Are you thinking of buying a mini donkey? The first thing to do is ask yourself a few questions to make sure you know what is involved and whether or not one will be right for your family.

Do you want one as a pet or will it be used for something? Many people want to have a mini donkey as a family pet. The best thing you can do is find one that has a calm manner. A male that hasn’t been frozen can actually be quite difficult for anyone inexperienced to handle. If you’re considering buying one as protection for your goats, sheep, or smaller farm animals, think again. They are less than 36″ tall and are often afraid of anything they deem a threat, including the family dog. They do not make good guard animals.

Do you have adequate shelter? Just like a horse or pony, these animals need shelter from the weather. Sun, rain and cold can actually cause a lot of health problems for them and they are not the type of animal that you can just let wander around the garden.

Do you have the right number of acres? If you have less than an acre of land for the animal to roam, this is probably not the right pet for you. They need room to exercise and room to play, just like a full-size horse or donkey.

Do you understand the health care involved? Just because it’s a small animal doesn’t mean it will need a small amount of care. In truth, they require as much care as a large horse. Their diet needs to be continually monitored, as they are naturally at risk of obesity, and they also require their hooves to be trimmed. Vaccinations and warts should also be part of the regular care they receive.

Adding a mini donkey to your family can be a wonderful adventure for everyone. However, if you’re not properly equipped and prepared, it can be a bit overwhelming. Being fully prepared can help make it the best experience and can set you and your family up for some wonderful memories.