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PangoVet advocates for adopting before shopping. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder or purchasing from a store, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. Learn more.
Turtles are popular pets prized for their appearance and behavior. Many pet owners enjoy watching turtles soak, bathe, and swim around. Several species are available to own as pets, from small mud turtles to fearsome snapping turtles. However, some exotic turtles require a permit from your local government to legally own. While many people have an interest in turtles, few know the best place to buy one or the best buying practices. This guide will cover where to buy a turtle, including adoption options, online options, and in-person options.
Turtles as Pets: What to Know Before Welcoming One into Your Home
Many believe turtles are low-maintenance pets, but that is not true. Turtles require a hefty amount of specialized care to survive. They need the proper water, the right tank, UV light, and special nutrients. If you do not adequately care for your turtle, it can quickly become weak and even die. Before getting a turtle, learn what your turtle needs to live a happy, healthy life. Also, research the species you’re interested in because different species occasionally require individualized care.
The turtle’s lifespan is another vital consideration. Box turtles are one of the most popular pet turtles, and they can live between 25 and 35 years under human care. Other turtles can live even longer. If you get your kid a turtle, you will likely need to plan on keeping it well after they move out. Many turtles are released into the wild or dumped at shelters because people realize they don’t want to care for a turtle for decades. Do not get a turtle unless you are prepared to own it for 20 years or more.
Where to Adopt a Turtle
- Average cost: $10 to $50
It is preferable to try to adopt a turtle before you buy one. Adopting animals has many benefits over buying. It helps rehome a pet that might not have a home currently, and it helps reduce the number of pets in shelters and the outdoor ecosystem. Turtles are excellent pets to adopt because they have such long lifespans. If someone can no longer care for a 10-year-old turtle, you can adopt it and still get 10 to 20 years of good life out of them without buying one.
Here are some of the best places to find turtles up for adoption before you look to buy one.
1. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is one of the best places to find a turtle to adopt. The SPCA has shelters where they take in unwanted animals and strive to give them the best life possible. Many SPCA shelters are “for all” meaning they won’t turn away animals, including turtles. If you want to adopt a turtle, get in touch with your local SPCA chapter and put yourself on a list of people looking to adopt a turtle.
2. The Humane Society
The Humane Society is similar to the SPCA in that they run local shelters and often take in animals that the county shelters will not. The Humane Society often has a small number of exotic pets that they are willing to adopt out to educated pet owners. Look up your local Humane Society office and inquire about turtles up for adoption.
3. Local Government Wildlife Department
Most people don’t realize that their local wildlife department will often adopt animals to citizens. For example, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has a program where people can apply to be registered adopters. That allows them to adopt animals that the FWC takes in, including turtles. Animals adopted from local government agencies could be exotic or rare, which appeals to some pet owners.
4. craigslist
Lastly, you can check craigslist. It has a whole section dedicated to animals, and many people are looking to move on from pets like turtles. Look for keywords like “rehome” and “adopt out” when searching craigslist. Some people on craigslist are dealers and breeders, but others are just looking to move on from a pet for various reasons. Some people need to rehome a turtle because they are moving or a loved one can no longer care for them. Be sure to read the details and talk to the owners about the turtle before deciding whether to use Craigslist.
Where to Buy Turtles Online
- Average cost: $20 to $500, depending on species, age, and rarity; shipping can be expensive
Online retailers obtain special shipping permits and supplies that allow them to ship live animals directly to your door. Federal Express (FedEx) is one of the only major carriers that allow the shipment of live animals such as turtles. When you buy online, the seller will carefully package and ship your animal via expedited shipping. Before buying online, you should check reviews and ensure you will be home when your animal arrives. Shipping animals is not cheap, and the costs are much higher for live animals like turtles than for a typical item you might buy online.
These are three of the best online retailers from which to buy turtles.
1. My Turtle Store
My Turtle Store is an online store that exclusively deals in turtles and tortoises. They are more specialized than other online retailers that have several reptiles and amphibians. My Turtle Store allows you to quickly buy baby and juvenile turtles and all the supplies you might need in the future. My Turtle Store has over 20 types and species of turtles for sale, giving you plenty of options when searching for your next pet turtle.
