Weather & Release Policy
At Dustin’s Doves, the safety of our doves is very important to us. Our white doves are trained homing pigeons, and after each release, they return safely to their home loft. Because they are living birds, certain weather and lighting conditions may make a release unsafe.
Weather Conditions
Dustin’s Doves may delay or cancel a dove release if weather conditions could put the birds at risk. Unsafe conditions may include rain, storms, extreme wind, extreme heat, or other weather that may affect the birds’ ability to safely return home.
If the weather is questionable, we will do our best to communicate with you and make the safest decision possible. If conditions improve in time for the release, we will gladly proceed. If conditions remain unsafe, we may choose not to release the doves.
If the weather is questionable, we will do our best to communicate with you and make the safest decision possible. If conditions improve in time for the release, we will gladly proceed. If conditions remain unsafe, we may choose not to release the doves.
Late Services and Sunset
Doves cannot safely find their way home after dark. For that reason, we do not release doves later than one hour before sunset.
If a ceremony is delayed and the release would take place too close to sunset, Dustin’s Doves may decline to release the birds for their safety.
If a ceremony is delayed and the release would take place too close to sunset, Dustin’s Doves may decline to release the birds for their safety.
If We Must Cancel Because of Weather
If Dustin’s Doves must cancel a release because of unsafe weather or lighting conditions, you will not be charged for the dove release.
When possible, we are happy to offer a private release ceremony on another day. This may be held at a cemetery, private residence, or another suitable outdoor location. Some families choose this option, while others prefer not to reschedule once the funeral or ceremony has passed.
When possible, we are happy to offer a private release ceremony on another day. This may be held at a cemetery, private residence, or another suitable outdoor location. Some families choose this option, while others prefer not to reschedule once the funeral or ceremony has passed.
Deposits and Cancellations
Funeral dove releases currently do not require a deposit.
Wedding dove releases require a 50% deposit to reserve the date. Wedding deposits are non-refundable if the customer cancels. If Dustin’s Doves must cancel because of unsafe weather or conditions beyond our control, the deposit will be refunded.
Wedding dove releases require a 50% deposit to reserve the date. Wedding deposits are non-refundable if the customer cancels. If Dustin’s Doves must cancel because of unsafe weather or conditions beyond our control, the deposit will be refunded.
Our Priority
We understand how meaningful a dove release can be, especially during a funeral, memorial, or wedding ceremony. We will always do our best to provide the service as planned. However, the safety of the doves must come first.