A pair is best, but a horse or pony my also work well. Donkeys have very strong hooves, and do not need shoes, but must have their fast growing hooves trimmed about every 6 - 8 weeks. Donkeys need to be given a dewormer every 6 - 8 weeks to keep parasite free. Parasites can cause some serious health problems. Donkeys should be vaccinated yearly or as often as indicated for Rabies, flu, Rhino, encephalitis and tetanus.
Foals get a series of shots and then begin on the yearly schedule.
Some areas require other vaccines in addition to the above. A donkey should have a good, clean, quality hay, grain, mineral salt, and fresh, clean water at least twice daily. Amounts are determined be the individual. Donkeys need to be able to get in a dry, draft free, well ventilated area as weather conditions demand. They need shelter from the wind, rain, snow in the winter and sun and flies in the summer.