Ever searched “adopt turtle near me” and got nothing useful? Yeah, same here. That’s why I made this tool—to help you actually find adoptable turtles and tortoises in your area without wasting hours.

Type in your ZIP or city, pick a search radius, and boom—see real turtles waiting for a home.

Find Adoptable Turtles & Tortoises Near You

25 miles
10 mi 50 mi 100 mi 150 mi 200 mi 250 mi

How to Use This Turtle Adoption Search Tool

  1. Enter your location (ZIP or city, state)
  2. Choose how far you’re willing to travel
  3. Click Search
  4. Scroll through turtles and tortoises up for adoption
  5. Click “View on Petfinder” to start the adoption process

Simple. Fast.

Why Adopt a Turtle Instead of Buying One?

Buying turtles often supports bad breeding practices. Adoption helps give a second chance to turtles that need homes. Plus, most adopted turtles come with basic health checks, and many are already used to human care.

Turtle Adoption Cost — What to Expect

Adoption fees vary by shelter, but they’re usually much lower than buying from a pet store. Expect to pay around $20–$100 depending on species, health, and shelter policies.

Some shelters might even offer turtles for free if you’re providing a good home.

What Kinds of Turtles Can You Adopt?

Here are some species you might find through the tool:

  • Box turtles
  • Red-eared sliders
  • Sulcata tortoises
  • Russian tortoises
  • Painted turtles
  • Musk and mud turtles

The listings change daily, so check back often.

Where Can I Put My Turtle Up for Adoption?

If you can’t keep your turtle anymore, don’t release it into the wild. That’s illegal in many places and bad for native wildlife.

Instead, contact local reptile rescues or use this same tool to find nearby shelters. Call them and ask if they accept turtle surrenders. You can also post in responsible adoption forums or groups.

Can You Adopt a Box Turtle?

Yes, you can! Box turtles show up often in adoptions. But be aware—some states have laws about owning native box turtles, so always check your local rules first.

Tips Before You Adopt a Turtle

  • Do your research on the species’ care
  • Prepare the right tank or outdoor setup
  • Make sure you can provide heating, UVB light, and clean water
  • Never adopt on impulse—they live for decades

Still Have Questions About Turtle Adoption?

Check out our full turtle care guides and rescue stories on the site. If you’re not ready to adopt yet, start by learning what kind of turtle fits your lifestyle.