PUSLINCH – A lot has changed at the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada in Puslinch over the years, but one thing has stayed the same: they remain an accredited animal sanctuary, recently earning full marks from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
The DSC in Puslinch was the first equine sanctuary in Canada to receive accreditation in 2017, and in 2023 received the GFAS Outstanding Equine Sanctuary Award.
These honours don’t go unnoticed by staff, including Executive Director Janine Holman, who says the DSC receiving the recognition is quite important for their reputation.
Among other new technology and programming, the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada now uses solar panels to be more environmentally conscious.
“Every aspect from A to Z” is looked at when going through this process, says Holman. She added many donkeys that come into care have been neglected or abused. Therefore the sanctuary holds the word compassion dearly, alongside other driving words like transparency and sustainability.
Reflecting on years past, Holman is fully aware the sanctuary is an ever-changing one.
Holman says all departments chip in to get to this point. Animal care, guidelines, staffing, veterinary care and more are graded.
Despite the full accreditation in all these areas, Holman says she knows there’s still more to learn.
Holman says the sanctuary is always trying to better educate themselves on new practices, and their attendees on the donkey species, who she explains are misunderstood.
In reality, Holman says they are an intelligent species and great companion. She was sure to add this species is not just a “little horse with big ears,” and encourages all to come out and experience for themselves the nuances donkeys possess.
For more on the sanctuary head to thedonkeysanctuary.ca
