North Dakota Parrot Shelter Faces Potential Closure After Virus Outbreak
WEST FARGO, N.D. – The Center for Avian Adoption, Rescue, and Education (CAARE), a volunteer-run parrot shelter and supply shop in West Fargo, North Dakota, is facing potential closure after exhausting its financial reserves to recover from a circovirus outbreak and experiencing a subsequent decline in customer support. Valley News Live reported on March 12, 2026, that the organization posted on Facebook expressing concerns about its ability to continue operations.
Circovirus Outbreak and Cleanup Costs
Last year, CAARE was hit by circovirus, a genus of viruses that can infect birds, pigs, and other animals. According to the shelter, a comprehensive disinfection process was undertaken, including disinfecting all surfaces and cages, repainting walls and ceilings, replacing inventory and equipment, and conducting continuous testing. This extensive cleanup effort consumed “pretty much every last dime” of funds earmarked for a planned building expansion. Testing has since confirmed the absence of the virus.
Decline in Customer Support
Despite the thorough disinfection, the prolonged closure led customers to seek alternative sources for parrot food, toys, and grooming services. Some potential customers remain hesitant to return, even with the shelter’s assurances of a “hospital-quality disinfecting program.” CAARE notes that it is “the only convenient parrot shelter within a couple of hundred miles.”
CAARE’s Services and Operations
CAARE is a North Dakota nonprofit corporation dedicated to the shelter, rehoming, and education about companion parrots. The organization operates an avian warehouse store offering parrot food, toys, cages, stands, and other supplies. Services provided include wing clipping, nail trimming, beak trimming (at the shelter’s discretion), full spa treatments, and both short- and long-term parrot boarding.
Financial Challenges and Community Appeal
The shelter is currently operating with no financial reserves and is appealing to former customers for support. CAARE is asking for feedback on what it would take to encourage their return and seeking to understand the reasons for their absence. The organization emphasizes that its closure would represent a loss to the community, given the significant effort and expense already invested.
Visiting and Contacting CAARE
The CAARE warehouse is currently open, along with its grooming, adoption, surrender, rehoming, and boarding services. The shelter is open Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. And Saturdays from 11 a.m. To 2 p.m.