Top Ten Factors to Consider

(When Selecting a Exotic Bird Rescue,
Adoption, Rehabilitation, or Sanctuary)

This list should be helpful whether you're looking for an organization to place your exotic bird with, an organization to donate your money or time to, or an organization to adopt an exotic bird from.

It is your responsibility to research the rescue, adoption, rehabilitation or sanctuary organization if you plan to entrust the care of your exotic bird to them, donate your time and money to, or if you plan to adopt an exotic bird from their organization.

Here are the Top Ten factors to consider.

1. Is it a Sanctuary Organization, Rescue Organization, Rehabilitation Organization, or combination? Some organizations are a combination of the three basic forms. Here's a quick definition of the basic forms of organization.
   • A Rehabilitation Organization is an organization that operates a place of refuge where abused, abandoned, displaced, neglected, orphaned, or unwanted exotic animals receive care until they can be adopted out or released back to their natural habitat.
   • A Sanctuary Organization is an organization that operates a place of refuge where abused, abandoned, displaced, neglected, orphaned, or unwanted exotic animals receive care for their lifetime or until they can be released back to their natural habitat.
   • A Rescue Organization is an organization that takes abused, abandoned, displaced, neglected, orphaned, or unwanted exotic animals and attempts to find new, caring homes for them.
2. Do they allow unscheduled visits? If they do, take an unscheduled tour of their facilities. Is it a permanent facility, is it a clean facility, do they feed the birds in their care a varied, healthy, and fresh diets daily? The overall appearance of the organization's daily operations is a clear indication of their funding and staffing levels.
3. If it's a Rehabilitation or Rescue Organization, how do they choose a new home for the exotic bird or parrot and how do they screen their adopters? The more rigorous their screening process then the more successful they will be in placing a bird or parrot into a loving environment where the bird will thrive.
4. Does the organization breed exotic birds or adopt exotic birds to breeders? It is always better to adopt than to purchase. So an organization that adopts to breeders may be causing more problems than it is fixing. This may be an indication that they're in the business for the money and not in the business to rescue birds.
5. Do they take in all sizes and breeds and not just the large ones or specific breeds? Just taking in expensive birds or specific breeds may be an indication that they're more interested in making money than rescuing birds.
6. Does the organization have a follow-up program? They should follow up with continued education, support, and monitoring when placing birds into adopting homes. This should include a contractual clause in their adoptions which would allow them to take back custody of their placed birds if the conditions warrant it.
7. How long has the organization been "rescuing" birds? The more mature organizations have demonstrated a willingness to provide a long term service.
8. Do Avian Veterinarians and reputable bird clubs in your area recommend the organization? These are very valuable but free resources to tap when doing your investigation.
9. Is the organization willing to work with you to solve any problems you have before your take the last resort of relinquishing your bird? Placing your bird up for adoption should be a very last resort. The organization should do everything within their power to help you solve your problems or issues before taking in your parrot for adoption.
10. Is the organization certified by the Model Aviculture Program (MAP) or a member of the American Sanctuary Associations (ASA) or certified by the Avian Rescue Association (ARA)? If they are certified or members of these organizations, contact these organizations and determine what their requirements are for certification or membership.