Pigeon-Friendly Rescue Centres: How to Find Help (UK and US)

Not every animal or wildlife rescue accepts pigeons, so it is worth knowing where to look before you need help. In the UK, the quickest routes are a local vet, the Help Wildlife directory (filter for pigeons) and the RSPCA on 0300 123 8960. In the US, look for a dedicated pigeon rescue or a wildlife rehabilitator that takes feral pigeons, since some state-funded centres only treat native species. Animal Help Now (opens in new tab) lists rehabilitators by ZIP code.

In Canada, ask a vet or a wildlife rehabilitation centre in your province. In Australia, wildlife groups such as WIRES (opens in new tab) (NSW, 1300 094 737) help native pigeons and doves but do not rehabilitate feral pigeons, so a vet is the best first call for a feral pigeon. In New Zealand, contact your local SPCA (opens in new tab) or a wildlife rehabilitator, as the Department of Conservation only deals with native birds. In Ireland, try a vet, the NSPCA (opens in new tab) or a rehabilitator on the Irish Wildlife Matters list (opens in new tab).

Finding a pigeon rescue in the UK

Help Wildlife directory (opens in new tab): search by postcode and species. It lists small rescues as well as larger centres, such as Manchester Pigeon Rehab.
Wildlife Rescue Directory: pigeons (opens in new tab) and pigeons and doves (opens in new tab).
The Pigeon Project (opens in new tab): a volunteer initiative that supports pigeon rescuers and offers welfare advice.
London Pigeon Rescue (opens in new tab): volunteers in London who focus on pigeons with string-tangled feet.
Your local vet. Many vets will assess wildlife.
RSPCA (England and Wales): 0300 123 8960, especially if the bird is somewhere dangerous or you cannot catch it.

For a ringed racing pigeon, contact the owner through the RPRA instead. See what to do if you find a racing pigeon.

Finding a pigeon rescue in the US

Palomacy (opens in new tab) (San Francisco Bay Area): pigeon and dove rescue, fostering and adoption, with detailed care guides online.
Wild Bird Fund (New York City): a wildlife rehabilitation centre that treats pigeons.
Elsewhere, search for “pigeon rescue” with your city or state, or contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and ask whether they take feral pigeons.

What to say when you call

Have this ready:

what the bird is (feral pigeon, woodpigeon, collared dove, racing pigeon with a ring)
adult or baby, and whether it has feathers (see what does a baby pigeon look like)
what you can see: wounds, a drooping wing, a twisted neck, string on its feet
where you found it and when
whether it is boxed and safe now

The RSPCA’s rehabilitation protocol notes that rescues need to know where a bird was found, because adults are released back at the same place.

While you wait

Keep the bird in a ventilated cardboard box with a towel on the floor.
Keep it warm, dark and quiet, away from pets.
Do not force food or water.
Wash your hands after handling it.

Full steps: what to do if you find an injured pigeon and how to take care of a baby pigeon.

When to see an avian vet or contact a rescue

Contact help the same day for a bird that is bleeding, has been caught by a cat, cannot stand, has a twisted neck, or is a featherless baby on the ground. If you cannot find a rescue quickly, take it to a vet.

Adopting a rescued pigeon

Rescues often have domestic pigeons and doves that cannot be released. See pigeons as pets.

Know a rescue we should list?

If you run or volunteer at a rescue that takes pigeons and would like to be listed, please contact us.

This guide is general information. If a bird is injured or seriously ill, contact an avian vet or a wildlife rescue as soon as you can.

Sources

Last reviewed: 21 October 2026

Last updated 24 October 2026 · Handling