Prerequisites to adopt a bird?

[Kevin]

I am going to play devils advocate on this one... Figured it would be a good topic to cover... and see what yall think.

I was down at a bird fair this past weekend and found a good organization that helped place rescued birds. I understand what they are trying to achieve but like many other legit rescues at what point does the prerequisites to adopt go overboard?

I have seen crazy demands way beyond these examples I will post below but... again at what point do you just say I don't got time jump through a bunch of hoops, and deal with a bunch of red tape just to seek out a feathered buddy?

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For example:

3. A confidential bird adoption application must be filled out and on file with us. This application must be approved by at least 2 members of the Board of Directors before the bird may be adopted.

4. A potential adopter must allow a member of the Board of Directors to visit their home before the adoption can be finalized.

5. The adopter must pay a pre-set adoption fee set by the board of directors before adoption.

6. While financial status is not an issue in adoption, gainful employment is required for adoption to assure us that the adopted bird can be taken to an avian veterinarian for basic health care.

7. After adoption, the adopter must allow a home visit from a member of the Board of Directors 2-3 months after adoption is complete.

8. The adopter must understand that an Adoption Contract will be entered into. This is a legal and binding document and will be acted upon if the rules of adoption are not adhered to.


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I'd love to hear both sides of this topic... I think people will learn alot from this topic and be able to discern for themselves what works best for them if they head in this direction...

[4HAND]

As long as there are people willing to meet these requirements I'm all for them,the stricter the better.However if nice adoptable birds are waiting way too long for homes ,adjustments should be made.It takes a lot of work to rehab a parrot and the people who have selflessly done it have earned the right to be selective.
Tena

[Beaks]

I dont see anything wrong with those rules but i think that the adoption fee should be optional depending on the person adopting the bird (most of the time i dont charge an adoption fee but the adoptors are not allowed to sell the bird and if they cant care for it or it doesnt work out for some reason then it comes back here to be rehomed)

[Kevin]

What are some requirements that people have seen that are just WAY beyond reasonable?

[Beaks]

the one that makes me totally crazy is making them volunteer for a year or two just to get a chance to adopt a bird.

another is charging adoption fees that are as high or higher than it would be to just go out and buy a bird and then charging extra for the cage that they came in.

there is nothing wrong with charging for a cage if they want one (so you can buy a replacement cage for another bird) but if you get a large adoption fee then it should cover a cage, some food, toys, etc.

[Lisa B]

yeah, my opinion is the same as johns.....
i see nothing wrong with weeding out people who wouldnt make good homes and entering a contract. I did it myself for many years in my club. You can imagine how people lie, to get a free bird....often to resell or breed....
so thats stuff you have to look into.

[Eliza]

The examples that you shared Kevin are REALLY tame IMHO. I'll admit that I'd be hesitant to let someone into my home, though... I know that sounds really silly but I don't like strangers up in my business. I'd let that issue slide so long as my employers (who are also my landlords) were OK with that.

Some requirements that I have seen with rescues (avian or otherwise) over the years include:

*A copy of a mortgage proving home ownership OR copy of a lease stating that pets are allowed and/or a signed, notarized letter from landlord allowing pets

*Bird specific: home inspection to assure that there are absolutely NO Teflon or other questionable non-stick items in the house. This includes hairdryers, ovens that have self-cleaning options, etc.

*Potentional adopters must "join" the particular rescue/organization through a financial contribution (not usually something ridiculous but still, $50-100 that is not applied to the adoption fee of the animal in question)

I know that some individuals looking to rehome and/or some rescues would not consider me eligible to adopt because I am a single female. Since I am still well within child-bearing years they consider me a risk for surrendering an animal. A little over the top but whatever...

As for a fee... I certainly expect to pay a fee to a rescue so long as they are a 501(c)(3) and, of course, if they are providing a cage, etc. I'm always hesitant of someone who is "adopting out" a parrot (or whatever) without a cage b/c quite frankly, unless it's a rescue that is recycling the cages back into their program, there is no need for an animal to come without his or her home.

[birdlady49]

I like most of the prerequisites. It ensures that the potential adopter is not adopting on a whim or an impulse. The Gabriel Foundation in Colorado has a 12-page adoption application. I wasn't planning on adopting, but I decided to fill out their application just to see what it entailed. I gave up halfway through.

[Beaks]

Quote----As for a fee... I certainly expect to pay a fee to a rescue so long as they are a 501(c)(3)----Quote

what does 501 status have to do with paying an adoption fee?

All 501(c)3 means is that they have tax exempt status with the IRS it does not mean that they are a good rescue or that they deserve special treatment.

I know people that operate rescues without 501(c)3 status that do an excellent job and i know of quite a few that have 501(c)3 status that just plain suck.

IRS tax status has nothing to do with quality of care, adoption fees/adoptions, care or the honor of the individuals involved with the rescue itself.

its just a tax thing , no more and no less

[catschair]

Extensive training requirements -- some asking for three or four courses, which may take up to a year to complete due to their availability (meanwhile the bird is without a permanent home).

Refusing to adopt to anyone with another pet in the home that might present a danger -- dog, cat, etc. I understand the rationale, but then why rent to someone with windows the birds can fly out of (yeah...OTT, but you know what I mean)

I don't have a problem with the home visit, but expectations need to be reasonable. I had a friend who was turned down because her cat had thrown up on the rug right before the inspector came (how unusual--a cat with hairballs) and the inspector decided the home was unsanitary.

I have some problem with returning the bird to them if something happens years down the line (short term is fine). I have folks to whom I have bequeathed my pets, and would not be willing to "break up the family" twenty years from now because of a contract I sign today.