Disaster Preparedness & Relief

Supporting bird owners through preparation and recovery

Focused on reducing risk, supporting recovery, and protecting birds in human care.

Our Focus

The American Federation of Aviculture’s Disaster Relief Program is centered on two priorities:

• Helping bird owners prepare before a disaster occurs
• Providing limited, short-term support after a disaster has passed

Our goal is simple:

Reduce risk, support recovery, and help protect birds in human care.

Disaster Preparedness

Preparation is the most effective way to protect birds during a disaster.

Before a Disaster:

Pre-stage carriers or travel cages
Maintain a 5–7 day supply of food and water
Keep bird identification and records accessible
Plan evacuation routes and safe relocation options
Prepare a basic emergency kit (towels, nets, tools)
Monitor local risks and act early

Bird Emergency Kit

Preparation is the most effective way to protect birds during a disaster. Having a basic emergency kit ready can make evacuation faster and reduce stress for both birds and their caretakers.

Essential Supplies
• Travel carriers or transport cages for each bird
• 5–7 day supply of food (sealed, dry storage)
• Bottled or stored clean water
• Food and water dishes
• Cage liners or paper towels

Safety & Handling
• Towels or cloths for safe handling
• Extra perches (portable or temporary)
• Basic cage repair materials (wire, clips, zip ties)
• Bird-safe disinfectant or cleaning supplies

Health & Identification
• Copies of veterinary records
• Current photos of each bird
• Leg band or microchip information (if applicable)
• List of medications and care instructions

Owner Essentials
• Emergency contact list
• List of feeding schedules and special care needs
• Flashlight and batteries
• Basic first aid kit

Optional but Recommended
• Travel covers or blankets
• Portable stands or play areas
• Extra enrichment items (toys, chewables)
• Backup supply of specialized diets

Store your kit in an accessible location and review it regularly to ensure supplies remain current and ready for use.

Preparation reduces risk. A ready kit can make evacuation faster, safer, and less stressful for birds in human care.

Post-Disaster Recovery Support

After a disaster, AFA Disaster Relief may assist with immediate, short-term needs for birds.

Support may include:

• Emergency food and water support
• Temporary bird-care supplies such as carriers, cages, cage materials, food, and water support
• Coordination with local bird clubs and stores
• Assistance connecting owners with local resources

AFA Disaster Relief focuses on supplying essential items needed for short-term stabilization and does not provide monetary assistance.

How Support Is Coordinated

Support is coordinated through a structured, safety-first approach designed to ensure responsible and effective assistance.

• Needs are assessed by contacts within the affected area
• Supplies are coordinated and distributed locally when possible
• Support is focused on stabilizing conditions during early recovery

This structure allows assistance to reach bird owners efficiently while maintaining accountability and oversight.

Requests are reviewed and coordinated through AFA’s regional network to ensure responsible and appropriate distribution of resources.

Program Guidelines

AFA Disaster Relief is designed to support preparedness and post-disaster recovery through a coordinated, community-based approach.

Assistance is coordinated only after conditions are safe and accessible
Support is focused on birds in human care
All assistance is temporary and based on available resources
Support is provided in the form of essential supplies
AFA Disaster Relief does not distribute funds or direct financial assistance

During any active emergency, individuals should follow guidance from local authorities and emergency services.

Support Disaster Relief

AFA remains committed to preparedness, responsible recovery efforts, and the long-term welfare of birds in human care.

Donations

Request Assistance

AFA Disaster Relief may provide limited, short-term support for birds following a qualifying disaster event.

Requests are reviewed and coordinated through AFA’s regional network to ensure responsible and appropriate distribution of resources.

Assistance is provided after conditions are safe and accessible and is limited to essential supplies. AFA does not provide emergency response services or financial assistance.

This program is not an emergency response service. If you are in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

AFA Disaster Relief Application

First name

Last name

Street Address

City

State

Zip Code

Phone

Text-Enabled Phone Number (if available)

Are you currently staying on your property, or have you been displaced? If displaced, please describe your current general location or situation.

Please note: We are unable to provide monetary assistance. Support may include essential avian supplies such as food and temporary housing materials, based on availability.

Is this request related to a current or recent natural disaster event?

Yes

Which disaster were you affected by?

What type of avian supplies are you in need of?

What kind of birds do you have and how many?

Are delivery services currently accessible to your location? If not, please describe the safest available option for receiving supplies.

Lahaina, Hawaii Wildfires

Program Background

The AFA Disaster Relief Program was established in 1992 following Hurricane Andrew and has supported bird owners during major natural disasters across the United States.

The program continues to evolve with a focus on preparedness, responsible response, and community coordination.