Finding the right place to adopt, surrender, or rescue a turtle or tortoise can be tough, especially with so much information scattered across different sites. That’s why I’ve put together this state-by-state directory to help anyone looking for reliable turtle and tortoise adoption and rescue centers across the United States.
Whether you’re hoping to give a turtle a new home, rehome a pet you can no longer care for, or even just learn more about proper care, these organizations can help. Many of these rescues also focus on rehabilitating injured wild turtles, so they play an important role in both conservation and responsible pet ownership.
Below, you’ll find a complete list organized by state, including contact details, specialties, and services offered by each center. If you’re ready to adopt a turtle or want to support turtle rescues near you, this is the perfect place to start.
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in Arizona
1. Phoenix Herpetological Society
Address: 20701 N Scottsdale Rd Suite 107 – PMB 401, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Website: https://www.phoenixherp.com/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 480-513-4377
Specialty: All reptiles, strong turtle focus
Adoption Process: The Phoenix Herpetological Society houses reptiles that are abandoned, abused, or confiscated from illegal owners. They work to find permanent residences for these animals, including adoption of legal pets in Arizona. The society emphasizes education and proper care for reptiles, ensuring that adopters are well-equipped to provide suitable environments.
Special Notes: Arizona law restricts the ownership of certain reptiles, such as alligators and crocodiles, to licensed facilities like PHS. Therefore, not all reptiles at the sanctuary are available for adoption by the general public.
Social Media: Facebook
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in California
1. American Tortoise Rescue
Address: 30765 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA, United States, California
Website: http://www.tortoise.com/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: Not public. Email them first.
Specialty: All turtles and tortoises
Adoption Process: American Tortoise Rescue focuses on rehoming turtles and tortoises. They provide permanent sanctuary to special needs animals that cannot be rehomed, ensuring they receive lifelong care.
Special Notes: While specific requirements are not detailed, adopting from a rescue like ATR typically involves ensuring you can provide a suitable environment and care for the animal.
Social Media: Facebook
2. San Diego Turtle & Tortoise Society
Address: PO Box 712514, Santee, CA 92072
Website: https://www.sdturtle.org/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 619-593-2123
Specialty: All turtles and tortoises
Adoption Process: 4-step process: Become member, read care guides, prepare habitat (indoor/outdoor), submit photos for approval.
Special Notes: Adoption involves a screening process to ensure suitable homes for the animals. The San Diego Turtle & Tortoise Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible. They host educational meetings and events, including an annual show in Balboa Park.
Social Media: Facebook
3. Aunt Anna’s Reptile Rescue
Address: PO Box 3112, Walnut Creek, CA 94598
Website: https://auntannasreptilerescue.org/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 925-405-5640
Specialty: All reptiles
Adoption Process: Adopters must provide habitat photos, care knowledge, and agree to long-term commitment. No shipping.
Special Notes: Aunt Anna’s Reptile Rescue provides an adoption application form on their website. They ensure that all reptiles are healthy before rehoming and offer educational services to support the adoption process. They also provide a sanctuary for reptiles that cannot be adopted, allowing them to live out their lives in care
Social Media: Facebook
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in Colorado
1. Colorado Reptile Humane Society
Address: 13941 Elmore Rd, Longmont, CO 80504
Website: https://www.corhs.org/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: (303) 776-2070
Specialty: All reptiles, strong turtle focus
Adoption Process: The Colorado Reptile Humane Society offers animals ready for adoption, including various reptiles like snakes, tortoises, and lizards.
Special Notes: They provide care guides and habitat guidelines to help ensure adopters can provide suitable environments for their new pets. If you are interested in adopting from the Colorado Reptile Humane Society, you would need to arrange for transportation or visit their facility in Colorado.
Social Media: Facebook
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in Florida
1. Central Florida Wildlife Center
Address: 500 Broussard Rd., St. Cloud, FL 34773
Website: https://cflar.org/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 321-637-0110
Specialty: Native turtles & gopher tortoises
Adoption Process: Wildlife rehab only – animals are released when possible. No pet adoptions.
Special Notes: CFAR is a big cat and wildlife sanctuary focused on compassion, conservation, and commitment. They do not typically offer adoption services for big cats, as their mission is to provide a sanctuary for these animals.
Social Media: Facebook
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in Georgia
1. Georgia Reptile Society
Address: Not listed. Contact them first.
