Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society
Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society
Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society
4.7
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
About
donkey sanctuary and small animal (dogs and cats) shelter operated by Antigua & Barbuda Humane Society, a non-profit corporation registered under The Companies Act. There is no admission fee. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.7
245 reviews
Excellent
182
Very good
50
Average
8
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Foodie1717
New York City, NY144 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
It was fun letting and brushing the donkeys at the Donkey Sanctuary in Antigua. Some of the donkeys wanted to be on their own, some would let you brush them but didn’t care too much about you, and some actively sought you out. There was probably 40 donkeys, most were old and some young. Visiting the donkeys was free and you could stay as long as you want. You could donate to the donkeys and they were raising money to create a donkey and other animal operating room in case the animals were sick or injured. You don’t let the donkeys but they eat grass after hours. You don’t need a reservation and can just show up any time 10 AM- 3 PM. I would definitely go back when I visit Antigua again!
Written April 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brittany
Phoenix, AZ22 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
A visit to Antigua is not complete without time spent at the Donkey Sanctuary & Humane Society. We spent about an hour there, but you can spend as much/little time as you would like. The more love, the better.
Upon arrival, ring for entrance at the gate, but be careful as you drive in bc these donkeys are escape artists. Donkeys, goats, and a few cats roam free on the property. Cats, dogs, and other animals seeking homes and pets are housed in the purple building next to the gift shop.
The donkeys are super docile and not aggressive at all. They poo a lot, so watch your feet! Peep their nametags and match them with their info pages on the wall inside the gift shop. This makes it a more personal experience. You’ll be given brushes to pet the donkeys with. Go early before they feed, otherwise they won’t bother with you - I’m the same when I eat. :)
For a mere $30 US you can sponsor a donkey for an entire year’s worth of supplies! There are some sweet souvenirs and beverages sold too, but no other fee is charged. The visit is free!
Don’t be an ass, go visit these donkeys while you’re in Antigua.
Upon arrival, ring for entrance at the gate, but be careful as you drive in bc these donkeys are escape artists. Donkeys, goats, and a few cats roam free on the property. Cats, dogs, and other animals seeking homes and pets are housed in the purple building next to the gift shop.
The donkeys are super docile and not aggressive at all. They poo a lot, so watch your feet! Peep their nametags and match them with their info pages on the wall inside the gift shop. This makes it a more personal experience. You’ll be given brushes to pet the donkeys with. Go early before they feed, otherwise they won’t bother with you - I’m the same when I eat. :)
For a mere $30 US you can sponsor a donkey for an entire year’s worth of supplies! There are some sweet souvenirs and beverages sold too, but no other fee is charged. The visit is free!
Don’t be an ass, go visit these donkeys while you’re in Antigua.
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for such a kind and comprehensive review. We are pleased to be able to offer a safe and enjoyable experience during these difficult times. Glad you enjoyed your visit!
Written September 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TeganThomas
Hampshire, UK184 contributions
Nov 2022
This is not a tourist attraction but a dedicated animal rescue organisation struggling to care for the much neglected and often abused (mainly by children) donkeys of Antigua. There is no riding the donkeys, shouting and screaming or pushing them to entertain visitors, if you want to indulge in animal abuse book Pigs in Paradise (should be Pigs in Purgatory), this is the real thing.
We walked to the sanctuary having take the bus to Liberta and followed the county road to the Humane Society. The donkeys are so well cared for and each is treated as an individual and worthy of respect. This is a lovely place, there is no charge for entry and the donkeys that can still tolerate people after all they have been through are at the nearest point to the office. These forgiving souls can be brushed and stroked and fussed, it is very therapeutic for both them and the visitors. The sanctuary is easily accessible by car and if you do go, please sponsor a donkey, like all genuine charities the ABHS does not offer itself as an attraction for high booking fees but focuses on its humane work. It needs support and the cost of sponsoring a donkey is very modest.
We walked to the sanctuary having take the bus to Liberta and followed the county road to the Humane Society. The donkeys are so well cared for and each is treated as an individual and worthy of respect. This is a lovely place, there is no charge for entry and the donkeys that can still tolerate people after all they have been through are at the nearest point to the office. These forgiving souls can be brushed and stroked and fussed, it is very therapeutic for both them and the visitors. The sanctuary is easily accessible by car and if you do go, please sponsor a donkey, like all genuine charities the ABHS does not offer itself as an attraction for high booking fees but focuses on its humane work. It needs support and the cost of sponsoring a donkey is very modest.
