Foster Application

Thank you for applying to foster with STAR! We are always in need of more people willing to house our birds until they can be adopted.
Because we are a volunteer organization, it can take up to two weeks to fully process an application. In that time, all applicants will undergo a background check, a veterinary check, and if both pass, a home check.
Once these are passed, the next steps will be to attend a Volunteer Orientation and our Basic Bird 101 Foster Class (held together monthly at the Humane Society on Macklind). Please ensure that you bring some form of current government-issued photo identification (driver's license, passport, military ID, US or other government identification) to this orientation.

If you have not heard from us, check your spam folder or email foster@staravian.org for updates on your application.

Application Type
Date *
I am over 18 Years old *
If you are not 18 or over please do not continue. We cannot accept fosters under 18.
Please note, fosters must reside in the greater St Louis Area (within 50 miles of St. Louis). Fosters may live in Missouri or Illinois.
First Name *
Legal name, if different from the name used
Last Name *
Street Address *
Unit/Apt #
City *
State *
Zip Code *

Phone (cell) *
Email *
Date of Birth *
Pronouns
How did you find out about STAR? *

Emergency contact name *
Emergency contact number *
Emergency Contact Email
Relationship *

Residential Information
Residential Information *
If Other, please describe
Do you rent or own your home? *
If you rent or lease, does your landlord and lease allow pets?
Owner Name (rental company or landlord name or if private owner, owner's name)
Owner or Landlord Contact Information (Phone)
If not in your name, what name is the lease under?
If applicable: Landlord Website or other contact information
If you do not own the home, complete contact information for the landlord or owner of the home is required (including name & phone number). Incomplete applications will not be processed.
Does anyone in your home have asthma or allergies? *
Do you use scented plug-ins, air fresheners, candles, diffusers ...etc.? *
If yes, please explain
Do you use nonstick coated cookware? *
If yes, please explain (i.e. what kind of non-stick)
Does anyone who resides in or visits your home use smoking or tobacco products? This would include vape, e-cigs, cigars, cigarettes, or any substance that produce smoke. *
If yes, please explain
Are you willing to have a home visit done? *
Home visits are required for all foster applicants in order to ensure a safe environment for every bird that passes through our program. If you are not willing to go through this step, please stop filling out the application at this point.
Are you willing to undergo a background check? *
If no, please explain

Please list full name (first and last name), age, and relationship to you of for everyone living in your home. (Please include Yourself) *
Have you ever been charged with or convicted of Domestic Abuse/Assault/Animal Cruelty or neglect in Missouri or any other state? *
If yes, option to elaborate
Has anyone in your household ever been charged with or convicted of Domestic Abuse/Assault/Animal Cruelty or neglect in Missouri or any other state? *
If yes, option to elaborate

Why do you want to foster/volunteer with Saint Louis Avian Rescue? *
Current Pet Information
Do you currently have any pets? (Birds, Dogs, Cats, Ferrets, Snakes...etc.) *
Please List Your Current Animals: (Please include name, species, age, spayed/neutered, de-clawed?, indoor/outdoor, how long have you had them and date of last vet visit for each current pet)
Have you ever had any pets that you no longer have? *
If you answered Yes, please explain
If you answered Yes, please explain:
Have you ever had to surrender an animal?: *
Have you ever bred an animal on purpose or accidentally?: *
If you answered Yes, please explain:

Do you foster for any other rescues? *
If yes, who do you foster for, what kind of animal(s) do you regularly foster? (Depending on jurisdiction, there may be limits to how many animals are allowed to be fostered at one time. This does not affect your ability to foster, but may limit the number of animals you are able to foster).
Vet Info STAR performs a veterinarian check for all current pets. Dogs/Cats must be up to date on all mandatory vaccines and have had a wellness exam within the last year. Many species of parrots (and some other exotic pets) also require a wellness exam within the last year in order to foster with us. STAR recommends that all other pets have a relationship with a veterinarian. Specific vetting requirements may vary depending on species of pet. Our foster team can answer any questions regarding these requirements during the application processing. Complete Veterinarian contact information required. Incomplete applications will not be processed. If you do not currently have veterinarian simply notate "n/a".
Veterinarian Information (include Name of Vet Office & Phone Number). If you use multiple vet offices, please notate each. *
If your current pets have not been to a vet in the last year for a wellness exam, please explain:
If the name that any of your current birds are listed under at the clinic provided is different from the name on your application, please provide that information here. (i.e. listed under a spouse's name):
Experience Having limited or no bird experience does not disqualify you as an applicant.
What bird experience do you have? *
Are you willing to take a Basic Parrot Care class, and any other necessary training? *
If no, please explain
Are you aware the birds might have or could develop habits that could cause injury to people or damage property? *
Are you aware that birds may bite if frightened, agitated, or over-stimulated? *
Are you aware that exotic birds may carry diseases that can infect humans? *
If you have cats, dogs or children, how do you plan to keep a future foster safe from harm? *

