Bird Adoption and Surrender

The Avian Welfare Coalition DOES NOT adopt out or take in birds.
Here you will find essential information to assist you in adopting or surrendering a bird(s).

Before you Begin…Get the Facts about Captive Birds!

A Crisis: The Problem and the Solution
By Krista Menzel

Bird Displacement by the AWC
http://www.avianwelfare.org/issues/homelessness.htm

Avian Welfare Issues: From Extinction to Euthanasia
http://www.avianwelfare.org/issues/index.htm

Avian Welfare Overview
By Denise Kelly, Eileen McCarthy, Krista Menzel, and Monica Engebretson
http://www.avianwelfare.org/issues/overview.htm

Adopting? Read These Articles First!

If you are thinking of adopting a parrot or other exotic bird in need, educating yourself about their special needs is a priority. 

Parrots as “Pets” by the Avian Welfare Coalition http://www.avianwelfare.org/issues/pets.htm

The True Nature of Parrots by Denise Kelly, Joan Rae, and Krista Menzel
http://www.avianwelfare.org/issues/articles/truenature.htm

10 Things to Know Before Adopting a Bird by Monica Engebretson
http://www.avianwelfare.org/issues/articles/10things.htm

Where to adopt a bird:

• • Find an avian rescue organization in your area online or search the bird adoption listings through www.petfinder.com
  
  
• • Veterinary offices that specialize in birds often know of birds in need of homes. You can find a listing of avian veterinarians in your area through the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) website at: www.aav.org
• 
  
• • Contact your local animal shelter or humane society.  If they don’t have birds for adoption, they can refer you to avian placement resources in your area.  Find a listing at www.aspcapro.org

For more information, visit www.birdadoption.org

Surrendering?  Read These Articles First!

The AWC cares that your bird(s) are placed to the best possible situation that will meet their needs.

If you are looking to find a new home for your bird, read the articles below to help insure that your bird doesn’t end up in the wrong hands. 

Guidelines for Placing Your Bird 
By Becky Margison, Avian Protection Society, and Denise Kelly, Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC). http://www.avianwelfare.org/needhelp/placing.htm

Avian Rescue Organizations: What You Need to Know by the Avian Welfare Coalition.
http://www.avianwelfare.org/issues/sheltering.htm

Scams, Scoundrels, and Hoarders: Don’t be a victim- investigate!

Here are some helpful articles to help you distinguish between a true animal rescue/sanctuary organization and a scam operation. For more information, contact the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries www.sanctuaryfederation.org

The Truth About Sanctuaries
by Patty Finch, Executive Director of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
http://www.sanctuaryfederation.org/gfas/for-public/truth-about-sanctuaries/

Legitimate Animal Sanctuary Organizations: What to Look For
by the Avian Welfare Coalition
http://www.avianwelfare.org/issues/AvianRescueandSanctuaryGuideines.pdf

Helping Animals or Hoarding?

Animal hoarders often masquerade as “rescuers,” describing their homes as “shelters” or “refuges.”  But hoarding is not about legitimate animal sheltering or rescue.  It is a serious mental illness that jeopardizes the health and welfare of the animals and the people involved. 

Read this important information from Tufts University: The Hoarding of Animals Research Consortium http://vet.tufts.edu/hoarding/

Who to Contact for Help in Placing Your Bird: 

It is always a good idea to consult with reputable organizations and associations for assistance before placing your bird(s).  In addition to working with reputable avian rescue and placement groups, bird club adoption programs, avian veterinary offices, and local animal shelters can also be helpful in guiding you to a potential new home for your bird. 

• • Find an avian rescue organization in your area online through www.petfinder.com or contact the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries for an accredited avian facility in your area www.sanctuaryfederation.org
• 
  • Veterinary offices that specialize in birds often have clients who are looking to adopt a bird in need.  Find an avian veterinarian in your area through the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) website at: www.aav.org
• 
  • Contact your local animal shelter or humane society; some do offer avian placement services or can refer you to avian placement resources in your area.  Find a listing at www.aspcapro.org