Unwanted Turtles: Shelters And Adoption Agencies To The Rescue

where can I take unwanted turtles

If you can no longer care for your pet turtle, it is important to find a safe and legal way to rehome it. Releasing a pet turtle into the wild is not an option, as it can be detrimental to the local ecosystem and the turtle itself. There are several options for rehoming your turtle, such as reaching out to local resources, rehoming the turtle yourself through platforms such as Facebook or Craigslist, or contacting a turtle rescue organization. It is important to note that some rescue organizations may have specific requirements or restrictions on the species of turtles they can accept. Additionally, you may consider creative solutions to improve your turtle's habitat and care routine, allowing you to continue caring for your pet.

Characteristics Values
Location Massachusetts
Organisation Turtle Rescue League
Type of organisation Licensed native turtle rehabilitation clinic and non-profit organisation
Ability to take in turtles Unable to take in turtles, but can help find a better, legal and ethical solution
Location New York
Organisation The New York Turtle and Tortoise Society
Type of organisation Nonprofit organisation dedicated to the conservation, preservation of habitat, and the promotion of proper husbandry and captive propagation of turtles and tortoises
Ability to take in turtles Unable to take in red-eared slider turtles due to high numbers, but may have members with ponds who can
Location New York
Organisation Garden State Tortoise
Type of organisation Facility dedicated to turtles and tortoises
Ability to take in turtles Unable to take in red-eared slider turtles, male sulcata tortoises, yellow-bellied sliders, and common snapping turtles

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Local turtle rescue centres

If you can no longer care for your pet turtle, there are several local turtle rescue centres that may be able to help. Here are some options to consider:

  • The Turtle Rescue League is a licensed native turtle rehabilitation clinic and non-profit organisation based in Massachusetts. While they cannot accept turtles into their facility, they can work with you to find your turtle a new home. They provide guidance and resources to help you through the process.
  • The New York Turtle and Tortoise Society is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to the conservation, preservation of habitat, and the promotion of proper care and captive propagation of turtles and tortoises. They emphasise education and have a turtle rehab program in New York City. However, due to the high volume of turtles they have received in recent years, they may not have local homes available for certain species like red-eared sliders.
  • Garden State Tortoise is a facility dedicated to providing a naturalistic and safe haven for turtles and tortoises. They work closely with the animals and ensure they have everything they need. However, they have specified that they cannot accept certain species, including red-eared sliders, male sulcata tortoises, yellow-bellied sliders, and common snapping turtles.
  • Local Reptile Shelters: There may be local reptile shelters in your area that can take in turtles. The Turtle Rescue League recommends seeking out local resources first, as they are more likely to find placement for your turtle quickly.
  • Local Organisations and Experts: In addition to shelters, there may be local organisations, experts, or individuals who can help. For example, in the case of New York City, there is a mention of a home in Carroll Gardens with a living wall and rescued turtles. There may be similar opportunities in your area.

When reaching out to local rescue centres, be sure to understand their specific requirements and restrictions. Some centres may have limitations on the species they can accept, and they may require you to sign a surrender form and provide necessary information to ensure the best care for the turtles.

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Non-profit organisations

If you are looking to surrender an unwanted turtle, there are several non-profit organisations that can help. It is important to remember that turtles are among the most abandoned pets in the United States, and releasing a pet turtle into the wild is illegal and unethical. However, there are several options for rehoming your turtle.

The Turtle Rescue League

Located in Massachusetts, the Turtle Rescue League is a licensed native turtle rehabilitation clinic and non-profit organisation. While they cannot accept turtles into their facility, they can open placement cases and work with you to find your turtle a new home.

The New York Turtle and Tortoise Society

The New York Turtle and Tortoise Society is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation, preservation of habitat, and promotion of proper husbandry and captive propagation of turtles and tortoises. They emphasise education and provide resources for those looking to improve their turtle care. While they do not typically accept turtles, they can provide information on local resources and organisations that can help.

Save the Turtles

Save the Turtles is a grassroots, all-volunteer non-profit that has been working to save endangered sea turtles since 2001. They send grants to projects in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and the Philippines, and their donations help pay the salaries of community-based turtle patrollers who protect nesting sea turtles and their eggs from poachers.

The Sea Turtle Conservancy

The Sea Turtle Conservancy is an international non-profit organisation based in Gainesville, Florida, that has been helping sea turtles survive since 1959. They work to protect sea turtles and their habitats through research, conservation, and education.

