Ash's Pidgeotto was the second Pokémon that Ash captured while in the Viridian forest. Ash sent out Ash's Caterpie to battle the Pidgeotto, not realizing that Bug-type Pokémon are weak against Flying-type Pokémon. Pidgeotto quickly dealt significant damage to Ash's Caterpie, forcing Misty to suggest that Ash recall it. Ash then called out Pikachu and ordered him to use Thundershock on the Pidgeotto. Weakened by Pikachu, Ash was then able to capture Pidgeotto with a PokéBall.

As a Flying type, Ash's Pidgeotto often helped prevent Team Rocket from using their hot air balloon by puncturing it. Brock said that Ash's Pidgeotto would stand up to any kind of attack if it was to protect Ash from harm.

While walking through a forest near Pallet Town, Ash realizes the Spearow that he hit with his Poké ball on the first day that he was on his journey must have evolved into a Fearow. A bunch of Pidgey and Pidgeotto were stuck in a tree and were too afraid to leave it. Ash's Pidgeotto helped them be brave enough to leave but just as they did the Fearow attacked Ash's Pidgeotto and injured it. Realizing that the Pidgey and Pidgeotto were still in trouble, Ash's Pidgeotto evolved into a Pidgeot.

Kanto Pokémon League

Just before Ash's fifth round battle against Ritchie, Jessie had tricked Ash into leaving the arena by impersonating Ritchie. Jessie, James and Meowth all delayed Ash from reaching the arena and Pidgeotto had to use all of its energy in helping Ash get to the arena before he was disqualified. Unfortunately, due to the amount of energy Pidgeotto had used up, Ash decided not to use it in the fifth round.