Adoption Policies

CPR believes that it is imperative that each parrot in the adoption program be matched with the right owner. All of the birds at CPR have already experienced the loss of one or more homes and some have even survived horrid living conditions. For this reason, it's important that every potential adopter be carefully screened and matched.

It is not unusual for a parrot to pick its new owner, which makes CPR's match-making an easier process. However, the adoption process takes time. It's extremely important for new parrot owners to research the characteristics of the species they are interested in adopting and to spend time with the potential new family member before the adoption takes place.

At Parrot University, where available birds are housed, there is an extensive library of educational materials pertaining to parrots. Potential adopters are encouraged to spend time at Parrot U visiting all the birds and reading material in the library. Once a positive relationship has been established between a bird and potential adopter, then the adoption process can begin.

Anyone wishing to adopt a parrot from CPR must complete an adoption application. Attendance is required at a minimum of two classes - 'Parrot 101' and either 'Avian Anatomy' or 'Avian Medicine'. Other classes may be required, depending upon the adopter's experience and the desired bird. All potential adopters are highly encouraged to take all classes offered. Basic classes are free of charge.

CPR Adoption Policies

•	Potential adopters must complete the Adoption Application form.
•	Approved adoption applications will be placed on a waiting list if a bird is not currently in the program that would be a good match for the approved adopter.
•	Potential adopters will be interviewed and will receive at least one home visit before being approved for adoption.
•	Potential adopters are required to attend 'Parrot 101' and either 'Avian Anatomy' or 'Avian Medicine'. Additional classes may be required.
•	Adopters will pay an adoption fee. The adoption fee helps to offset the costs of medical exams, treatment, food, toys and supplies. Adoption fees range from $50-250 depending on species and costs associated with a particular bird.
•	CPR is cautious about adopting birds into homes with very small children. No bird will be adopted into homes with bird-aggressive dogs, cats or other bird-aggressive pets.
•	No more than two parrot adoptions per home are permitted within any 12 month period. CPR reserves the right to decline adoptions based on an excessive number of birds (or other pets) already in the home.
•	Adopted birds must remain in the home and be treated as a member of the family.
•	Potential adopters must spend time with their potential bird, under supervision, before being approved.
•	Noisy birds, such as cockatoos and macaws, will generally not be placed in apartments or condominiums.
•	CPR will not adopt birds for the sole purpose of companionship to another bird in the home.
•	CPR will not adopt birds to breeders.
•	Birds adopted from CPR must remain in a 100% smoke-free environment.
•	CPR reserves the right to decline to place a bird in any home that it does not feel would be a good match.
•	All birds placed for adoption must receive an annual veterinary examination by a CPR approved avian veterinarian.
•	Any birds already in the home must be fully vetted by a CPR approved avian veterinarian prior to the adopted bird entering the home.
•	Adopters must agree to feed a well rounded diet of high quality pellet (brand approved by CPR), fresh fruits and vegetable, grains and nuts, etc.
•	CPR must approve any cage that Adopter wishes to use to house a bird adopted from CPR.
•	Adopters must agree to follow up home visits as deemed necessary.
•	If, for any reason, the adopted bird cannot remain in the home, the adopter must surrender the bird back to CPR. Adopted birds may not be sold, given away, bred, or used for any other type of monetary purpose.