Pet Turtle Ownership: License Requirements And Essentials

The laws regarding the licensing of pet turtles vary depending on the location. In some states in the US, owning a pet turtle is banned. In other states, a license is required to keep a turtle as a pet. In Australia, a license is required to keep a turtle as a pet, and the turtle must be native and bred in captivity. In the UK, it is illegal to import or sell live wild-caught turtles without a license.

Turtle laws vary by location

In New South Wales, Australia, native reptiles can be kept as pets but only if they have been bred in captivity and bought from a licensed breeder or dealer. This is to protect Australia's reptile species and their ecosystems. A licence can be obtained from the Office of Environment and Heritage (National Parks and Wildlife Service). The cost of the licence is $50 for one reptile and lasts for five years.

In the United States, it is not clear whether a specific turtle licence is required. However, according to one source, a business licence is needed at a minimum, along with public liability insurance and pet first aid and CPR knowledge.

In some places, owning a pet turtle is banned

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also prohibits the sale of live turtles with a carapace of less than four inches in length. Federal law in the US states that "viable turtle eggs and live turtles with a carapace length of less than 4 inches shall not be sold, held for sale, or offered for any other type of commercial or public distribution."

In Australia, it is illegal to own a turtle in the states of Tasmania and Western Australia. In most states and territories, you must obtain a license from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) before owning a turtle. The exceptions to this rule are the ACT and South Australia. It is also illegal in all states to take a turtle from the wild or to release a pet turtle into the wild.

In the UK, it is illegal to import or sell live wild-caught protected species of tortoises or products made from them without a permit for commercial purposes. An Article 10 Certificate is required from Defra to deal with CITES-listed species (endangered species).

In some places, you must have a licence to keep a pet turtle

Australia

In Australia, the trade and keeping of reptiles is regulated on a state-by-state basis, and the laws are subject to change. In most states and territories, you must obtain a licence from the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) first. The exceptions to this rule are the ACT and South Australia.

It is illegal in all states to take a turtle from the wild. This law has been enacted to protect turtles from the threat of extinction. In New South Wales, it is illegal for turtles to be sold in pet shops or advertised for sale by private parties.

Queensland

In Queensland, a recreation wildlife licence is required, depending on the type of wildlife you’re hoping to keep. Strict conditions apply that prohibit the owner from breeding their wildlife or selling or giving away wildlife that is held under the permit.

Tasmania

In Tasmania, it is illegal to keep a pet turtle. Reptiles and amphibians are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and the Threatened Species Act 1995.

United States

In the United States, the possession, breeding, and trade of turtles are regulated by federal, state, and local laws.

North Carolina

North Carolina bans the sale of all turtles.

South Dakota

In South Dakota, it is illegal to buy, sell, barter, or trade any species of turtle.

In some places, you must be a certain age to apply for a licence

In Australia, the legal age to apply for a reptile licence is 16 years. If you are 15 or younger, a parent or guardian must apply for you.

In the US, the legal age to apply for a licence varies from state to state. For example, in North Carolina, you must be 18 or older to apply for a wildlife licence. In South Dakota, you must be 21 or older to apply for a wildlife licence.

In some places, you must buy your pet turtle from a licensed breeder or dealer

In New South Wales, for instance, you may only own native reptiles bred in captivity and purchased from a licensed breeder or dealer. This is to protect Australia's reptile species and their ecosystems, as well as keeping you and your pet safe.

In Queensland, a recreational wildlife licence is required, depending on the type of wildlife you want to keep. There are also strict conditions that apply, prohibiting the owner from breeding their wildlife or selling or giving it away.

In Victoria, there are four licence types to suit the variety of wildlife (and reptiles) that can be kept. Some types of wildlife can be kept without a permit (such as the spotted grass frog or the Eastern blue-tongued lizard). For other reptiles, you must refer to the Wildlife Regulations of 2013 to determine which licence you need.

In South Australia, you will need a permit if you want to keep a native animal in captivity. The permit system is there to protect native animals from being illegally acquired and sold into captivity.

In Tasmania, reptiles and amphibians are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 2002 and the Threatened Species Act 1995.

Frequently asked questions