worry, you can just create a new adoption. 


    If you paid for your adoption as a recurring payment or direct debit, your adoption will automatically renew. 

  • How do I renew my adoption?

    You can renew your adoption by giving us a call on 01983 852693, or through the adoption form on the website, by creating a new adoption.

  • Can I adopt more than one donkey at once?

    You can adopt as many donkeys as you like, just fill out a separate form for each one here.

  • Can I buy an adoption as a gift?

    Absolutely - and they really do make fantastic gifts! All the gift options are available via the adoption form here. Once you select a donation amount, it will give you the option to buy as a gift. 

  • Can I buy an adoption for my child?

    Of course, you can buy an adoption as a gift. All the gift options are available via the adoption form here. Once you select a donation amount, it will give you the option to buy as a gift. 

  • Will my current adoption be affected?

    If you have prevously adopted as a recurring payment via Paypal (through our old website), you do not need to do anything and it will carry on as normal.


    However, if you'd like to switch over to a direct debit, call Pippa on 01983 852693 or email pippa.macmillan@iowdonkeysanctuary.org.

  • Can I buy a treatment for my donkey?

    Yes, you can buy treatments such as a dental treatment, a vaccination and more, here. 

Shop

  • Where do you deliver?

    We only offer UK delivery at this time. 

  • How much is postage?

    Postage is calculated by the total cost of your items. 


    UK postage: Up to £4.99 = £1.50 postage. Up to £10.99 = £3.50 postage. Up to £19.99 = £4.50 postage. £20+ = £5.50 postage.

  • What is your return policy?

    You may return your purchase for an exchange or refund within 14 days of receiving it. Please ensure items are unused with original tags intact. Be sure to obtain a free proof of postage when returning items. We cannot be held responsible for items that fail to reach us.


    Please send your items back to:

    Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

    Lower Winstone Farm

    Wroxall

    Isle of Wight

    PO38 3AA


    Please add a note with your order number and what you'd like to do (return for a refund or exchange).

  • Can I buy an adoption through your shop?

    Our adoptions go through a different process to the shop items. If you'd like to make an adoption, go here.

Policies

  • What is your return policy?

    You may return your purchase for an exchange or refund within 14 days of receiving it. Please ensure items are unused with original tags intact. Be sure to obtain a free proof of postage when returning items. We cannot be held responsible for items that fail to reach us.


    Please send your items back to:

    Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

    Lower Winstone Farm

    Wroxall

    Isle of Wight

    PO38 3AA


    Please add a note with your order number and what you'd like to do (return for a refund or exchange).

  • What is your privacy policy?

    Please see here

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