Written June 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rachel R
Uniontown, OH12 contributions
Apr 2021
We visited the Antigua Donkey Sanctuary while on a private SUV tour through the Sandals Grande Antigua Island Routes desk. However, you can visit the sanctuary on your own or on other tours, too!
When our tour guide gave us the option of stopping at the Sanctuary before lunch, as animal lovers we knew we had to do it. We didn't stay too long, but after brushing and petting some of the donkeys in the public petting area, we were satisfied. We stopped back in the office to return the brushes, and we were able to purchase a few t-shirts for ourselves and our family back home in cute designs and colors. We also got to "adopt" a donkey, and the money from the adoption would be used for the care of all the animals.
If you visit, please donate or purchase to support the Sanctuary if you're able! Otherwise, your visit is free, but we're sure that especially with less visitors due to Covid's impact on tourism the Santuary can probably use more help than ever.
When our tour guide gave us the option of stopping at the Sanctuary before lunch, as animal lovers we knew we had to do it. We didn't stay too long, but after brushing and petting some of the donkeys in the public petting area, we were satisfied. We stopped back in the office to return the brushes, and we were able to purchase a few t-shirts for ourselves and our family back home in cute designs and colors. We also got to "adopt" a donkey, and the money from the adoption would be used for the care of all the animals.
If you visit, please donate or purchase to support the Sanctuary if you're able! Otherwise, your visit is free, but we're sure that especially with less visitors due to Covid's impact on tourism the Santuary can probably use more help than ever.
Written April 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr Deb
4 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
We stopped by the Donkey Sanctuary which is free to visit. The woman overseeing the sanctuary is lovely and is so happy to share her knowledge. We were given brushes and a brief introduction for greeting the donkeys. The donkeys are docile and sweet and some even follow you letting you know they need more attention. This was a well worthwhile stop and we were inspired to sponsor a donkey for a year to help their cause.
Written May 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lubger
Charlotte, NC372 contributions
Dec 2020
We discovered this place by accident, but boy was it a lucky find. The place is well maintained and has a fairly large area for donkeys not to feel crowded out. You can interact with them from behind a barrier or literally walk among them. Please bring some veggies with you - they love carrots, apples and celery! If you don't, that's ok - you can buy the feed right there at the visitors center.
And please DONATE!
And please DONATE!
Written December 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Van.cher.19
Chester, UK97 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
Such a rewarding day out. Immediately greeted by a volunteer who gave us all brushes to go to the donkeys and give them strokes. They provided a few rules and then left us to it - you only need an hour here, there were about 10 donkeys that we could brush, (including a foal) but they explained they had many more in their other fields, along with other animals. Their gift shop is full of different and reasonably priced things too. We left with a local recipe book and adopted two donkeys.
Make sure to enter the sanctuary via Bethesda as the other entrance is quite a poor road.
Make sure to enter the sanctuary via Bethesda as the other entrance is quite a poor road.
Written March 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suie0515
Columbus, OH1,642 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Fun stop driving from Stingray City to English Harbour.
Admission is free but donations are accepted. You can also “adopt” various donkeys.
Once you enter, you are given a brush to brush the donkeys with. The donkeys that are available to interact with range from indifferent to us to being quite lovely. It was a fun 30 min or so experience.
Admission is free but donations are accepted. You can also “adopt” various donkeys.
Once you enter, you are given a brush to brush the donkeys with. The donkeys that are available to interact with range from indifferent to us to being quite lovely. It was a fun 30 min or so experience.
Written May 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maggie T
London, UK45 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
It's sad to think that over 150 donkeys need a sanctuary but thankfully these gorgeous animals have 35 acres of land to live out their days in free from abuse. The ladies who run the sanctuary do an amazing job, they welcome you, educate you and then invite you back anytime. You can make a donation or you can adopt a donkey or buy something from the shop to help with the running costs. They also operate a no kill shelter for cats and dogs and try to rehome them as soon as possible to prevent them being in the shelter too long. You can walk tr dogs and play with the cats. It's heartbreaking but it's one of the most rewarding things you can do at least once during your vacation. Give a little back to the island and the animals
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Msdoretha
Aruba98 contributions
Jan 2020
I was very impressed with their passion in helping animals. They truely are interested in helping, all animals. Their is a enclosure where one can interact with the donkeys they deem interested in people. They encourage you to brush each and everyone of them with provided brush.