Website: https://gareptilesociety.org/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: (478) 796-3962
Specialty: All reptiles
Adoption Process: The Georgia Reptile Society helps with rehoming reptiles. They provide a form on their website for those needing to rehome their pets, aiming to place them in suitable forever homes. However, they currently cannot take in aquatic turtles like Sliders, Musk Turtles, and Pond Turtles. They offer resources for finding alternative rehoming options for these species
Special Notes: The adoption fees for reptiles are generally $25 for snakes, lizards, and other reptiles, while tortoise adoptions are $50
Social Media: Facebook
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in Maine
1. Herp Haven Reptile Rescue
Address: 41 Hennessey Ave Brunswick, ME 04011
Website: herphaven.org
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: (207) 385-7467
Specialty: All reptiles, strong turtle focus
Adoption Process: HerpHaven requires adopters to complete an adoption application that includes questions about proper care and husbandry of the species they are applying for. Once the application is approved, a virtual home visit/interview is conducted. After approval, HerpHaven delivers the animal to ensure the enclosure is set up properly.
Special Notes: All adoptable reptiles have been quarantined for a minimum of 30 days (60 days for certain species) before adoption
Social Media: Facebook
2. Mr. Drew and His Animals Too
Address: 20 East Ave Unit 14, Lewiston, ME, United States, Maine
Website: mrdrewandhisanimalstoo.com
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 207-713-0165
Specialty: All reptiles
Adoption Process: Adoptions require habitat check, care quiz, and ongoing check-ins for some species.
Special Notes: Mr. Drew and His Animals Too focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating exotic animals. They take in animals that humane societies cannot handle to prevent their release into the Maine ecosystem. While they do not specifically facilitate pet adoptions, they provide educational experiences and promote conservation and environmental awareness
Social Media: Facebook
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in Maryland
1. Mid-Atlantic Turtle & Tortoise Society
Address: P.O Box 341, Highland, MD, United States, Maryland
Website: https://www.matts-turtles.org/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: Not public. Email them first.
Specialty: Pet turtles & tortoises, some native species
Adoption Process: MATTS does not have a central shelter; all turtles are in foster homes. To adopt, you must email them to request an application, which includes providing information about your ability to care for a turtle or tortoise, including enclosure setup and veterinary references
Special Notes: Not all turtles are legal in all states, so your location will be verified to ensure compliance with local laws. MATTS is funded by donations and does not receive government grants.
Social Media: Facebook
2. Medusa’s Misfit Rescue
Address: 201 Beethoven Dr, Westminster, MD 21157
Website: https://medusasmisfitrescue.com/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: (443) 974-1165
Specialty: Medical cases & special needs reptiles
Adoption Process: Case-by-case adoptions. Focus on adopters with experience in rehab or special needs care.
Special Notes: To adopt, you need to file an application for approval. Once approved, you must provide proof of a proper enclosure, including space, lighting, and heat source. They do not ship reptiles and will travel up to 1 hour for adoptions by appointment only
Social Media: Facebook
3. Jenn’s Uncommon Critters
Address: Frederick, MD, United States, Maryland
Website: https://www.jennsuncommoncritters.org/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 240-200-4505
Specialty: Reptiles & small exotics, tortoises (not equipped for aquatic turtles)
Adoption Process: Jenn’s Uncommon Critters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue and interactive animal education program focusing on reptiles, invertebrates, and small mammals. While they do not explicitly mention adoption processes in the search results, they are involved in rescuing animals and use event proceeds for the care of their Animal Ambassadors and rescues.
Special Notes: For specific adoption information, it would be best to contact them directly through any available channels or attend one of their events to inquire about their adoption policies.
Social Media: Facebook
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in Massachusetts
1. Turtle Rescue League
Address: 456 Lebanon Hill Rd, Southbridge, MA, 01550-3910 United States
Website: https://turtlerescueleague.org/
Email: Not public.
Contact Number: (508) 404-7887
Specialty: Native turtles & pet turtles
Adoption Process: The Turtle Rescue League primarily focuses on native turtle rehabilitation and conservation. They do offer rehoming services for pet turtles, but their availability for pet turtle assistance is limited to weekdays. For pet turtle rehoming, you need to visit their PET TURTLE PAGE and fill out a rehoming application
Special Notes: They are not a veterinary service and cannot provide medical treatment for non-native turtles. If your pet turtle is sick, you should contact a reptile-specific veterinarian.
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in Michigan
1. Wild Whiskers
Address: West main street, Kalamazoo, MI, United States, Michigan
Website: https://www.facebook.com/WildWhiskersKzoo/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 616-312-7412
Specialty: native turtle rehabilitation
Adoption Process: Surrender & adoption after application, habitat verification, and care education.