What size birds are you interested in fostering? *
Are there certain species you wish not to foster? If so, please list them here:
Are you looking to adopt in the near future?: *
We would love to help you find a match for your family, but please note that STAR does not do foster to adopt placements.  If you are interested in fostering solely for the purpose of adopting, then please consider submitting an adoption application.
Can you take in a bird and quarantine them? *

Are you able to handle birds with behavior problems? *
Please explain/elaborate:
What behavioral issues (if any) may cause you to want to transfer your foster animal? Please check all that apply:
What medical issues may cause you to want to transfer your foster animal? Please check all that apply:

How much time will a potential foster bird spend alone? *
Are you willing to potentially leave the TV, radio, or some other audio/video on for your bird? *
How much time outside of the cage would a potential foster spend for exercise and engagement? *
Describe how much mobility the bird will have. Will they go to other rooms? Eat with the family? *

Are you willing to show the foster bird(s) to well- screened, qualified potential adopters at your home? *
Are you willing to bring the foster bird(s) to one of our partner vets (located in St. Louis & St. Charles counties) for intake exams and/or any necessary medical care? *
Do you have reliable transportation in order to transport a potential foster to medical appointments, whether a planned appointment or in the case of an emergency? *
Do you have any limitations to your volunteering commitment? If yes, please explain in detail (cannot lift heavy objects, limited walking, does not like making phone calls, etc).
Are you comfortable contacting potential adopters in regard to speaking about the temperment/personality of a foster bird? *
Pre-Home Visit Photo Submission Please upload photos of your home including your main living spaces, anywhere a potential bird will be spending time, along with photos of any existing cages or pet enclosures. Note- not all requested photos may apply to you. If you are not able to upload photos, you may also email the necessary photos to foster@staravian.org (emailing photos instead of using this form may cause a delay in processing your application.) Thank you.
Overview Photo of Kitchen
Photo of Main Living Area
Photo of the room where the bird cage will be placed.
Additional Photos of Your Home Please add photos of any additional areas of your home where the bird(s) will be spending time. Examples include: living room, basement, screened porch, playroom, bedrooms
Additional Photo #1
Additional Photo #2
Additional Photo #3
Additional Photo #4
Additional Photo #5

Do you have current bird(s) or other small animals that reside in cages/enclosures?
Current Enclosures Please upload photos of your current animals' enclosures/set-ups. This includes bird cages/playstands as well as the enclosure for animals such as snakes, ferrets, rabbits, sugar gliders, guinea pigs... etc. Please also include a photo of any fish tanks.
Animal Enclosure Photo #1
Animal Enclosure Photo #2
Animal Enclosure Photo #3
Animal Enclosure Photo #4
Animal Enclosure Photo #5

