Estate Planning/Lifetime Care Planning: A Lasting Tribute to a Lifetime of Love

The longevity of most species of parrots is unique in the pet world and the likelihood of the parrot outliving its owner is far greater than with dogs or cats. In many states animals are considered property and to prevent your companion parrot from being treated as such, it is crucial to put lifetime care plans in place as a safety net for your bird. There are three primary factors to consider when planning for your parrot’s future 1. Who will care for your parrot if you are no longer able? This could be an individual or an organization. 2.How will you provide funding for your parrot’s care? 3. How will you carry out your wishes for your companion parrot?

The Gabriel Foundation can help! The Gabriel Foundation is a 100% donor-funded 501(c)(3) non-profit parrot welfare organization dedicated to the well being of companion parrots.  We achieve this mission through:

1.     Educating the Public: The Gabriel Foundation provides continuing education and information to the public, the veterinary community, and the avicultural industry about the necessary commitment to provide properly for these highly intelligent, long-lived creatures.

2.     Providing Adoptive Homes for Parrots: The Gabriel Foundation has successfully placed thousands of birds in qualified adoptive homes.  We use a highly structured screening and adoption process for individuals interested in adopting a bird.  Once adopted, The Gabriel Foundation continues to maintain data and provide adoption support for the lifetime of the bird.

3.     Maintaining a Sanctuary for Parrots: The Gabriel Foundation maintains a sanctuary for parrots until they can be adopted or for the lifetime of the bird if requested and supported by their owner.  The number of residents at The Gabriel Foundation aviaries typically fluctuates between 600-650 birds.  Our main aviary is an 8,500 square foot building complete with separate bird species rooms, play areas, and outdoor flights.

4.     The Gabriel Foundation Supports Avian Research and Conservation Efforts: The Gabriel Foundation protects parrots by contributing to avian medical research as well as other avicultural organizations dedicated to improving the lives of companion parrots and supporting the conservation efforts being made globally to protect parrots and their habitat in the wild.

STEPS FOR PLANNING FOR YOUR PARROT’S LIFETIME OF CARE WITH THE GABRIEL FOUNDATION

1.     Schedule a tour to visit our beautiful Elizabeth, Colorado campus.  To RSVP for a tour, fill out the Tour RSVP Form

2.     Secure your bird’s future placement with your Lifetime Care Membership.  This $3000 tax-deductible gift will secure a place for your bird(s) at The Gabriel Foundation in the event of your death or inability to care for them. https://thegabrielfoundation.org/donate/          

3.     Determine whether you would like your place birds placed in our sanctuary program or adoption program. It may also be requested that The Gabriel Foundation make this decision based on our view of what is in the bird’s best interest. Determine the amount of funding necessary required to care for your bird(s) for their lifetime. Please remember to include costs for transportation to The Gabriel Foundation and an updated avian wellness exam including blood work. We can help you estimate these figures based on your bird’s current age and our current annual cost of care for each species.

Based on our years of experience in maintaining the birds in our aviary, the following are our minimum monetary guidelines for what we consider to be an acceptable standard of care. Based on the age and species of your bird(s) and your financial planning needs, we suggest that you utilize the following individual bird underwriting costs as a guideline when determining your bequest to The Gabriel Foundation.

  • 1 Finch or Canary: $20/month or $240/year
  • 1 small bird – Budgie, Lovebird, Cockatiel, Forpus, Dove: $30/month or $360/year
  • 1 small Conure, small Lory or Quaker, Rosella, Brotegeris, Forpus, or Neophema: $60/month or $720/year
  • 1 Dwarf Macaw, small Amazon, Pionus, Asiatic Parrot, large Conure, Poicephalus, or Lory: $70/month or $840/year 
  • 1 Amazon, small (RB2, G2, BE2, Citron, Lesser) Cockatoo, Eclectus, Grey Parrot, or small Macaw: $90/month or $1080/year
  • 1 Macaw, large Amazon, large (GSC2, Triton, U2) Cockatoo: $120/month or $1400/year
  • 1 Hyacinth Macaw, Greenwing Macaw, or Moluccan Cockatoo: $150/month or $1800/year

This annual budget will support daily hands-on care by our trained staff, volunteers; a nutritious, well-balanced diet; indoor and outdoor psychologically enriched environments; medical care by experienced avian veterinarians

4.     Determine how you will fund the lifetime care of your parrots and finalize your estate plans with your attorney or other estate planning professional. The laws regarding wills and estates vary considerably from state to state. There are several ways to fund the future support of your parrot which may include: a life insurance policy naming The Gabriel Foundation as beneficiary, IRA’s, specific property including real estate, stock or personal property, specific bank accounts or specified amounts of money or property can also be bequeathed in your will. In addition, trusts, particularly those that pay an annual dividend to the The Gabriel Foundation, can also be designated by your attorney.

5.     Name an individual that will help carry out your wishes for your birds in between the time you are no longer able to care for your birds and their transport to The Gabriel Foundation. This may be a friend, trusted bird sitter or veterinary office. This person can also be designated to receive information and updates about your bird once placed in our care.

6.     Provide The Gabriel Foundation with information regarding your bird including completed Client/Bird History Forms (provided by The Gabriel Foundation), photos of your birds and their cages, any pertinent veterinary records, name of your Trustee or other trusted partner that will be helping to carry out your bird’s lifetime care plans.

7.     Update your will and The Gabriel Foundation as necessary if there are any significant changes to your plans or the birds in your care.

8.     GIVE TO THE GABRIEL FOUNDATION TODAY! While you are living and able to care for your bird, you may give The Gabriel Foundation a fixed dollar amount or specific property such as real estate, stock or personal property to help prepare for your bird’s care in the future.

This brochure is only intended to serve as a guide. We will be pleased to discuss your individual bird’s needs with you concerning your wishes for its long-term care, whether in sanctuary or adoption placement.

You should consult your attorney or other estate planning professional to prepare your estate planning documents and to advise you of the tax benefits of a gift to The Gabriel Foundation. 

For questions about providing for your parrot in the event of your death or disability, email petcare@thegabrielfoundation.org or fill out our contact form.