The Veterinary Department at the Sidmouth based Donkey Sanctuary have been awarded the Tier 2 Hospital Status in accordance with the RCVS1 Accreditation scheme for veterinary practices.

The Donkey Sanctuary has an excellent veterinary hospital designed specifically for treating donkeys and the Veterinary Department was awarded Tier 2 Hospital Status on 14th October 2009.

Facilities include an operating theatre with closed circuit anesthesia and diagnostic equipment including endoscopy, X-ray and ultrasound.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Practice Standards Scheme was launched on 1st January 2005. It is a voluntary scheme which aims to promote and maintain high standards of veterinary care. Some of the areas which undergo rigorous inspection are; staff, patient care, equipment, facilities and safety procedures.

Director of Veterinary Services Andrew Trawford says “Our Veterinary Department was given a good report, and re-inspection will occur every four years to maintain the accreditation progress. Acquiring Tier 2 status is a major achievement for the department and represents significant hard work by everyone”.

The Veterinary Department employs six UK vets, who have treated 135 in-patients, plus over 100 day cases and performed 54 operations under general anesthesia in the hospital since Jan 2009. The vets also travel to the surrounding Sanctuary Farms to treat the hundreds of donkeys who are permanent residents and require regular veterinary attention.