Any notes/comments regarding the photos, or questions regarding the application process or fostering? Any notes/comments regarding the photos, or questions regarding the application process or fostering?
Foster Agreement
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY. This is not meant to intimidate you nor to cast a negative light on exotic birds. Rescued birds are no more and no less likely to behave in an unpredictable manner than any others. But, we want to make you aware of possibilities when working with them.
The birds STAR - St. Louis Avian Rescue places in foster homes have been surrendered, abandoned, or in some way displaced. They may have been abused or neglected. There may only be limited information available regarding their previous environment. STAR will share with you what information we have.There will be an adjustment period. Remember to be patient, consistent, and understanding.
The birds placed in foster homes may not have been seen yet by a veterinarian. Avian medicine is a relatively new discipline. It is possible for a bird to be a carrier of, or infected with, a disease that is undetectable with the current tests and tools available today. Therefore, you should quarantine any bird new to your flock. STAR recommends a minimum period of 30 days.
If a bird is placed with you, you will be responsible for providing appropriate food, water, toys, perches and loving attention. STAR will provide the cage. Proper setup of cages according to the guidelines provided by STAR is expected of all foster homes. STAR will be financially responsible for the veterinary care. However, you will need to provide transportation to and from the clinic.
I understand STAR is actively seeking a permanent home for any bird placed in foster care. I certify that I will return to STAR, upon request, any bird placed in my home for foster care.
I certify that I have never been charged with nor convicted of domestic abuse/violence, assault, animal cruelty, animal abuse or neglect in Missouri or any other state. I certify that no one in the household where this bird would reside has been charged with nor convicted of domestic abuse/violence, assault, animal cruelty, animal abuse or neglect in Missouri or any other state.
Please Initial *
Volunteer Agreement, Release and Waiver of Liability
Please Read Carefully By signing this agreement, I, the undersigned volunteer, acknowledge my understanding and acceptance of the terms laid out below, which govern my volunteer and/or foster activities with STAR St. Louis Avian Rescue (“STAR”). Policies and Safety Rules I commit to adhering to all of STAR’s volunteer policies, safety rules, and conduct expectations. I understand that STAR strictly prohibits bullying, harassment, threatening behavior, or violence of any kind. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the termination of my volunteer status. Volunteer Status I acknowledge that: I am not an employee of STAR. I will not receive compensation for my services. I am not entitled to any employment benefits, including insurance, healthcare, workers’ compensation, or other benefits from STAR. STAR reserves the right to terminate my volunteer status at any time, with or without cause. Risks of Volunteering I recognize that volunteering at STAR involves various inherent risks, including but not limited to: Physical exertion, such as lifting heavy objects. Handling potentially hazardous materials like cage parts, sharp objects, and tools. Exposure to dust, loud noises, and infectious diseases. Potential risks involving interactions with animals, such as bites, scratches, and transmission of zoonotic diseases. Risks of injury, illness, death, allergic reactions, and property damage. I accept these risks as part of my volunteering at STAR and any related activities, where at STAR-sponsored events or while transporting or housing STAR property or animals. Assumption of Risk I am fully aware of the risks mentioned above and voluntarily agree to: Engage in volunteer activities for STAR Assume all associated risks, whether known or unforeseen, regardless of the location or cause. I understand that STAR is not responsible for the behavior or actions of personally owned birds that I may bring to STAR sponsored events. As the legal owner of a bird, I am legally responsible for the actions of my own personal pets.
Initial Here *
Waiver and Release of Claims I hereby release and forever discharge STAR, its successors, and assigns from any liability claims or demands arising from my volunteer activities. I understand that this Release discharges STAR St. Louis Avian Rescue from any liability or claim that I may have against STAR with respect to bodily injury, personal injury, illness, death, or property damage incurred during my volunteer service or as a result of my participation in volunteer activities. Medical Care and Insurance I consent to receiving first aid and emergency medical services from STAR in case of injury during volunteer activities. I understand that I am responsible for all medical costs incurred. I understand that STAR does not carry or maintain health, accident, liability (including without limitation motor vehicle liability), property loss or damage (including without limitation motor vehicle collision damage), medical or disability insurance coverage for any volunteer or the property of any volunteer. I hereby acknowledge that I am required to have automobile insurance to transport STAR property or drive on behalf of STAR.
Initial Here *
Confidentiality I may have access to STAR’s confidential information. At all times during and after my participation, I agree to hold any such confidential information in confidence and not disclose or use it except as STAR expressly authorizes. Use of My Name and Image I understand that STAR may take photos or videos of me. I consent to use by STAR of my image, voice, name, and story, and of images of any works I may create as a volunteer (collectively, “materials”), in STAR’s digital and print promotional, fundraising, educational, and other communications. STAR may use the materials without obtaining my approval or paying me for such use. I grant STAR all copyrights in and waive any legal claims relating to the materials, including those relating to copyright, rights of publicity or privacy, or defamation, or arising from any distortion, blurring, or alteration that may occur in the making, editing, or use of the materials. General Provisions I understand that this Agreement will be binding for so long as I am a volunteer at STAR. This Agreement will run in favor of, and may be enforced by, each of the STAR Parties, and will bind my heirs, next of kin, and legal representatives. This Agreement will be binding to the fullest extent permitted by law. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be unenforceable, the other terms remain effective.
*	I affirm that I am of legal age and able to sign on my own behalf and am freely signing this Agreement. I have read this Agreement and fully understand that by signing this Agreement, I am giving up legal rights and remedies that may be available to me and to other persons.
Signature *
Signature Instructions: Use your mouse to sign your name by clicking and holding it down as you write if not using a touchscreen device.

Foster Application

Residential Information

Current Pet Information

Vet Info

Experience

Pre-Home Visit Photo Submission

Additional Photos of Your Home

Current Enclosures

Foster Agreement

Volunteer Agreement, Release and Waiver of Liability