A quick overview:
Step 1: Complete the surrender form
Step 2: Our team will review your submission and contact you with next steps. We aim to respond within 48 hours, but it may take up to a week depending on volume. Please check your spam folder if you do not hear from us.
Step 3: If space allows, we will schedule an intake. More commonly, you will be placed on a waitlist. We will do our best to provide an estimated wait time based on current foster availability.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SURRENDERING A BIRD
We understand that surrendering a bird is never an easy decision. Our goal is to approach every surrender with compassion, honesty, and the bird’s long-term wellbeing at the center of every decision.
Getting Started
Does submitting a surrender form mean I am giving up my bird immediately?
No. Submitting a surrender form does not finalize anything and does not obligate you to surrender your bird. It allows our team to gather information, assess foster availability, and provide realistic timelines so you can plan ahead.
Can I change my mind after submitting a form?
Yes. Circumstances change, and nothing is finalized until the bird is physically transferred to STAR.
What happens after I submit the form?
Our team will review your submission and contact you with next steps. We aim to respond within 48 hours, but it may take up to a week depending on volume. Please check your spam folder if you do not hear from us.
Returning a STAR Bird
What if my bird was adopted from STAR?
If you adopted your bird from STAR and need to rehome them, they must be returned to STAR per the adoption contract. Returning STAR birds are prioritized when possible. Please complete the surrender form and note that the bird is a STAR bird.
Timing and Waitlist
Why is there often a wait to surrender a bird?
STAR is a 100 percent foster-based rescue. Birds are placed into volunteer foster homes, not a physical shelter. Intake timing depends on the bird’s species, medical or behavioral needs, and available approved foster homes. While we work as quickly as possible, waits of weeks to months are common.
How long does the surrender process usually take?
Every situation is different. Some birds can be placed more quickly, while others require additional time to find an appropriate foster home. Once your form is reviewed, we will do our best to provide an estimated wait time based on current availability.
Submitting a surrender form places you on our triaged intake waitlist, not in an immediate intake queue. Intakes are prioritized based on factors such as medical or behavioral needs, urgency, and available foster homes. Because foster availability can change, estimated wait times are not guarantees and may shift. We encourage submitting your form as early as possible if surrender may be needed in the future.
Donations and Fees
Is there a surrender or rehoming fee?
No. STAR does not charge a surrender fee.
However, caring for birds is costly, and donations help make rescue possible. Veterinary care, supplies, food, toys, and ongoing support add up quickly, and adoption fees do not come close to covering these expenses.
Are donations required, and do they guarantee intake?
Donations are never required, but they are deeply appreciated. Suggested donation amounts are provided to help illustrate the average cost of care.
Donations do not guarantee intake, priority placement, or faster processing. Intake decisions are based on foster availability and the bird’s needs.
Cages and Supplies
Do you take the cage when the bird is surrendered?
In most cases, no. Cages and large items are typically coordinated for a separate drop-off if they are needed. Our intake team will provide guidance once the intake is scheduled.
Communication and Follow-Up
What if I do not hear back after submitting the form?
We aim to respond within 48 hours, but responses may take up to a week depending on volume. Please check your spam or junk folder, as some email providers filter our replies.
How can I check on the status of my surrender request?
If you would like an update or have additional questions, you are welcome to email intake@staravian.org.
Compassion and Support
I feel awful about surrendering. Is this the right thing to do?
Surrendering a bird is never easy, and coming to this decision often takes a great deal of thought, care, and love. We understand that every situation is different, and we respect the effort it takes to reach out and ask for help. Our team approaches every surrender with compassion, respect, and without judgment.
Suggested Donation Information
STAR does not charge a surrender fee. We believe removing financial barriers helps ensure birds get the care they need.
That said, the cost of caring for a bird prior to adoption is significant, and adoption fees do not come close to covering these expenses. Donations help make rescue possible and directly support the birds in our care.
Suggested donation amounts
These are optional and meant only to reflect average costs associated with intake and care:
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$50 helps cover food, enrichment, and basic supplies
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$100 supports quarantine care and daily foster supplies
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$250 helps offset an initial veterinary exam and testing
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$500+ supports birds with higher medical or long-term care needs
Donations of any amount are deeply appreciated.
Please note: Submitting a donation does not guarantee intake, placement, or faster processing. Intake decisions are based on foster availability, species needs, and the bird’s overall situation.
Donations by check may be mailed to:
STAR St Louis Avian Rescue
PO Box 732
Ballwin, MO 63011
Donate through PayPal
(PayPal account not required – Credit/Debit accepted)
Cash Donations
May be given to the intake volunteer at time of intake.
Donation receipts will be mailed to you after intake.
Still have questions? Email intake@staravian.org