Special Notes: Wild Whiskers specializes in native turtle rehabilitation but have very very limited space for non-native species. The facility is not open to the public.
Social Media: Facebook
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in Mississippi
1. Central Mississippi Turtle Rescue
Address: Post Office Box 1374, Florence, MS 39073
Website: https://www.centralmsturtlerescue.com/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: (601) 845-1932
Specialty: Native & non-native turtles
Adoption Process: The facility is not open to the public. Once an application is submitted, if approved, an appointment can be set to view the turtle. Minimum enclosure sizes are required (e.g., 15 square feet for adult box turtles), and glass tanks are not suitable for box turtles or tortoises. Predator-proofing is required for outdoor housing.
Special Notes: Adopters are heavily screened, including vet references. No adoptions are allowed between Thanksgiving and New Year. Out-of-state adoptions are possible on a case-by-case basis, with the adopter paying shipping costs and obtaining necessary approvals from the MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
Social Media: Facebook
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in North Carolina
1. Be Wild Reptile Rescue
Address: Durham, NC
Website: https://bewildnc.org/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 919-442-8238
Specialty: All reptiles (no aquatic turtles at all)
Adoption Process: To adopt, you must fill out an application on their website. Animals are quarantined for a minimum of 30 days before being available for adoption. Adopters must pick up animals at their property in Durham, NC within 7 days of approval. They do not ship animals.
Special Notes: The agreement includes a clause that prohibits adopters from breeding any animals adopted from BeWild Reptile Rescue. Animals with health issues are quarantined until they recover before being made available for adoption.
Social Media: TikTok
2. Fresh Start Rescue
Address: PO Box 256, Willard, NC 28478
Website: https://www.freshstartrescueinc.org/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: (910) 470-6299
Specialty: Reptiles (limited aquatic turtles)
Adoption Process: Fill out an adoption application on their website. They review the application, request photos of your current animals and enclosures, and conduct a virtual house check. Once approved, you must have a proper setup ready before taking home an animal.
Special Notes: Includes a no breeding and no selling clause. Adoption Fees: Listed on each animal’s bio on their website. Out-of-State Adoptions: Allowed, but you must drive to pick up the animal; no shipping is available. No Aquatic Turtles: They are no longer accepting aquatic turtles for rescue.
Social Media: Facebook
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in New York
1. Turtle Rescue of Long Island
Address: PO Box 359, Centereach, NY 11720
Website: https://www.turtlerescues.com/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: Not public.
Specialty: All turtles and tortoises
Adoption Process: The rescue helps individuals find new homes for turtles by providing information on proper care and sometimes facilitating adoptions. However, specific adoption processes are not detailed in the search results.
Special Notes: They emphasize the importance of researching turtle care before adopting and offer guidance on proper care for those who already have turtles.
Social Media: Facebook
2. Hudson Valley Reptile Rescue
Address: Glasco, Saugerties, NY, United States, New York
Website: https://www.hvreptilerescue.org
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: (845) 206-1689
Specialty: All reptiles
Adoption Process: To adopt, you must schedule an appointment through their website. They provide education on the care of the reptile you are interested in adopting.
Special Notes: Adoption Fees: Common species are $65, while Royal (Ball) Python morph fees are handled on a case-by-case basis. They emphasize providing knowledge and support to ensure adopters can properly care for their new pets. They also offer educational programs and events.
Social Media: Facebook
3. Second Chance Bird & Reptile Rescue
Address: Rochester, NY, United States, New York
Website: No Website
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 585-370-7157
Specialty: All reptiles, tortoises, not aquatic turtles
Adoption Process: They focus on rescuing and rehabilitating exotic birds and reptiles, with an emphasis on finding committed homes. The adoption process likely involves an application and possibly a home visit to ensure the animal is going to a suitable environment.
Special Notes: They have over 33 years of experience in rescuing and rehabilitating animals.
Social Media: Facebook
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in Ohio
1. Herps Alive Foundation
Address: 1489 Garden Dr., South Euclid, OH 44118
Website: https://herpsalive.org/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: (216) 374-1392
Specialty: All reptiles, many turtles
Adoption Process: Application with care verification. Adopters attend educational event to complete process.
Special Notes: Interested individuals should reach out via email or Facebook to schedule an adoption interview, or visit during public hours when an adoption manager is available. The foundation emphasizes education and finding new homes for neglected and abused animals.
