Frequently Asked Questions

• Are they doves or pigeons?

  All pigeons are actually classified as doves. The term “pigeon” is from the French language meaning “dove”. The species of our birds is white Rock Doves. The difference between doves and pigeons is mostly size. Doves are generally sleeker and smaller with pointed tails, while pigeons are larger and stockier with rounded tails. The White Doves of Dover have been carefully bred over the years to maintain these beautiful dove characteristics and yet retain the incredible navigational skills and instincts of the homing pigeon.

• What happens to the doves after they are released?

  The White Doves of Dover will circle above for a few moments before flying home.

• How far can they fly?

  The White Doves of Dover are trained to fly very long distances; our range of release is approximately 120 miles. The extensive training is done by professional handlers. To determine whether the birds will be released from your venue will depend on the time of the release and distance. We will not release birds beyond a range that they are unable to safely return home.

• As the doves fly overhead, will they mess on me or the guests?

  No. They are not fed the night before your event to prevent any “accidents”. Special diets and feeding programs minimize the risk of accidents from occurring.

• Can the doves be released during the winter?

  Yes, as long as the temperature is not lower than -10 degrees Celsius.

• Can they be released in the evening?

  No. The doves must have enough daylight to be able to fly home. Releases must be planned so that the birds arrive home before sunset.

• Can they be released indoors?

  No. The doves can only be released outside.

• Does the weather affect the release?

  Yes. We will not release The White Doves of Dover in severe inclement weather (heavy rain, high winds, storm, fog or blizzards). We will offer a suspension of your dove release if this is acceptable, or we will agree to cancel the release and offer a full refund. The welfare and safety of The White Doves of Dover is our priority.

• What part of the service are doves released?

  It is all a matter of preference. There can be a lot of creativity in the location and timing of your dove release. A popular way is to release your doves after the ceremony or during your official photographs.

• How will the doves get to the venue?

  The doves are transported in approved decorative pigeon carriers, by an experienced handler who will be in attendance throughout.

• How do you handle a dove?

  An experienced handler would be in attendance to assist. We also offer provisional customers the opportunity to attend one of training releases to become accustomed to the Dove release procedure; this can include handling and releasing the Doves in the way they will be at your occasion.

• Are the doves specially trained?

  Yes. We pride ourselves with breeding and rearing our own registered stock that are specifically and extensively trained from a young age. This training includes – handling, transportation, familiarity with the decorative baskets/carriers and returning to their loft from a variety of locations and busy events. We strongly advise the use of reputable, registered Dove Release Companies as untrained doves, inevitable stay in the vicinity of the event venue, often becoming a nuisance or a health hazard. This eventually leads to the destruction of the offending doves.