Allow me to introduce Koopa, my four year old pet budgie, emotional support animal, and pint-sized travel companion. She is named after Koopa Troopa, a turtle-like character from the Super Mario series. She loves to eat corn and climb in my hair. Koopa also loves to fly laps around our home and requires constant supervision.
I love her so much it hurts.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about Koopa is that she travels with us! People, especially dog or cat people, are often surprised that we have a bird – and then even more surprised to learn that we treat our bird like most people treat their dogs – including taking her along on trips. So today I’m going to tell you about Koopa’s life and travels.
Koopa the Traveling Pet Budgie.
Mr. Meena and I got Koopa in September of 2013 after I spent the entire summer wearing down my soon-to-be husband with my repeated requests for a pet budgie. He showed up at my apartment one morning and said those words I’d been longing to hear for so long, “Let’s go get a bird.” And so we did.
Three short months later we took our pet budgie on her first trip – our honeymoon. Our family enjoyed five nights together at a cabin in the mountains of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
We then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina to start our life together. This is when we began spoiling Koopa in earnest. We bought her way too many toys and even got her a real tree to play on. When I started a full time job later in the year, we bought Koopa a “bird mansion” so she’d have lots of space to play during the day while we were gone.
A few months later we took our first big trip without Koopa. We left her in the care of our family, with plenty of food and entertainment, and even set up Skype so I could call and video chat with her 26 times a day. But leaving her behind took a bigger toll on her than we’d expected (this is partially because Koopa is bonded to me and missed me).
So we decided to travel with Koopa whenever possible. It’s not always easy, but we do our best. Our next trip was to Pigeon Forge for our first anniversary, followed by a trip to Florida to visit Mr. Meena’s grandparents.
Koopa loves road trips. She chirps along with the music and loves to look out the window. We have definitely surprised some fellow drivers we pass along the way. I love how easy it is to travel with a bird – we don’t have to stop for bathroom breaks and all the food and water is contained inside her carrier (we use this soft carrier often and love it).
When we got the opportunity to move to Germany in 2015 we knew that leaving Koopa behind was not an option. We had to complete a lot of paperwork to take her abroad. Taking any kind of bird across country lines is unbelievably difficult because of the bird flu.
In the end it cost us $700 and we spent countless hours on the phone with the USDA, the extremely unhelpful import staff at the Frankfurt airport, and US Wildlife Services. It also took three trips to our amazing veterinarian (Griffin Exotics), one trip to the USDA office in Raleigh two days before our flight, and one overnighted package to a lab across the country that agreed to test Koopa’s saliva for the avian flu even though there is no test available for parakeets (we had to prove that she wasn’t infected since there is also no vaccine available for parakeets).
Truly, the requirements we had to jump through in order to import our pet budgie into the European Union seemed far beyond reasonable, especially when you compare them to what is required to bring a pet dog or cat.
Aside from the logistical nightmare of it, we had great fun actually taking Koopa to Germany. Everyone working airport security was delighted to meet her and Koopa chirped throughout the entire airport. The stewardesses on the plane exclaimed when they saw her and Koopa actually did quite well on her first flight across the Atlantic. When we landed in Frankfurt and met our driver, Uwe, Koopa chirped a welcome to him, too.
We encountered a few issues when we settled into our new home – a hotel in Schweinfurt. There were no window screens (and also no air conditioning, so we needed to open the windows often), which meant Koopa had to be locked up each time we had to open a window. (We eventually installed our own window screens, to the frustration of the hotel owners.)
Cleanings were a problem too. The hotel staff repeatedly used their non-pet friendly cleaning solutions when Koopa was in the room – a big no no – even after several strong warnings against doing so. This made me very paranoid when I would pop out to a grocery store or something because I never knew exactly when they might decide to clean our rooms outside of the agreed upon arrangement. To put it lightly, the cleaning staff did not respond well to our requests.
They would also turn off the electricity to our rooms if we weren’t there, which put Koopa at risk of freezing in the winter. It was frustrating to have to constantly protect our pet budgie, because she is very delicate and not many people are aware of how dangerous everyday items or chemicals can be to birds.