The Turtle Conservancy

The Turtle Conservancy is dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable turtle species and their natural habitats. They have worked in over 17 countries and protect over 65 species, preserving more than 70,000 acres of wildlife. Their conservation centre in California provides care for over 600 turtles and 40 species, and they also offer educational programmes and community outreach initiatives.

If you are unable to contact or surrender your turtle to one of these organisations, there may be other local resources or shelters that can help. You can also try rehoming your turtle by posting on Facebook, Craigslist, or specific sites such as turtleforum.com. Remember to screen interested parties to ensure they can provide a qualified home for your turtle.

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Reptile shelters

If you are looking for a new home for your turtle, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is important to never release a pet turtle into the wild, as this can have adverse effects on the local ecosystem and the turtle's survival. Instead, you can reach out to local reptile shelters or rescue organizations specializing in reptiles or turtles. These organizations can provide expert care and ensure the turtle finds a suitable new home.

One such organization is the Turtle Rescue League (TRL) in Massachusetts. They are a licensed native turtle rehabilitation clinic and non-profit organization. While they cannot accept turtles into their facility, they can work with you to find alternative placement options. They suggest checking for local resources and organizations that can help rehome your turtle.

Another option is to contact the New York Turtle and Tortoise Society (NYTTS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation, preservation of habitat, and promotion of proper care for turtles and tortoises. They emphasize education and often work with authorities to rehabilitate sick or illegally obtained turtles. While they may not always have local homes available due to high demand, they can connect you with members who have ponds and may be willing to take in your turtle.

Additionally, there are facilities like GardenStateTortoise, which provides a naturalistic and safe haven for turtles and tortoises. They work closely with the animals to ensure they have everything they need and thrive in spacious enclosures. However, it is important to note that they have specified limitations on certain species they can accept, including red-eared sliders, due to the overwhelming number of unwanted turtles of this species.

If you are unable to find a suitable shelter or organization, you can also consider rehoming your turtle independently. This involves posting on platforms like Facebook, Craigslist, or specific sites like turtleforum.com, ensuring that you screen interested parties to find a qualified home.

Remember, it is essential to make informed decisions and explore all options to ensure the well-being and happiness of your turtle companion.

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Rehoming on your own

If you're looking to rehome your turtle on your own, there are a few options you can consider. Firstly, you can utilise online platforms such as Facebook, Craigslist, or specific sites like turtleforum.com. When using these platforms, ensure that you screen interested individuals before handing over your pet, as not everyone may be a qualified caregiver.

Another option is to post an ad in your local newspaper or on community bulletin boards in your town. You could also try reaching out to local resources, such as reptile shelters or organisations that can help you find a new home for your turtle. Remember to provide all the necessary information and be transparent about the turtle's needs and requirements to ensure a smooth transition to its new home.

It's important to note that releasing a pet turtle into the wild is not recommended, as it can cause harm to the local ecosystem and the turtle itself may struggle to survive. Additionally, it's worth considering the specific species of turtle you're looking to rehome, as some organisations may have restrictions on the types they can accept.

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Turtle and tortoise societies

The New York Turtle and Tortoise Society (NYTTS)

The NYTTS is a nonprofit organization committed to the conservation, preservation of habitat, and promotion of proper care for turtles and tortoises. They emphasize educating their members and the public about these animals. The society has been mentioned by a turtle owner on Reddit as a potential resource for rehoming. They have a help line that can be contacted for more information: (212) 459-4803.

San Diego Turtle & Tortoise Society (SDTTS)

The SDTTS is one of the largest rescue societies in the United States, with nearly 500 current members. They have been actively rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding homes for turtles and tortoises for over 40 years. As a tax-deductible nonprofit, they rely on donations and generosity to make a difference.

Turtle and Tortoise Rescue of Arroyo Grande

Located in Arroyo Grande, this rescue has been helping turtles, tortoises, and other animals since 1992. Their mission is to provide a protected environment for these creatures to thrive while also educating children and adults about animal diversity and conservation. They are a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue that relies on donations to provide food, shelter, medicine, and care for the animals.

National Turtle & Tortoise Society

Although details are scarce, there is a National Turtle & Tortoise Society mentioned in a list of turtle rescue centers in the United States. This could be a potential resource for those looking to rehome their turtles.

In addition to these societies, there are many other local and regional organizations dedicated to turtle rescue and rehabilitation. It is important to never release a pet turtle into the wild, as it can be harmful to the turtle and the ecosystem. These societies and rescue centers provide ethical and legal alternatives to ensure the well-being of unwanted turtles.

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