14th Annual Donkey Welfare Symposium
October 2-4, 2026
“It is Serious! Your Ass is in Big Trouble"
Exploring donkey emergencies and critical issues in donkey health and care.”
Register HERE
We appreciate our Gold Sponsors :
Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue
HALTER Project
Here are some of the Speakers:
Dr. Alex Thiemann
Cindy Davis
Dr. Cindy Xue
Dr. Erin Goodrich
Dr. Eric Davis
Dr. Ted Vlahos
Dr. Al Bueno
Dr. Monica Aleman
Dr. Isabel Kilcoyne
Dr. Kate Schoenhals
Dr. Stacy Tinkler
Dr. Victor Urbiola
Megan Hensley
Ross Keller
Dr. Cindy Nielsen
Covering topics on:
Orthopedic Emergency
Neurologic Conditions
Colic and its Challenges
Global "Asspects" - Donkeys in the World
Afternoon of Wet Labs: Neurologic Exam and Management of Recumbent Donkey
Pre-Symposium Workshop "Farrier Friday"
More about the Donkey Welfare Symposium
The Donkey Welfare Symposium brings thought-provoking presentations and discussions aimed to improving the health, welfare and well-being of donkeys and humans caring for donkeys.
The International Animal Welfare Training Institute (IAWTI) Organizes and Hosts the Annual Donkey Welfare Symposium since 2013 through the collaboration between the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and organizations committed to the welfare of donkeys.
The symposium has become a global venue for annual discussions of donkeys and the issues they face in the modern world.
For the first 8 years, the Donkey Welfare Symposium has been under the leadership of Dr. Eric Davis and Cindy Davis.
In 2021, Dr. Eric and Cindy Davis have retired from their directorship roles, and Dr. Lais Costa became the director of the Donkey Welfare Symposium.
Dr. Eric and Cindy Davis remain the strong driving force of this annual event. We thank them for their lifelong commitment and dedication to the health, welfare and well-being of donkeys worldwide.
Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue and the HALTER Project have sponsored the Donkey Welfare Symposium since its inception. We are thankful for the unwavering support from the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue and the HALTER Project.
MAKE A GIFT
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The educational contents of all past Donkey Welfare Symposia will be available for viewing once the accessibility compliance is completed
We thank all attendees that join and support the Donkey Welfare Symposium.
View 2013 to 2020 Donkey Welfare Symposiums
Donkey Welfare Educational and Research Projects
The Donkey Welfare Symposium Fund aids veterinary students in educational trainings.
In partnership with Rural Veterinary Experience Teaching and Service (RVETS), veterinary students travel to Sierra Gorda, México and join the Director of RVETS México, Dr. Victor Urbiola, and his team to provide care to donkeys in underserved communities.
With the support of the UC Davis Global Programs, veterinary students travel anywhere in the world to learn more about donkeys.
The Donkey Welfare Symposium Fund provides support for Research Projects