Finding reliable parrot rescue resources can be an important first step if you’re hoping to adopt a bird or need help finding a new home for a parrot you can no longer care for.
Parrot rescues vary considerably. Some operate through foster homes, some maintain dedicated facilities, and some provide permanent sanctuary for birds who may not be suitable for traditional adoption. Adoption and surrender policies also vary by organization and location.
The organizations below provide parrot rescue, adoption, sanctuary, foster, or educational services in different parts of the United States. Information was reviewed using the organizations’ official websites. Always contact an organization directly for its current availability, geographic restrictions, adoption requirements, and surrender policies.
Parrot Rescue and Adoption Organizations
Florida Parrot Rescue — Florida
Florida Parrot Rescue is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization working throughout Florida. It focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of companion parrots.
Birds entering the organization receive veterinary evaluation, and the rescue uses foster homes while working toward appropriate permanent placements. Florida Parrot Rescue also emphasizes matching individual birds with suitable adopters rather than simply placing them as quickly as possible.
Area served: Florida
Services: Rescue, foster care, adoption, rehoming assistance and veterinary care for birds in its program
If you’re considering adoption in Florida, review the organization’s current requirements and available birds directly on its website.
Phoenix Landing Foundation — Mid-Atlantic and Parts of the Southeast
Phoenix Landing Foundation is a volunteer 501(c)(3) parrot welfare organization providing adoption and educational programs.
Its adoption network currently serves Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, North Carolina and the Jacksonville/Northeast Florida area. Phoenix Landing’s educational activities are available more broadly.
The adoption process is designed around finding an appropriate match rather than simply choosing a bird from a list. Applicants participate in parrot-care education and generally complete a home visit. Phoenix Landing says most placements also include a foster period before an adoption is finalized.
Area served for adoption: Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, North Carolina and Northeast Florida
Services: Adoption, fostering, surrender assistance and parrot-care education
Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue — Northern California
Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Northern California. The organization rescues parrots and other companion birds that have been surrendered, neglected, abused, injured or otherwise need assistance.
Prospective adopters complete an application and screening process that includes a bird-care class, phone screening and home visit. Mickaboo states that it does not adopt birds outside California.
Area served: Primarily the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento Valley; adoptions are limited to California
Services: Rescue, foster care, adoption, education and veterinary care for birds in its program
The Gabriel Foundation — Colorado
The Gabriel Foundation is a 501(c)(3) parrot welfare organization in Colorado that has operated since 1995. Its work includes sanctuary care, adoption services and parrot welfare education.
The organization operates an aviary and adoption center near Elizabeth, Colorado, and provides an online application for people interested in adopting.
Location: Elizabeth, Colorado
Services: Parrot adoption, sanctuary, education and lifelong care
Check directly with The Gabriel Foundation regarding current adoption availability and geographic requirements.
Foster Parrots / New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary — Rhode Island
Foster Parrots is a Rhode Island-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the rescue and protection of unwanted and abused companion parrots and other displaced exotic animals.
Its New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary provides permanent sanctuary for birds that are not appropriate candidates for adoption, while Foster Parrots also provides adoption services for suitable parrots. The organization evaluates surrender requests individually and may also offer guidance when a caregiver is struggling with behavioral issues and hopes to keep a bird in its current home.
Location: Hope Valley, Rhode Island
Services: Rescue, adoption, sanctuary, surrender assistance, education and lifelong-care planning
What to Look for in a Parrot Rescue
A responsible rescue should be willing to explain its adoption process and answer reasonable questions about the birds in its care.
Practices differ between organizations, but useful things to look for include:
- An application and screening process for prospective adopters
- Attention to the individual bird’s needs and personality
- Appropriate veterinary care
- Safe housing and suitable foster or sanctuary arrangements
- Clear adoption or foster agreements
- Education about parrot care and the long-term commitment involved
- A policy explaining what happens if an adopter can no longer care for the bird
- Transparent contact information and information about the organization
A careful adoption process may take longer than obtaining a bird through a seller, but matching a parrot with an appropriate home is an important part of responsible rescue work.
Adopting a Rescue Parrot
Don’t assume that every available parrot will be appropriate for every household.
A rescue may ask about your experience with birds, household members, other pets, housing situation, daily schedule and the type of environment you can provide. Some organizations require education or a home visit before approving an adoption.
This isn’t necessarily an obstacle. It can help the organization understand which bird may be compatible with your household.
If you’re considering bringing a rescued parrot home, read our guide to Adopting a Parrot for more information about preparing for adoption and questions to ask before making a commitment.
If You Need to Rehome a Parrot
Sometimes circumstances change and a caregiver can no longer provide appropriate long-term care for a bird.
If you’re in this situation, contact reputable rescues before the situation becomes urgent whenever possible. Rescue organizations may have limited foster space or waiting lists. Phoenix Landing, for example, notes that placement time can range from weeks to months and occasionally longer depending on available homes and the individual bird.
When contacting a rescue, be prepared to provide accurate information about your parrot, including:
- Species and approximate age
- Known medical history
- Veterinary records when available
- Diet and daily routine
- Behavior and temperament
- Previous homes or known history
- Whether the bird is bonded to another bird
- Any medical or behavioral needs
- The reason a new home is needed
Being candid about a bird’s needs can help a rescue make safer placement decisions.
Rescue, Foster Care and Sanctuary Are Different
Not every parrot entering a rescue will follow the same path.
Rescue and rehoming programs generally work toward placing birds in suitable adoptive homes.
Foster programs place birds temporarily with approved caregivers while the rescue remains involved in their care and future placement.
Sanctuaries may provide permanent care for birds who are not suitable for conventional adoption because of behavioral, medical or other needs.
Some organizations perform more than one of these roles. Foster Parrots, for example, provides both adoption services and permanent sanctuary care depending on the needs of the individual bird.
Can’t Find a Rescue Near You?
Parrot rescues often have geographic limits because transportation, home visits, foster networks and follow-up care depend heavily on volunteers.
If the organizations listed above don’t serve your location, search for established companion-bird or parrot rescues in your state or region. Before surrendering or adopting a bird, review the organization’s website, policies and adoption procedures and ask questions about how birds are cared for and placed.
You can also ask an avian veterinarian whether they know reputable bird rescues operating in your area.
A Long-Term Commitment
Adopting a rescued parrot can be tremendously rewarding, but adoption shouldn’t be rushed. Depending on the species and individual bird, caring for a parrot can involve many years of appropriate housing, nutrition, enrichment, veterinary care and daily social interaction.
Take time to learn about the individual bird and the responsibilities involved before deciding whether adoption is right for your household.
Rescue information and service areas can change. Always confirm current policies directly with the organization before applying to adopt, foster, surrender, or transport a bird.