Social Media: Facebook
2. Arrowhead Reptile Rescue
Address: Not public
Website: www.arrowheadreptilerescue.org
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 513-442-4377
Specialty: All reptiles
Adoption Process: You must be able to provide a reptile with adequate care. Experience with reptiles is preferred, but willing learners are considered if they demonstrate commitment to proper care. You must submit an adoption application, photos of the cage and habitat, and a veterinarian reference. Adoption fees are typically between $10 and $50, which is half of the retail value.
Special Notes: Adopters must sign an agreement to provide proper care for the life of the pet. Animals are available for adoption on a regular basis, so it’s advisable to check the website frequently for updates.
Social Media: Facebook
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in Oregon
1. Jungle Things Oregon
Address: 1969 SE Stephens St, Roseburg, OR 97470
Website: https://junglethingsoregon.com
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: (458) 250-3056
Specialty: All reptiles
Adoption Process: Animals are available for adoption after a 30-day period in the rescue, provided they have a clean bill of health. Potential adopters must fill out a foster form initially, and after 30 days, they can proceed with an adoption form and fee. The fees are used for the vet fund.
Special Notes: Jungle Things Oregon has a strict no breeding, no co-habbing, and no rehoming contract. They ensure that adopters provide suitable enclosures and maintain contact to ensure good care.
Social Media: Facebook
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in Pennsylvania
1. Christina’s Reptile Sanctuary
Address: 757 Delaware Ave, Palmerton, PA, 18071
Website: http://www.christinaspets.mysite.com/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: (610) 390-1655
Specialty: All reptiles
Adoption Process: Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary is a 501c3 non-profit organization specializing in rescuing and adopting reptiles and amphibians. They do not ship live animals; local pickup is required for adoptions.
Special Notes: The sanctuary also conducts educational programs and has affiliates for further support and resources. They accept surrenders and are involved in community education about responsible animal care.
Social Media: Facebook
2. Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary
Address: PO Box 171, Elm, PA, United States, Pennsylvania
Website: https://forgottenfriend.org/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: (717) 330-3015
Specialty: All reptiles
Adoption Process: To adopt a reptile, join their Reptile Rescue Network by entering your email on their website to be notified about adoption opportunities. Adoption fees are kept low to attract good homes, and all fees benefit the rescue.
Special Notes: They prioritize placing reptiles in better homes and have a Code of Ethics to ensure this.
Social Media: Facebook
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in Texas
1. Central Texas Tortoise Rescue
Address: Central, TX
Website: www.texastortoiserescue.com
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: (512) 309-0059
Specialty: Pet tortoises & box turtles
Adoption Process: Browse the list of adoptable tortoises and box turtles on the website and apply for adoption through their profiles. Send photos of the enclosure intended for the animal, ensuring it meets species-specific needs. Once approved, schedule an appointment to pick up the animal within five days.
Special Notes: Different species have unique needs, such as space, diet, and social interaction requirements. For example, African tortoises like Sulcatas require large spaces and cannot cohabitate with dogs or pigs.
Social Media: Facebook
2. Lumpy Lizard Rescue
Address: 115 W. Jay St. , Edna, TX, United States, Texas
Website: www.lumpylizardrescue.org
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 361-235-0486
Specialty: Reptiles & exotics
Adoption Process: Lumpy Lizard Rescue focuses on reptiles, poultry, and exotic animals but also assists with traditional pets and wildlife when possible. They have an adoption application available on their website.
Special Notes: The organization aims to educate the community about animal welfare and policy, making it a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about animal care and adoption.
Social Media: Facebook
3. Eden Animal Sanctuary
Address: Spring Branch, TX 78070
Website: https://www.edenanimalsanctuary.com/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: (210) 488-5119
Specialty: Turtles & tortoises
Adoption Process: Eden Animal Sanctuary is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption of captive turtles and tortoises. They focus on finding the perfect homes for these animals. To adopt, you would typically need to fill out an adoption application and provide information about your setup for the animal.
Special Notes: Interested individuals can submit an “I’m interested” form on AdoptAPet.com or contact the sanctuary directly through Facebook to initiate the adoption process.
Social Media: Facebook
Turtle & Tortoise Adoption and Rescue Centers in Virginia
1. Blue Ridge Reptile Rescue
Address: 111 West Nelson Street, Lexington, Virginia 24450
Website: https://www.blueridgereptilerescue.org/
Email: [email protected]
Contact Number: 540-748-8997
Specialty: All reptiles
Adoption Process: Blue Ridge Reptile Rescue accepts surrenders and may ship reptiles. They also sell used reptile equipment. They are a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping reptiles in need.
Special Notes: For adoption details, it would be best to contact them directly or check their potential social media profiles for updates.
Social Media: Facebook
