Adoption/foster process: Home Visits
Why, Who, When, and What to expect
New applicants who want to adopt or foster through Phoenix Landing generally have a home visit.
Why a home visit?
Our goal is always to find a good match for a family and a bird. The information gathered at the home visit helps adoption coordinators find a good match for your family. Home visits also give families the opportunity to ask questions about parrot care and discuss the specifics of their own home and their family dynamic.
Who does the home visit?
A Phoenix Landing volunteer visits with you and your family, either in your home in person or sometimes via Zoom or other digital means. Volunteers own parrots, and have often fostered or adopted from Phoenix Landing in the past. The volunteer can share their experience and offer feedback as needed. Parrots are often challenging companions and advice from a long-term caregiver can be invaluable. We ask that the whole family be present at the home visit if at all possible. Bringing a bird home is a family decision.
When does the home visit take place?
A visit will be scheduled at a time that’s convenient for everyone. Home visits occur after an applicant has come to a class that meets our foster/adoption requirements. Please see the list of classes on the Events page of our Web site. Those classes that meet the adoption/foster requirement are noted as such, and provide an overview of parrot care, with information about diet, enrichment, behavior and more.
What to expect during a home visit
This is your family’s opportunity to get advice that is personalized to your situation. It is also a time for our volunteers to learn more about your environment to help our coordinators make the best match for a bird. For instance, is your home a busy, active one, or is your environment calm and quiet? Our adoption coordinators want to match you with a bird who will thrive in your home environment. Our volunteers have a depth of knowledge and experience, and are there to help you prepare for your new companion.
The visit shouldn’t take too long, a half an hour or so, depending on the number of questions you have for the volunteer.
Don't forget that if the bird needs another home years from now, the bird must be returned to Phoenix Landing for its next home. (A family member may adopt, but will need to attend a class and sign an updated contract.)
Some questions you may wish to ask the volunteer during the home visit:
Why a home visit?
Our goal is always to find a good match for a family and a bird. The information gathered at the home visit helps adoption coordinators find a good match for your family. Home visits also give families the opportunity to ask questions about parrot care and discuss the specifics of their own home and their family dynamic.
Who does the home visit?
A Phoenix Landing volunteer visits with you and your family, either in your home in person or sometimes via Zoom or other digital means. Volunteers own parrots, and have often fostered or adopted from Phoenix Landing in the past. The volunteer can share their experience and offer feedback as needed. Parrots are often challenging companions and advice from a long-term caregiver can be invaluable. We ask that the whole family be present at the home visit if at all possible. Bringing a bird home is a family decision.
When does the home visit take place?
A visit will be scheduled at a time that’s convenient for everyone. Home visits occur after an applicant has come to a class that meets our foster/adoption requirements. Please see the list of classes on the Events page of our Web site. Those classes that meet the adoption/foster requirement are noted as such, and provide an overview of parrot care, with information about diet, enrichment, behavior and more.
What to expect during a home visit
This is your family’s opportunity to get advice that is personalized to your situation. It is also a time for our volunteers to learn more about your environment to help our coordinators make the best match for a bird. For instance, is your home a busy, active one, or is your environment calm and quiet? Our adoption coordinators want to match you with a bird who will thrive in your home environment. Our volunteers have a depth of knowledge and experience, and are there to help you prepare for your new companion.
The visit shouldn’t take too long, a half an hour or so, depending on the number of questions you have for the volunteer.
Don't forget that if the bird needs another home years from now, the bird must be returned to Phoenix Landing for its next home. (A family member may adopt, but will need to attend a class and sign an updated contract.)
Some questions you may wish to ask the volunteer during the home visit:
- What changes to my family’s schedule and environment might be necessary for a placement to work?
- How can we make a smooth transition for the bird to our home?
- How might a parrot affect other family members and pets?
- Where should the cage be placed?
- What type of safe enrichment opportunities can I provide?
- How can I best make a safe and fun environment for the bird and my family?
- Which species might work for my family that I hadn’t considered before?