Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs About Adoption

Why don't you show pictures of birds awaiting adoption on your website?

The omission of photos and descriptions of birds available for adoption on this website is intentional. We prefer to get to know you better before discussing specific birds that would be right for you! Also, we admit birds into MAARS programs weekly — sometimes daily. We would not be able to keep website listings up-to-date, and we may have new birds come in while processing your Adoption Application. We do, however, proudly display stories and photos of some selected MAARS birds in the Our Birds section.

I would like to visit The Landing. Where is MAARS located and what are your hours?

The Landing in St. Paul is not open to the public on a walk-in basis. Our Volunteer staff is simply not big enough to care for the birds, interview adopters, and offer care consultations while also being available to meet with walk-in guests. However, we would love to schedule your visit by appointment! Please contact us if you would like to visit The Landing to learn more about MAARS or visit with our adoptable birds.

I live more than an hour away from the Minneapolis/St. Paul (Twin Cities) area. Can I adopt a bird from MAARS?

Probably not. If you live more than 60 miles outside the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, it may be difficult to fulfill all the steps required in our adoption process. We require that you visit the bird one or more times at The Landing to make sure the match seems right. We also require a home visit from a MAARS representative. On rare occasions, we work in cooperation with another experienced bird adoption representative outside of our normal service area to place MAARS birds. Most likely, we will try to refer you to a quality bird rescue and adoption program in your area. You may also visit our Bird Rescue, Adoption & Sanctuary Links page for recommended agencies.

Does MAARS ship birds?

No. All MAARS adoptees must be personally accompanied to their new homes by their adopters or an experienced guardian.

I am under 18 years of age, but I love animals and am very responsible. Can I adopt a bird from MAARS?

We appreciate your dedication! However, if you are a now a child or teenager, the chances are very good that your life will change dramatically over the next 20 years. You may go to college, move around a lot, start a time-consuming career, start a family, or go through another change that may make it hard to care for your bird. Unlike hamsters, cats, dogs, and most other common pets, bird can live for a long time! While we encourage your devotion to animals, we know it is best to adopt a bird to a person or family who can make a long-term commitment to his/her care. It is also best if everyone in the household is committed to the well-being of the bird. If your parents are supportive of the adoption and agree to the terms of our Adoption Contract, please have them fill out an Adoption Application.

Does MAARS adopt birds into breeding situations?

Absolutely not! Just like cat and dog shelters have a logical, mandatory spay/neuter policy to help slow down the flow of more unwanted animals into the world, MAARS requires that our birds never be bred. There is no point in producing more birds when there are thousands and thousands of unwanted birds already alive, suffering, and waiting for placement in new homes.

What criteria does MAARS use to evaluate adoption applicants?

Home Evaluation

These are the things MAARS representatives look at when determining whether or not to approve an adoption applicant for the placement of a bird in his/her/their home.

Bird Adoption Application Evaluation Guide

MAARS follows the suggestions found on this guide to evaluate all Adoption Applications.

FAQs About Donations

Are donations to MAARS tax-deductible?

Midwest Avian Adoption & Rescue Services, Inc., is recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Federal ID# 41-1944074) and is registered with the Office of the Secretary of State and the Office of the Attorney General of Minnesota as a charitable organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

FAQs About Our Policies, Ethics & Activism

What is MAARS' stance on the ethics of bird breeding?

Because of the current exotic pet craze, the homeless captive bird population is increasing at a frightening rate. Public understanding about the demanding needs of parrots and other exotic animals has not yet caught up with their novelty. Even with the best intentions, we feel that very few people are capable of making a lifetime commitment to the care of a parrot. Unfortunately, bird breeders — some supported by large-scale pet supply chains — have responded to the popularity of exotic pets by producing more and more baby parrots. Since it is not in the best interest of business to talk people out of buying one's product, thousands and thousands of babies are now being sent home only to be rejected for being the wild animals they are.

Yes, consciencious, small-scale breeders do exist who are highly educated and selective about where they place their babies. However, with the number of homeless birds already rejected and awaiting placement, we can't see the point of producing more, even under the best circumstances. To solve the homeless bird epidemic, we feel that the public must be educated about what demanding pets birds can be. We also feel that breeders — even the consciencious ones — must stop producing more and more birds for a highly uneducated market that is already spilling over with homeless birds at the "other end."

I witnessed bird abuse or neglect. How should I respond?

You CAN make a difference! Please click here for more information on how to respond when you witness the abuse or neglect of a bird or other animal.

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