LAST UPDATED: July 2024

This page sets out the main terms and conditions under which the Owner [Birdline U.K. Ltd.] makes an agreement with a Foster carer to provide long term care for a Birdline bird and its progeny (if any).

This document is for reference purposes only and is provided here so that prospective Fosterers may understand the obligations which they will be agreeing to. Please ensure you read the actual Foster contract prior to signing, as it is subject to change from time to time.

The Owner is entitled to make amendments to this contract at any time and will update the website accordingly.

Definitions

In this Contract the Terms have the meanings set against them:

“the Bird(s) means the Bird(s) fostered to the person herein named, and item number Birdline Ref.

1. “the Property” means the items which belong to Birdline Ref. and have been described in item 4 of the foster agreement.
2. “the Permitted Use” means the use described in item 5 of the particulars.
3. “the Owner” means the charity Birdline UK Ltd or its authorised representatives.
4. “Foster Carer” means the person that shall be contracted to care for this Bird(s) but not to at any point own the Bird(s).
5. “Agent” means an authorised representative of the Owner.

Terms and Conditions of Foster

1 – Payment of Membership

1. I understand that Membership Fees support the running of the organisation and care of Birdline’s Safehouse and Special Needs birds and that my Membership of Birdline UK Ltd. is a condition of my Fostering this / these Bird(s).
2. I agree to renew my Membership of Birdline U.K. annually, on the due date and in the manner stated within the website without any deduction whatsoever.
3. I understand that if my payment is late, I will receive an automatic email reminder, followed by a phone call from the Owner or Owner’s representatives.
4. I understand that if I fail to renew my Membership that I run the risk of having the Foster Bird(s) removed.

2 – Insurance

1. I will at all times keep the Bird(s) insured for all insurable conditions and incidents (if insurance can be procured).
2. I will make available to the Owner, on demand, the current insurance policy schedule.
3. I will ensure that one year’s exotic bird insurance premium is paid in full, or a schedule of monthly direct debit payments is arranged, and evidence of said arrangement is provided to the Owner prior to the collection of the Bird(s).
4. I will sign an Insurance Waiver if insurance cannot be procured for any reason.

3 – Legal Title

1. I understand that this is a legal and binding contract, and that the Owner may terminate my right to keep and foster the Bird(s) in my possession and that, by virtue of the Foster care relationship, I do not and cannot obtain any right, title, or interest in the Bird(s) or the Property.
2. I understand that the Bird(s) including any and all progeny, are the property of the Owner and will remain so for the rest of their natural life.
3. I understand that any Property supplied with the Bird(s), should stay with the Bird(s) and returned if the Bird(s) is/are transferred to a different home.
4. I understand that permission from the Owner must be granted in order to microchip the Bird(s). The microchip must be put in the Owner’s name, that being Birdline UK Ltd. If there is an existing microchip, it should be transferred into the Owner’s name.
5. The Owner shall not be responsible to the Foster Carer for any injury suffered or damage to or loss of any chattel caused by the Bird(s).

4 – Foster Authorisation

1. I understand that Bird(s) can only be authorised to be fostered by the Rehoming Director of Birdline UK Ltd.
2. I understand that this document must be co-signed by an Agent of the Owner, and that No Person may sign as both the Agent and the Fosterer, otherwise it will deem the Foster Agreement invalid.
3. I understand that the Agent must not be related to or in an interpersonal or professional relationship with the Fosterer.

5 – Change of Circumstances

1. I undertake to notify the Owner and update my Birdline website account, if I move house/accommodation or change my name, telephone number or email address and ensure the new details are given to the Owner.
2. I understand that the Bird(s) are not to be moved out of the UK.
3. I understand that exotic birds can live a long time and I have made, or will make, the appropriate arrangements for the Bird(s) to be returned to the Owner in the event of my pre-deceasing them.
4. I understand that should my situation change, I must contact Birdline and arrange collection of the Bird(s). I understand that I have no right to move or rehome the Bird(s) myself.

