Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Burge, DVM.
Hi Julie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
After graduating from The University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 1987, Dr. Julie Burge started her 100% avian veterinary practice, Burge Bird Services, in 1990. Over the years in practice, she has treated a wide variety of birds, from newly hatched finches to parrots over 70 years old, from pigeons found in the street to grand champion show birds, from hummingbirds to starlings to geese to a Bald Eagle. She is currently one of fewer than a dozen veterinarians in the US who treat birds exclusively, and many families drive 3 hours to bring a bird to her hospital. Dr. Burge lectures and leads a hands-on lab to veterinary students at The University of Missouri and Kansas State University how to handle and treat pet birds.
Over the years, she noticed a growing demand for more resources available for birds that needed to be rehomed. Burge Bird Rescue, an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was founded in 2007. The rescue helps more than 300 birds in need every year with veterinary care, housing, and adoption services. Unwanted parakeets, abandoned domestic ducks, injured pigeons, rescued cockfighting roosters, and parrots that were louder and messier than their owners wanted to deal with are all welcome. We work with local animal control agencies, dog and cat shelters, and other bird rescues to take in avian species that they aren’t able to handle. When called upon, we also deploy to hoarding situations, natural disasters, or other circumstances when animals are in need. No birds are ever turned away for medical issues, and we are a no-kill shelter.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest challenge for most animal rescue organizations is fundraising. Downturns in the economy often affect charitable giving first. Ten years ago, there were multiple online contests that awarded us tens of thousands of dollars thanks to our supporters voting for us, but most of those opportunities are gone now. Currently, our income is down, but our expenses are up.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.burgebirdrescue.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burgebirdrescue/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BurgeBirdRescue/