It wasn’t long before Koopa took his first trip within Germany, though. She accompanied us to Munich in November, traveling on a train for the first time. She also came with us on our second anniversary trip to Tannheim, Austria a month later.
Halfway through our time in Germany, Koopa surprised us all when she laid an egg. Up until that point we had thought Koopa was male. Our vet had told us that Koopa’s coloring could be either male or female, but it wasn’t until we discovered the egg that we knew for sure. But Koopa’s import paperwork listed her as male and our attempts at switching from “good boy” to “good girl” after three years of getting used to one set of pronouns failed miserably. In fact, we still say “he” at home when referring to Koopa. It can be confusing. Koopa doesn’t really care one way or the other, thankfully.
In the summer of 2016 we took Koopa to Hamburg, Germany. She sat on the dashboard while we zoomed along the autobahn and joined us outside for pit stops along the way. When we stopped in Hildesheim to walk the Rose Route we took Koopa on the walk with us in her travel carrier. We startled a lot of Germans that day with our tiny chirping buddy.
That trip was a bit rough for us because, despite asking the Hamberg hotel staff multiple times not to clean our room, our room was cleaned every day with strong cleaning solutions that could have hurt or even potentially killed Koopa. It was an extremely frustrating situation and part of the reason why it is so difficult to travel with a pet bird.
We’ve almost never had problems in the United States with hotel staff cleaning our room when we’ve given them explicit instructions not to clean. We have gradually transitioned to using Airbnb rentals (or something similar) where it’s stated up front that your room will not be cleaned during your stay. It’s really the only way we can be sure that Koopa is safe while we go out to do something.
We flew home to the USA with Koopa in October 2016 after once again meeting a long list of exhausting import / export requirements. The Frankfurt airport staff told us many times, with uncharacteristically big smiles, that our Wellensittich was Wunderschön. Other travelers with pet carriers kept asking if we had a hamster because our carrier was too small for most cats or dogs. Imagine their surprise when a bright yellow head popped up in response.
As soon as the USDA quarantine period was over (Koopa was technically not allowed to leave our home for 30 days after being imported) we headed to Florida with our pet budgie. Aside from one acute illness, she was surprisingly unfazed by the international journey and was an absolute delight during the road trip south.
A month later we took her to a rustic cabin in the mountains of North Carolina for our third anniversary.
Koopa’s most recent trip was to the Stecoah House, a super luxurious two story cabin that’s also located in the mountains of North Carolina (one of our favorite nearby getaway locations).
We love traveling with Koopa so much and hope that we can do it even more in the future. (In case you’re wondering, with proper care budgies can often live to be eight to 12 years old.) Taking Koopa along enhances our travels in the same way that she enhances our lives. When there is a traffic jam, Koopa is there wanting to play games. When we have a disagreement, Koopa hops between us and makes us smile. Unless she is tired or molting, Koopa is full of pure, infectious happiness. As someone with lupus and chronic pain, it really helps me to have such a sweet pet along on trips, especially because my pain can be severe while traveling. Koopa is a great distraction and gives me something positive to focus on when my pain flares up. Traveling with a pet budgie can be difficult at times, but it’s absolutely worth it.
So there you have it, the bird that has been to Germany and back. She’s probably traveled to more places than a lot of people have!
Update October 2018: Koopa also traveled to Virginia on our fourth anniversary trip. Earlier this year, we added a second budgie, Dyna, to our family so that Koopa would have extra companionship after Baby Meena was born. Koopa is now five years old and is still a very happy bird despite the development of chronic health issues.
Update July 2020: Koopa developed ovarian cancer and had a risky, yet amazingly successful surgery to remove the cancerous cysts in March 2019. Today, she is seven years old and thriving.
Update January 2024: Koopa passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 7th, 2024. She was approaching her 11th birthday and remained a happy, loving, and mischievous bird into her final days. She traveled with us on several different lake trips over the past few years of her life. While her loss is immeasurable, we are grateful for the full life she had.
Do you travel with your pet? Tell me all about it in the comments!