What really impressed me though was their buildings that they made for cats and dogs looking for new homes. They were very clean and animals well cared for. They hold low cost spay and neuter program every other week.
Speaking to them you find out how much they had to overcome in the prior year with a drought and need for fund raising to purchase water and hay.
With a small donation you can sponcer an animal.
They also assured me that the dogs and cats in their care are readily adopted out and in true fashion someone there was walking a dog they were thinking of adopting.
What really impressed me though was their buildings that they made for cats and dogs looking for new homes. They were very clean and animals well cared for. They hold low cost spay and neuter program every other week.
Speaking to them you find out how much they had to overcome in the prior year with a drought and need for fund raising to purchase water and hay.
With a small donation you can sponcer an animal.
They also assured me that the dogs and cats in their care are readily adopted out and in true fashion someone there was walking a dog they were thinking of adopting.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can we feed the donkeys? What do they eat
Written November 15, 2018
No, sorry, we can't allow hand feeding - donkeys don't distinguish between fingers and carrots! Some folks bring carrots or apples but we cut them up for the donkeys and feed them later when they get their grass or hay. We also don't encourage them eating while folks are walking around visiting them - some of them can get a bit pushy when it comes to food! :-)
Written November 15, 2018
Will be visiting 12/10/18 on a cruise and would like to go to the sanctuary. Obviously, the cruise ship does not run tours :-) Just want to go there for a few hours and come back to the dockyard. What is the best way to do that? Taxi? Private Arrangement with tour person?
Written November 14, 2018
Hi, the choice would be between a taxi or contacting Pia Baptiste at tropad@candw.ag. They offer various tours some of which bring folks to the donkey sanctuary.
Written November 15, 2018
My husband and I will be arriving in Antigua on Dec. 5, 2018 for one and would love to visit your sanctuary. We will be arriving at the cruise port and wanting to know the best way to get to the sanctuary. Thanks. Lou
Written November 11, 2018
The easiest way is to take a taxi or you can contact Pia Baptiste at tropad@candw.ag. They offer various tours some of which include the donkey sanctuary.
Written November 15, 2018
I heard that the sanctuary has a renovated barn to house volunteers but I can’t figure out any more information or how to book it. Anybody know anything about this??
Written August 24, 2018
Hi Caroline, thanks for your enquiry. Just send us an email at abhumane@candw.ag and we will provide all the information.
Written August 26, 2018
Any driving directions from Jolly Harbor area? Thanks
Written April 4, 2017
Hi - I am not a local but I got a decent map when I got my rental car - and it was also well signposted. The entrance of Sanctuary is very muddy - don't get stuck
Written April 6, 2017
Holly A
Ottawa, Canada
I would like to know how long a drive and how much a taxi would cost from Antigua cruise port to the Donkey Sanctuary?
PS. I will be in Antigua tomorrow 😏
Many thanks!
Written March 22, 2017
This is more of a general question.
Does Antigua take Canadian money?
Written October 23, 2016
How far is the sanctuary from Verandah resort.
Would renting a car or a taxi be more beneficial
Written October 22, 2016
I'm not sure. Ask google maps. I'd take a taxi, easier and probably less expensive. Ask your resort to sort it out for you. I hope this helps. Don't miss this place!
Written October 23, 2016
For those of you who have visited the Sanctuary and were on a cruise ship. What form of transportation did you use to get there? If a rental did you find it difficult to drive (on the left hand side of the road for instance)? About how long did it take you to get from the Port to the Sanctuary?
Thanks so very much, Lydia
Written August 25, 2016
I wasn't on a cruise ship. I was on a stopover on my way to Barbuda. I took a taxi. I think that's the easiest and less stressful way to go. Don't miss this fabulous sanctuary with caring staff! If you have time, have the taxi take you to English Harbour for a bite.
Written August 26, 2016
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