The Organization of Professional Aviculturists is an incorporated Not-For-Profit Trade Organization. All
Members of the OPA must agree to support the Mission "to protect the
rights of all aviculturists to keep and breed birds, as well as the general citizenry's right to own pet birds."
Membership is divided into three main groups. Avicultural Fellows and Avicultural Affiliates pay higher dues than Supporting Members and their qualification
for membership in those categories depends on their business credentials.
AVICULTURAL FELLOWS — Bird Breeders involved in the Professional Fellowship Certification Program and in the
development of other OPA programs.
AVICULTURAL FELLOWS — Core members who support the goals of the Organization of Professional Aviculturists.
Only members of the Avicultural Fellows category, excepting the Junior Associate Fellows, may serve on the
Board of Directors, run for the office of President of Vice-President, or vote on issues of policy. Further,
the Chairman of the Board may dictate that certain issues be decided by vote of the Professional Fellows only.
Professional Fellows. Individuals who breed birds for the pet trade, for conservation, and/or for zoological
purposes and who have met the requirements of the Avicultural Fellowship Accreditation Program.
Associate Fellows. Individuals who breed birds for the pet trade, for conservation, and/or for zoological
purposes, and who have been nominated as potential candidates for Professional Fellow status, but have not yet
submitted or met the documentation requirements for the Avicultural Fellowship Accreditation Program.
Veteran Fellows. Individuals who have retired from active participation in the breeding of birds
who have or would have qualified for either Associate or Professional Fellow membership.
Honorary Fellows. Individuals who do not breed birds, but, by their exemplary activity, are individually
recognized by the Board of Directors for their contributions to aviculture.
Junior Associate Fellows. Members under 21 years of age, who have begun to pursue the activity of
avicultural production.
AVICULTURAL AFFILIATES — Industry and Professional Members
AVICULTURAL AFFILIATES — Individuals, organizations, or formally organized business entities which support the
goals of the Organization of Professional Aviculturists, and engage in avicultural businesses or the promotion
of aviculture.
Avicultural Organizations. National, state, and local organizations engaged in the promotion of aviculture,
and/or the welfare of birds.
Avicultural Industry Members. Individuals or organizations which manufacture products or provide services used
in or by aviculture or in the pet bird trade. Pet store owners. Manufacturers and distributors of avian products:
incubation products, food products packaged specifically for exotic birds, products manufactured for use in
aviculture or the pet bird trade, such as cages or cage materials. Suppliers of test kits for specific use by
aviculturists, etc.
Avicultural Professional Members. Veterinarians and related professionals with a significant interest in
avian species, professional laboratories providing services to aviculturists, avian pathologists, educators
and researchers, ornithologists, etc.
Avicultural Staff. Handfeeders, aviculture facility workers, pet store employees, veterinary
technicians, etc.
SUPPORTING MEMBERS — Pet Bird Owners and Others
SUPPORTING MEMBERS — All other members. Members who support the goals of the Organization of Professional
Aviculturists, but are neither bird breeders nor employed in related industries.
Avicultural Patrons. Pet bird owners and those involved in avian conservation projects other than by
direct involvement in the bird breeding process.
Avicultural Allies. Members of various industries with ties to aviculture, such as sectors of the
food and transportation industries. Artists and photographers. Breeders of other animals and organizations
which promote and defend the keeping and breeding of animals. The press, and other individuals and organizations.