Koopa the Traveling Pet #Budgie. Share on X
I travel with dogs, so a whole different plan. I have to book pet friendly hotels and then there's this nasty trend over the years to charge $25 per night per dog or whatever nightly fee. It means mainly looking for places like Motel 6 that don't charge or airbnb.
A few years ago when selling my father's RV, a smallish Winnebago, we sold to a couple who were specifically looking for a model that would be good for traveling with their birds.
As for hotels and cleaning solutions, look for green hotels. Delta (now part of Marriot) and Westin come to mind. You can go green which means opting out of housecleaning services and you get rewards like $5 off the bill per day or travel points or chocolates.
I’m sure that fee could add up quickly! I’ve heard some dog owners say there’s no mention of a fee until they’re checking out, which is doubly frustrating. How neat to hear of another couple wanting to travel with their birds! That’s a really great idea about the green hotels, I will definitely remember that for next time. Thanks for stopping by, Cheryl!
Aww this is such a sweet story!! Koopa is adorable and I'm so glad that he found a home like yours 🙂 Had no idea though that German hotels are so stubborn when it comes to cleaning… Good that Koopa managed!!!
Thanks!! Yes I wish I could say it was just those few times but we always ask for it not be cleaned, even if Koopa wasn’t with us, and that rarely happened. I guess they just like to be clean. 🙂
Wow Ava – this is one of the most interesting travel stories I have read! Good on you for taking your budgie with you. My first pet was a budgie who arrived on our porch one morning and never left so I have a real soft spot for those sometimes cheeky birds! Thanks for joining #FarawayFiles
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’m also glad to hear you have a soft spot for budgies. 🙂
My grandfather had a beloved budgie named Charlie, and when my grandparents moved from one side of Canada to the other, they drove, with Charlie in the backseat. Staff at hotels were always surprised and delighted when my grandfather checked in with chirpy Charlie in his cage!
Aw, that is such a sweet story! Thanks for sharing it! 🙂
What a well traveled bird! And you're so right- he's probably been to more places than most people. I have a little stuffed dog that I bring with me on my travels and has definitely been to more places than most people, but good for you for traveling with a real pet! He seems to be a real trooper 😀
Thanks, Lauren! Aw, stuffed animals can be great travel additions, too. 🙂
Oh this is adorable, Ava! I LOVED reading about Koopa. It's great that you've been able to take 'him' on so many journeys with you. We take our huge, crazy labradoodle with us when we're travelling in the UK but not when we go abroad. I've recently been converted into loving birds by falling in love with our Pekin bantam, Lady Mary. I never realised how much character they had until we had our chicken. Thanks so much for sharing this lovely story on #FarawayFiles
Thanks so much, Clare! I’m glad you enjoyed it. And that’s very cool that you have a chicken! It has also been my experience that most birds have huge, fun personalities! 🙂
Thank you, Christine!!
What a charming and unique story Ava! I think i might be as curious and surprised as the Germans to see Koopa out and about with you on the road! A traveling bird? Why not?! Nice to meet Koopa! Maybe a regular series in the making or her own Instagram account! #FarawayFiles, Erin
Thanks so much, Erin!
Koopa is really adorable. I can see your love for him brimming over. It is really fascinating to be able to travel with him, I can understand that this would be challenging and at the same time a lovely experience.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Sandy! I appreciate you stopping by and reading. 🙂
I have friends who travel with their parrot so why not a budgie? Nice to meet you Koopa!
😀 Thanks!
So happy to read about Koopa and how well he travels and is a great companion to you both. You had a lots of hoops to go through to live in Germany but happy it all worked out. Thanks for sharing! #feetdotravel
Thank you so much! 🙂
Aww he's so cute. Such a well travelled bird. We have never heard of a travelling budgie! You should write a children's storybook from his perspective, Adventures of Koopa 🙂
Thanks so much! That\’s a sweet idea! 🙂
Love this! How wonderful that he's such a good traveler and love that he gets to along with you guys on adventures.
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for stopping by!
So cute! I used to have 2 pet parakeets but I never even tried to travel with them. Glad to hear yours is a good traveler. It makes for great pictures. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Thanks! I appreciate it!
