Palomacy Pigeon & Dove Adoptions: Emergency Medical Grant Report

How did this grant help your organization and the pets in your care?

Palomacy rescues approximately 200 pigeons and doves each year. So many of these birds are found after being lost in the wild for days. They are hungry, dehydrated, scared, and often have injuries from being attacked by hawks or hit by cars.

Because these birds are often sick and/or injured, Palomacy's medical costs have been on the rise for many years; this year, we expect to spend roughly $20,000 per month on vet bills for our birds. The $500 Petfinder Foundation Emergency Medical Grant was put toward one bird's $1,257 bill, and we are so grateful for this life-saving grant for Cori.

How many pets did this grant help?

One

Please provide a story of one or more specific pets this grant helped.

This grant was life-saving for Cori, a domestic homing pigeon who ingested two large metal screws at the end of March, requiring emergency surgery to remove.

There is a lack of public awareness of the difference between feral “city” pigeons and domestic pigeons like Cori; most people don’t think pigeons need rescue. Palomacy works hard to educate the general public about the plight of birds like Cori, who are often released at weddings or funerals.

Unlike their feral ancestors, domestic pigeons do not have survival skills for the wild skies. Once these birds are lost, they are unable to fend for themselves and are entirely dependent upon the kindness of people to save them.

Cori was lucky to be rescued and lucky again to receive this life-saving operation. The total cost for her surgery was $1,257, and the $500 Petfinder Foundation Emergency Medical Grant was applied toward that bill.

Cori is recovering extremely well as is available for adoption with her partner, Cisco. You can meet Cori and Cisco here.