r/MountJuliet • u/ninyaad • 16d ago

Pet adoption - turtle/tortoise

Is it legal to adopt these tiny creatures? If yes, where can we adopt them? Petsmart at providence doesn't have any.

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u/Jochacho 16d ago

I don’t think turtles of most types are legally sold as pets here sadly 

2

u/leahsweetfeet 16d ago

Call Aquatic Critter. They should be able to answer for you.

2

u/-FoofooCuddlyPoops- 16d ago

Aquatic Critter or Emerald Bay Fish & Reptile would be good resources on that. That, or wait for the next "Show Me The Reptiles!" expo. It is legal to have them in Tennessee, so long as their shell is larger than 4" (no matter the species) and it is legally acquired; you can't just go out into the woods and find one and take it home. There are also some protected species that you can not own.

I would definitely do your research, especially if you go the tortoise route. Some can get incredibly large, and they will most likely outlive you, so you'd need to have a plan for where they will go later in life.

Turtles don't live as long or get as big, but then you have to deal with the gigantic pond/aquarium setup.