Booking • Terms • Delays • Policies • Questions
Terms & Policies
Thank you for choosing Dovesong White Dove Release. These policies help us provide a meaningful, well-planned experience while protecting the safety and well-being of our birds.
Booking Your Release
Call 214-297-4801 or submit an online booking request. Dovesong will work with you or your appointed representative to coordinate the release.
- A request may be submitted without immediate payment.
- Availability is confirmed by phone or email.
- Your date and time are secured only after the required deposit is received.
- Please provide site access details and current contact information for the event coordinator or staff.
Payments, Cancellations & Rescheduling
- A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking.
- Final payment is due 14 days before the event.
- Cancellations made more than seven days before the event receive a refund of payments made, less the deposit.
- Cancellations within seven days of the event are charged 100% of the service price unless the event is rescheduled.
- Bookings rescheduled at least seven days in advance may move to another available date and time without an additional rescheduling fee; the original deposit remains non-refundable.
- Same-day expedited reservations include a $75 surcharge.
- No refunds are provided for unexpected guest or dove behavior.
- If Dovesong cancels a release, all money paid for that release will be refunded.
Unsafe weather alternatives
When conditions prevent a safe release, you may reschedule at no additional charge or choose a three-dove display in our ornate cage, indoors or outdoors under cover, for up to one hour. If neither option is selected, payments are refunded less the deposit.
Timing, Delays & Cut-Off Times
Release cut-off times are based on the season, sunset, weather, distance from our loft in ZIP code 75116, and the safe travel time required for the birds to return home.
- Plan late-afternoon events so the birds are in flight at least 90 minutes before sunset, subject to distance and conditions.
- Allow for normal ceremony delays. Your scheduled release includes a 15-minute grace period.
- When our schedule and daylight permit, additional waiting time is available for $50 per additional 30 minutes.
- Dovesong may have more than one event scheduled in a day and cannot delay another client's service.
- If the event runs beyond the safe cut-off time, the release will be forfeited and payment is not refundable.
Please provide both the event start time and expected release time when booking. Summer daylight may allow later releases, but every time is approved individually.
Dove Release Policy
We release only healthy, properly banded white homing pigeons—also known as white racing doves, Rock Doves, or Columba livia—within distances appropriate for their training and physical condition.
For their safety
- Outdoor, daylight releases only
- No indoor or nighttime releases
- No ribbons, streamers, or objects attached to the birds
- No shipping, rentals, or unattended self-release
- An experienced handler remains with the birds until release
Unsafe conditions
- Thunder, lightning, or tornado advisories
- Heavy rain, fog, haze, low clouds, snow, or ice
- Extreme heat or cold
- Any condition the handler determines is unsafe
Dovesong reserves the right to cancel or modify a release at any time when necessary for the birds' safety.
What You Can Expect
- Punctual, courteous, professional service and appropriately dressed handlers
- A carefully planned release suited to your ceremony
- Release enclosures, baskets, tables, and standard decorations included in the service price
- A handler who remains with the birds until the release
- An optional poem, scripture, or statement before the release
All display and release equipment remains the property of Dovesong. Dovesong may photograph or record an event for promotional purposes at its discretion.
Helpful details
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can you hold my reservation?
Your reservation is confirmed when the deposit is received. During busy seasons, prompt payment is recommended because several events may be booked on the same day.
What payment methods do you accept?
Venmo, check, and cash are accepted. Credit cards are not accepted.
I need doves for a funeral in one week. Can you help?
Often, yes. Contact us as soon as the date, time, and location are known. A deposit is required to reserve the service, and payment is due 24 hours before the ceremony.
May I hold a dove for the release?
Yes. Our handler will demonstrate how to hold the dove safely without restricting its breathing. Please note this request on the booking form.
Is it possible for a dove to have an accident while being held?
It is possible, but highly unlikely. Our birds are prepared with a special feeding routine before events to reduce the chance.
How do the doves find their way home?
Homing birds are believed to use a combination of Earth's magnetic field, the sun, scent, memory, and familiar visual landmarks. Scientists continue to study the exact process, but their natural navigation ability is remarkable.
May the birds be released at night?
No. Releases are daylight only. The birds do not navigate safely at night and may be unable to return to their loft.
What if my event is outside your normal service area?
We will determine whether the location is within a safe distance for our birds. For locations outside our zone, we may coordinate with a professional release partner in the Metroplex.
Can I request a number of doves not shown in your packages?
Yes. Call, email, or text us and a team member will prepare a custom quote.
What are the main limitations on a release?
Daylight, weather, distance, and safe travel time are the primary limitations. Late-afternoon releases must be scheduled early enough for the birds to be airborne at least 90 minutes before sunset. Your approved cut-off time will be provided during booking.
Our promise
A Meaningful Moment, Carefully Handled
Every release is planned around the significance of your occasion and the welfare of our birds. We appreciate the opportunity to help create a beautiful and memorable experience.
Book Your White Dove Release