6 – Health and Welfare

1. Except as set forth above, the Owner makes no representations, warranties or guarantees, and assumes no liability for health, age, temperament (including the capacity to bite), behaviour, talking ability or condition of the Bird(s).
2. I agree that I have received all pertinent information that is available for the Bird(s) and that by signing this agreement, I am responsible for all veterinary bills associated with the Bird(s) and any matters arising both ongoing and historical and that I am happy to continue all treatment deemed necessary by both a qualified Avian vet and/or the Owner.
3. I understand that it is my responsibility to view all information pertaining to health/welfare/husbandry made available by the Owner on the website and in other easily accessible formats.
4. I undertake to provide the Bird(s) with fresh water, food (including fruit and veg), toys, perches, supplements and a clean, well-ventilated and light living space at all times.
5. I understand that it is the responsibility of the Foster Carer to purchase and keep the dietary requirements of the Bird(s) as advised by the Owner or Owner’s representative.
6. I will provide an Owner approved bird carrier of suitable size and bar spacing for the Bird(s). Cat carriers are not approved.
7. I understand that birds are highly intelligent and need regular interaction, constant care and patience. I agree to give the Bird(s) all the attention, affection, interaction and mental stimulation they will need and treat them like a member of my family.
8. I understand that the Bird(s) may need time to adjust to their new environment and agree to work with them to safely assist this adjustment.
9. I understand that questions or concerns will arise as to the proper care and behaviour of the Bird(s), and I agree to contact the Owner with these questions/concerns. I agree that it is in the best interest of the Bird(s) to ask rather than to guess.
10. I will not clip the Bird(s) wings.
11. I will keep the Bird(s) in a smoke and vape free environment.
12. I will not put the Bird(s) in harm’s way by mixing fur and feathers.
13. I will be careful when allowing my own birds to mix with Birdline Bird(s). I understand that if they form a bond, it will cause significant stress to them should they later have to be separated.
14. I will seek permission from Birdline before allowing the Bird(s) to share a cage either with other Birdline Bird(s) or my own Bird(s).
15. I understand that it is in the best interests of the Bird(s) to permit the Owner or its Agents to inspect the Bird(s), their health and living environment from time to time.
16. I will immediately notify the Area Coordinator or Rescue Manager should the Bird(s) show any signs of illness and if necessary, will take the Bird(s) to the Owner’s recommended qualified avian veterinarian for a complete examination.
17. I will not authorize any treatment or for the Bird(s) to be euthanized without the Owner’s permission.
18. I will upon request release any or all information relating to treatment of the Bird(s) and/or post-mortem results and findings from a qualified Avian Vet to the Owner or their representatives.
19. I understand that I must not use the Bird(s) for any business or commercial activity, without prior consent of the Owner. This includes, but is not limited to, using photographs of the Bird(s), selling feathers, and attending commercial engagements with the Bird(s).
20. I agree not to take the Bird(s) to events where other birds are in attendance, to avoid stress, and transfer of disease.
    
    

7 – Good Conduct

1. I will not, by any action or deed either spoken, or written, suggested or by any other means, bring the Owner into disrepute.
2. Nor will I make, or cause to be made, any entry on any social networking media, relating to the Owner, its Members, its Volunteers or its Property, including any Bird(s) that may be seen as to bring the Owner into disrepute.
3. Nor will I defame the Owner, it’s Directors, Volunteers or Members.

8 – Failure to Comply

1. I understand that my failure to comply with any part of this agreement, may cause the Owner concern over the safety and welfare of the Bird(s) and may result in an escalation to involve other authorities such as the RSPCA and the Police, in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
2. I understand that failure to comply with any of the Terms and Conditions of this agreement may constitute grounds for demanding the return of the Bird(s) and the Property irrespective of any donation or other expenditures that I have incurred or made.
3. I understand that reasons for demanding return of the Bird(s) or the Property are not restricted to any such breach of Terms and Conditions.
4. I undertake to return the Bird(s) and the Property within a reasonable and mutually agreed timeframe, upon oral or written request by the Owner.
5. I understand that, upon oral or written demand, should I fail to return the Bird(s) and the Property, my actions constitute a theft and will result in criminal and/or civil action being taken against me.
6. I will be responsible for any and all expenses associated with the result of my failure to return the Bird(s) and / or the Property, including any associated legal fees.