Bird lovers know their feathered companions are family. But what happens to your parrot after you're gone? Since many parrots can live 30 to 80 years, outliving their human caregivers is a real possibility. That’s why it’s essential to include your bird in your estate planning—through a will or living trust.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
The difference between a will and a living trust for your bird
Why planning ahead prevents rehoming crises
How to choose a caregiver or rescue
Guidelines for placement from top avian experts
Wills vs. Living Trusts for Pet Birds
A will is a legal document that outlines who inherits your assets and property after your death—including pets. While useful, wills often take time to go through probate, which can leave your bird in limbo.
A living trust, however, is a more immediate and secure solution. It allows for the ongoing care of your parrot without court delays, and you can specify:
Who will care for your bird
How funds will be used (for food, vet care, toys, etc.)
What should happen if the primary caregiver is unavailable
Having a pet trust specifically for your bird ensures continuity of care. Many states now recognize these legal arrangements, giving you peace of mind.
Why Your Bird Needs to Be in Your Estate Plan
Lifespan: Some species outlive humans by decades.
Specialized Care: Birds need experienced, knowledgeable handlers.
Preventing Neglect or Abandonment: Without a plan, birds may end up in shelters or worse.
Medical & Dietary Needs: Proper funds ensure continued access to avian vets and specialized diets.
Placement Options: Private Home vs. Avian Rescue
Working With an Avian Rescue
Reputable rescues:
Require health records and perform quarantine
Provide proper housing, diets, enrichment, and flight opportunities
Avoid breeding and prioritize long-term welfare
Are transparent and may be accredited
Red flags include:
High adoption fees that mimic market prices
Preference for large, rare birds
Lack of veterinary or facility transparency
Direct Placement in a Private Home
This option requires extensive screening. Look for someone who:
Has avian experience and financial stability
Lives in a safe, stable environment with no predators
Can commit to lifetime care or has a backup plan
Agrees to legally binding terms (e.g., no breeding, care standards)
Avoid placing birds through public classifieds. Many ads attract people seeking to resell birds or use them for breeding.
Steps to Create a Pet Trust
Identify Your Birds: Clearly describe each bird, including species, age, and any unique identifiers.
Designate a Caregiver: Choose someone trustworthy and familiar with bird care. Discuss your plans with them beforehand.
Appoint a Trustee: Select an individual or institution to manage the trust funds and oversee the caregiver's responsibilities.
Outline Care Instructions: Detail feeding schedules, cage cleaning routines, veterinary care, and social interaction requirements.
Medical needs: Details information about current vet, past conditions, medications
Allocate Funds: Estimate the cost of care over your birds' expected lifespans and fund the trust accordingly.
Legal Formalities: Work with an estate planning attorney to draft and execute the trust document in compliance with state law.
Your placement wishes: rescue preferences, no-breeding clause, visitation rights if applicable
Give Your Parrot the Future They Deserve
Planning for your bird’s future isn’t just responsible—it’s compassionate. Whether you choose a living trust, a detailed will, or partner with a trusted avian rescue, what matters most is ensuring your bird continues to live a life full of love, health, and enrichment.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-planning
https://aldf.org/article/establishing-a-trust-for-your-animals/
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Monika Sangar, MSc – Molecular Biology | Avian Nutrition Specialist | Founder: PDSnonprofit | Owner: Pds Parrot Shop
Monika Sangar holds a Master of Science in Molecular Biology and is a dedicated Avian Nutrition Specialist with over 14 years of hands-on experience rescuing and rehabilitating parrots. As the founder of PDSnonprofit and Owner of PDS Parrot Shop, she combines scientific knowledge with practical expertise to create enrichment-focused bird toys and species-appropriate diets. Her work emphasizes evidence-based care, behavioral enrichment, and long-term wellness for companion parrots. She is also an author who wrote, The Science of Avian Nutrition: https://a.co/d/f14lNl3
PDS is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (tax id #46-2470926)