Bringing Your Pet Bird to the Veterinary Hospital

We follow AAHA standards that prioritize patient safety, gentle handling, and minimizing stress. Birds are especially sensitive to handling, temperature changes, and unfamiliar environments. With the right preparation, you can help make your bird’s visit safer and more comfortable. 

Preparing Your Bird for the Appointment 

Please do not offer food or water for two hours before your appointment. 

Birds store food and water in a structure called the crop. When the crop is full, there is an increased risk of regurgitation or aspiration during handling, diagnostic testing, or grooming procedures. This includes blood collection, X-rays, nail trims, and wing trims. 

Some birds also experience motion sickness during travel. Fasting reduces this risk and helps keep your bird safe during the visit. 

Reducing Stress and Anxiety 

Reducing fear and stress is an important part of quality veterinary care. 

Some birds benefit from calming support prior to their visit. Your veterinarian may recommend gabapentin, a prescription medication that is safe for birds and can reduce anxiety. 

Some owners choose to use Rescue Remedy, an over-the-counter flower essence. This may be given as 1 to 2 drops by mouth 1 to 2 hours before the appointment or added to your bird’s water the night before. 

In some cases, a short-acting injectable sedative may be recommended at the hospital. If this is needed, your bird will remain with you in a quiet exam room for approximately 15 to 20 minutes while the medication takes effect. This allows procedures to be performed more safely and with less stress. 

Safe Transport and Carrier Selection 

AAHA standards emphasize safe transport and controlled handling for all patients. 

For most birds, a secure carrier is safer than transporting them in a full-size cage. Cages are difficult to keep warm and may contain toys, food bowls, or grates that increase the risk of injury during handling. 

A secure carrier helps maintain warmth, reduces visual stress, and allows veterinary staff to handle your bird safely. 

Recommended carrier features include: 

• A solid plastic carrier similar to a cat carrier 
• Side and top access doors 
• Enough room for your bird to stand comfortably 
• A towel on the bottom for stable footing 

A perch is usually not necessary. During colder months, 

covering the carrier with a blanket helps retain warmth 

and reduces stimulation. 

Bird backpacks or bird-specific carriers are acceptable if 

they provide safe access and are easy to clean. Open wire 

transport cages are not recommended. 

Bring Your Bird’s Normal Diet 

AAHA guidelines emphasize maintaining normal routines whenever possible. 

Bird diets are highly individualized. Please bring your bird’s regular food with you, especially if there is a chance your bird may need to remain at the hospital longer than expected. Familiar foods help reduce stress and encourage eating. 

There is no need to bring water for travel with your bird. 

Support After Grooming 

After nail or wing trims, some birds may temporarily have difficulty balancing, especially during travel. 

If your bird will be standing on a perch, wrapping the perch with vet wrap or using a soft rope perch can improve traction and help prevent slipping. 

Shoulder Transport Is Not Safe 

Even well-trained birds can become startled in unfamiliar environments. 

AAHA safety standards require that all birds arrive in an escape-proof enclosure. Transporting birds on a shoulder increases the risk of falls, flight, and injury and is not permitted. 

Our Commitment to Your Bird 

As an AAHA-accredited practice, we are committed to providing care that is safe, compassionate, and evidence-based. If you have questions about transporting your bird or preparing for your appointment, please contact the hospital and speak with one of our veterinary technicians. We are happy to help you prepare for a smooth visit.