Our Adoption Program

NOTE: Our adoption program will be on pause from December 5, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Applicants can still submit applications. Program will resume January 5. 

PLEASE READ AND AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS BEFORE COMPLETING THE ADOPTION APPLICATION:

  • We do NOT ship birds.

    • Anyone interested in adoption MUST come to the rescue for multiple visits.

    • Shipping is stressful and often dangerous for any bird.

    • We adopt to the New England area only. Primarily CT, MA, and RI.

  • We do NOT adopt to breeders. No exceptions.

    • When an adoption is finalized a contract between the adopter and RIPR is signed stating that any of the birds adopted from us will not be bred.

  • We do NOT adopt large parrots to renters or homeowners that have shared walls.

  • We do NOT adopt to children. You must be at least 25 years old to adopt from us.

    • Parrots are complex animals and are not suitable as a child's pet.

    • Children grow up, leave home and go to school, often leaving behind their pet for parents to care for. Many end up in rescues as a result.

    • We have many birds that were formerly children's pets and their parents did not want the responsibility any longer.

  • We do NOT adopt or sell a bird as a gift to someone else.

    • Parrots have distinct personalities, as well as likes and dislikes. The person who will adopt the bird must complete the application and come in to the rescue for scheduled appointments.

  • RIPR belongs to a New England group of rescue organizations and frequently update our Do Not Adopt and Caution list. If you previously applied at another rescue and were turned down, there is a high chance that we've also been contacted, so please rethink your decision to adopt from us. We do check references.

This process and our criteria have been set in place to ensure the safety and happiness of our parrots. Many of these birds have had multiple homes from owners unprepared for the reality of owning a parrot, displaced due to the death of the owner, and some have been abused or abandoned. It is because of this we want to ensure that their new home is a superior one.

If you are anticipating any major life changes such as the birth of a child, marriage, school, or moving that may affect your future ability to keep your commitment to a parrot, please do not pursue an adoption.

If you have recently acquired a parrot there is a six month waiting period before you’d be allowed to begin the process to bring home another parrot. Your bird needs time to acclimate to its new home and family.