Important Update: For Bird Owners
1st October 2024
The law in relation to the ownership of birds changed on 1st October 2024.
The change in legislation is to ensure that AHPA have an accurate record of kept birds and have an ability to issue guidance and advice in the event of a serious outbreak of a ‘bird flu’ event.
When Registration Is Required
ALL owners of ANY fowl, game or bird of prey must register with APHA. Registration is free of charge and can be completed here.
If your domestic or pet bird(s) are taken outdoors at any time, for example to be exercised, trained, or taken to bird gatherings or shows, they must be registered.
When Registration Is Not Necessary
You do not need to register psittaciformes or passeriformes (such as budgies, parrots, cockatiels and finches) if they are both:
- Fully housed in a dwelling (your home or another indoor structure)
- With no access to the open air
You do not need to register an exempt bird to visit a veterinary practice or for temporary pet care services such as home boarding.
Impact on Pet Care Services for Birds
Petpals’ bird sitting and home boarding services will largely remain unaffected by this change, however we will check that you are registered, if required, and may ask to see proof of registration.
Please note, Petpals are not permitted to home board birds from two families or more in their premises at any one time (unless all birds are registered by their respective owners). Our bird transportation and vet taxi services will ensure that birds do not come into contact with one another.
For more information please refer to the DEFRA / APHA website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/register-as-a-keeper-of-less-than-50-poultry-or-other-captive-birds