Beautiful story. Kopa is quite a sweetie! My aunt had an identical one who used to stay on her right hand as she was writing letters. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks! Mine likes to sit on my hand, shoulder, head, etc. They have huge personalities!
How fun that you can take him everywhere with you! A couple of years ago I gave my husband an ultimatum. A baby…. or a puppy. haha I wanted the latter, and I'm still waiting! 🙁 Thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard!
Thanks, Lori! A puppy or baby would make a great addition to your travels 🙂
Koopa is adorable! I'm glad that you get to take him with you on your adventures!
Thanks so much!
Thanks so much!
What a beautiful budgie, we have a lovely lime and yellow one. But we've never taken him on holiday. Sounds like we should.
#TheWeeklyPostcard (Toddlers on Tour)
Thank you! I hope you do try taking him on holiday sometime – it might be a lot of fun for everyone! Thanks for commenting!
I love this story
Wow, this is really neat! I really enjoyed reading this post! What an adorable bird! I love how much you love her! Do you have difficulty finding accommodations that will accept her?
Thanks so much, Hilary! 🙂 So far we haven’t had any problems – all dog/cat friendly places we’ve inquired at have also been bird friendly. We’ve even asked quite a few places that are not pet friendly if we could bring our bird and they have been fine with it (although sometimes they ask that we keep Koopa caged during our stay). I think a lot of people think that bringing a bird is like bringing a fish or something – that they can’t cause damage, even though they most definitely can! But we don’t point that out, and we always watch Koopa very carefully to make sure he doesn’t chew on anything.
What a cutie! I'm surprised that traveling by car doesn't affect him. My dog can only handle about 6 hours then he starts getting anxious. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thanks! He does have a hard time in the car when it’s dark, it is hard for him to hold on to his perch and the like when he can’t see (or is tired).
I love that he loves to go on holidays! We had a super tame budgie called Holly when we were kids. He ruled the house and hated being in his cage! Thanks for sharing #theweeklypostcard
Haha yes I know that attitude, ha! It’s tough to put our bird to bed at night – he just wants to stay out and play. So glad to hear you enjoyed your pet budgie growing up! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. 🙂
Really your post is fantastic!!
Thank you!
I just read your amazing story about Koopa! My husband loves to travel and wants to get an RV and travel. We have a 5 year old female parakeet named Jazz and I'm not sure how she would handle it. She is very close to both of us and has a daily routine I don't know if we could continue. I don't want to get her stressed out. How did she get to be your emotional service pet? I have severe degenerative disc disease and arthritis so I don't move so well. She helps keep us both in good spirits. How is Koopa?
Hi there! I’m so glad that you enjoyed my post! Well, some birds respond better to travel than others, and you may not know how Jazz responds until you try it. Perhaps you could rent an RV for a weekend or a week and take her for a short trip to see how she does? I think if you made her a home in the RV and still stuck to a routine that would help. I got an ESA letter from my therapist which stated that I met the (real) guidelines for an ESA – meaning I was a current patient, I had a qualifying disability from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) of Mental Disorders Version IV or V, that the disability significantly affected my life, and that my ESA helped with my disability. You can get a “certification” for an ESA online but they are really meaningless. If you meet all the actual requirements, then the only requirement of your animal is that they comfort you and help you – which Koopa certainly does!
Koopa is doing well! We got him another budgie companion last month, because I’m going to have a baby in May and I don’t want Koopa to be lonely while I’m learning how to take care of a newborn. But he’s still a very happy and healthy budgie, just not a solo one anymore. 🙂
Koopa is adorable and I'm so glad that he found a home like yours 🙂 Had no idea though that German hotels are so stubborn when it comes to cleaning..
Thank you! Yes, Germans as a whole can be quite stubborn. 🙂
I love koopa. Great story as i have a wonderful sweet budgie. Same color ans same cere. Your koopa is definitly a female. My budgie named Angel. She is female. The breader told me and the vet told me that as well. My Angel loves too travel in the car. Have a wonderful time traveling with your sweet Koopa
Thanks so much! Yes, Koopa is a female – not sure if you caught the part where I explained about that. So glad that your Angel travels with you too! 🙂 Thanks for sharing.