2. Underground Reptiles
Underground Reptiles is a large online marketplace with a selection of turtles for sale. They sell dozens of different types of turtles, including babies, started, and yearlings. Underground Reptiles breed many of their animals, but they also host auctions and third-party sellers. This allows you to get the most extensive variety of turtles in one place. The auctions allow you to snag great deals on turtles. Some auctions even include a whole litter of turtles for one price.
3. Turtle Store
Not to be confused with My Turtle Store, Turtle Store is another online retailer specializing in live turtles and turtle supplies. They deal with over a dozen species of turtles. They even have two species of snapping turtles that you can buy. If you are interested in other animals, Turtle Store also sells a variety of other reptiles and amphibians.
Pet Stores That Sell Turtles
- Average cost: $40 to $400, depending on age, species, and rarity; sales and lack of shipping costs can make this a cheaper option
If you want to buy a turtle rather than adopt one, it is often a good idea to go in person. Buying a turtle in person has numerous benefits. It allows you to see the turtles up close and pick the one that appeals to you. It also allows you to talk to an expert about the animal’s needs before making a final purchase decision. There are numerous places to buy a turtle, including the retailers below.
1. PetSmart
PetSmart is one of the largest pet retailers in the United States. They specialize in common pets and always have a selection of live animals to browse. PetSmart has ample supplies and experts on hand to walk you through the buying process. You can find a nearby PetSmart in every metropolitan area in the United States.
2. Petco
Petco is another large retailer that can be found all over the United States. They have live animals in stock that you can choose from. Petco does not list the animals that are available on their website. The best thing to do if you are looking to buy a turtle from Petco is to call or go to your local store to see what they have and ask the employees about their turtle stock.
3. Local Reptile Stores
Reptiles and amphibians are very popular, and some towns have private pet stores. Many small businesses operate only one or two stores at the most. You can do a quick search online for nearby reptile stores, and you will be surprised at how many pop up. Local stores benefit from being small and dedicated, and they often have unique inventories of native or rare turtles.
Turtle Breeder Information
Finding a turtle breeder can be difficult. Breeders often open their shops and simply sell their stock to the public. Turtles are unlike dogs or cats, where breeders work out of their homes and sell piecemeal animals. Many turtle breeds sell their hatchlings to nearby reptile stores or own their store (either online or in person). If you are looking for a particular turtle breeder, your best bet is to find them at local conventions. Yearly reptile conventions travel around the country where breeders and sellers connect with one another.
Tips for Adopting or Buying a Turtle
Remember That Turtles Can Live for a Very Long Time
The biggest factor to consider before buying a turtle is the lifespan of the animal. Countless people have bought turtles only to find themselves in over their heads due to the animal’s extensive lifespan. Cats and dogs typically live between 12 and 20 years. Turtles can easily live for twice that long. Turtles are a lifelong commitment, especially if you are an adult. If you buy a turtle that can live for 40 years and you are 30 years old, you will have the turtle until you are 70.
Turtle Tanks Need Frequent Cleaning
Turtle tanks need to be cleaned out at least weekly. The water should be changed and treated multiple times per week. If you do not regularly clean your turtle’s tank, it will become swampy, stinky, and filled with algae or mold. Many owners complain about the stench of pet turtles, and the smell is often the result of poor hygiene by the turtle owner. If you are not prepared to clean your turtle tank regularly, you could have a smelly enclosure or a sick turtle.
Seek People Looking to Rehome Their Turtle
Since turtles live such long lives, plenty of people rehome their turtles. Finding a turtle to adopt from a local person is the best way to obtain a new turtle. It can save you money, help a neighbor, and keep the number of abandoned, lost, and sick turtles to a minimum. If you want to buy a turtle, buying in person can be easier and more enlightening than buying online. That is doubly true if you are an inexperienced or first-time turtle owner.
Conclusion
There are numerous ways to buy a turtle. One of the best ways is to find turtles up for adoption at local shelters or to find someone nearby looking to move or rehome their turtle. If you want to buy a turtle, there are numerous options online and in person that you can utilize. There are dozens of types and varieties of turtles for sale, ranging in price from $20 to $400, ready to find a new loving home.
Related Reads:
- Where to Buy Snapping Turtles (Adoption, Online & Retail)
- Where to Buy Tortoises (Adoption, Online & Retail)
Featured Image Credit: Ivan Smuk, Shutterstock
