Foster Loan Scheme

The Foster Loan Scheme

Occasionally we have donkeys, ponies and horses that we feel would benefit from being in a smaller group where they would get more attention from just one or two people and not have to deal with the many visitors we have at the Sanctuary.

When these animals become available we offer them on our Foster Loan Scheme in Southern Ireland.

This scheme works as a permanent loan of the animal(s) to an individual, or family, who is prepared to abide by certain requirements laid down by the Sai Sanctuary.

But, many people have a misguided idea of what fostering a rescued equine is about. . .

Fostering a rescued equine

Almost all the animals that end up in a welfare situation have been neglected or traumatised in some way and many have a ‘history’ about which we have little or no information. Rescue donkeys are NOT automatically quiet, docile, animals that are good with dogs, cats, and children. Similarly, the popular concept that quiet, easily managed, fully trained children’s riding ponies are available for free from equine rescue societies is a complete nonsense! Show quality ponies and horses are likewise rarely found in welfare situations unless they are aged, or have been damaged in some way. Breeding mares, when available, come under our non-breeding policy.

We ask, therefore, that anyone interested in fostering an equine long term, seriously considers whether they have the facilities, the time, the patience and the love to give to animals which have, in all probability, suffered at the hands of humankind and may be defensive, timid and untrusting. Almost all will make a full recovery and become loving pets given time and loads of TLC. Many youngsters may be viable for training for both riding and driving but will rarely arrive on your doorstep with these skills!

It is highly recommended that you spend time visiting your chosen animal at the Sanctuary to get to know him/her and to ensure that you actually like each other as this is NOT an automatic guarantee! Inexperienced people will be required to learn the basics of equine care at the Sanctuary prior to delivery of their foster animal.

Conditions of Fostering

1. Donkeys are only ever placed in pairs as they are sociable animals who hate being on their own and are often noisy, become depressed, or develop into delinquent escape artists when they are lonely (sometimes all three)!

2. With horses and ponies, preference will be given to a situation where other equines are already present as they too are sociable animals who, with a few exceptions, prefer company.

3. All applicants must agree to be homechecked prior to receiving an animal and be available for further checks, without notice, at any time in the future.

4. If for any reason the applicant is no longer able to continue keeping the animal(s) it must be returned to the Sai Sanctuary. It cannot be sold, rehomed or moved to other premises.

5. If, for any reason the Sai Sanctuary feels the animal(s) is unhappy or is being neglected or abused in the foster home situation, they reserve the right to remove the animal(s) without delay.

6. The Sai Sanctuary operates a strict non-breeding policy. All males are gelded prior to fostering. Any foal(s) born to a mare or filly while in the foster home belong to the Sai Sanctuary and are covered by all the same policies as above.

Thank you.