Surrendering a pet is never an easy decision to make. It’s also not the kind of decision anyone would want to regret. That’s why we recommend addressing the issue that is causing the need to give up the pet before making that decision.

The animal in your home and care, who unconditionally loves you, is dependent on and attached to you.  Before deciding to surrender them, you owe it to your pet to take every reasonable step to overcome any problems threatening their remaining in the home with you. We receive regular requests to take in birds and while we wish we could help each and every one, our space and resources are limited.

• Is it because the bird is misbehaving? Oftentimes pet behavior training can correct problems that are otherwise considered uncorrectable.
• Is it because of an allergy? Talk to a doctor or allergist–there are lots of new medications that treat pet allergies.
• For either medical or behavioral issues, please consult with your veterinarian for guidance.  Veterinarians every day help their clients effectively handle medical and behavioral problems. If cost is your primary concern, WAES may be able to assist. Please contact us.

• Consult with a trainer or other animal professional for guidance.  There are many good programs in our community and online at a reasonable cost. Speak with other bird owners for suggestions. Your veterinarian can recommend options as well.

• If you need temporary or long-term boarding, there are many options in our community.  There are boarding facilities with a wide range of prices, veterinary clinics offering short-term and long-term boarding, even pet-sitting services that will bring your animal into the sitter’s home. In certain circumstances, WAES may be able to place your bird into a temporary foster home. Please contact us about this option.

• If you are moving, it is now relatively easy to safely transport animals to your new home.  Please do not surrender an animal just because you think it will be too difficult to transport them to a new location. It will be much more difficult on the animal to surrender them.

• If you are moving to a new rental, we completely understand how difficult it can be to find properties that allow companion animals–especially birds that can be very loud in an apartment setting. There are, however, always exceptions. Before signing a new lease, ensure that your animal(s) will be welcome, or look for new housing.

Please make your final decision carefully

Your parrot needs you!  Rise to the challenge so that your family can remain intact, human and pets alike. Please make your final decision carefully, exhausting all reasonable steps before surrendering them to a shelter. If you have exhausted all other options, WAES will assist to the best of our abilities and resources. Our top recommendation during animal surrender is always for you to act as foster for your pet while WAES works to find him or her a new home. This transition minimizes stress on your pet and offers them the best opportunity for future happiness.