Turtles may seem like fun and easy pets when they are small, but they require a lot of care and maintenance as they grow larger over time. If you find yourself unable to properly care for your pet turtle, you may be wondering if Petco will take unwanted turtles off your hands.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Petco does not accept turtles for rehoming or adoption. They recommend finding a rescue organization or using online ads to find a new home for unwanted turtles.
Petco’s Policy on Accepting Unwanted Pets
Petco does not take in reptiles or fish
Unfortunately, Petco does not accept donations or take in unwanted reptiles like turtles or fish. Their focus is on rehoming dogs, cats, and small household pets like guinea pigs and bunnies. As one of the largest pet retailers, they aim to find forever homes for adoptable mammals.
For health and safety reasons, Petco avoids taking in reptiles or fish. Reptiles like turtles can potentially transmit salmonella to humans, and caring for them requires very specialized knowledge and habitat equipment.
Petco likely lacks the resources to properly quarantine, test, treat, or rehome most reptiles or aquarium fish. Their shelters are better equipped for furry friends.
Recommendations for rehoming turtles
Instead of Petco, here are some better options for rehoming unwanted turtles ethically:
- Contact specialized reptile adoption centers or rescue organizations in your area
- Reach out to wildlife conservations that have conservation plans for native turtle species
- Post rehoming ads on reptile enthusiast forums and groups online, like Turtle Forum or Austin Reptile breeders
- Ask exotics veterinarian offices if they can help rehome with responsible owners able to properly care for turtles
- Consider reptile breeder companies or family-run pet stores which focus specifically on exotic pets
- Surrender the animal as an absolute last resort to a animal control center equipped for reptiles
Proper rehoming ensures the turtle goes to an educated and dedicated caretaker. Turtles live exceptionally long lifespans, require extensive caretaking knowledge, and are a commitment not to be taken lightly. With some effort though, most turtles can find a new forever home.
Caring for Pet Turtles
Turtles live a long time
When considering a pet turtle, it’s important to know that they can live for decades with proper care. Some aquatic turtles like red-eared sliders can live over 30 years! Make sure you are prepared for a long-term commitment before bringing one of these amazing creatures home.
Turtles require a habitat setup
Turtles need both aquatic and dry basking areas to thrive, so setting up their habitat properly is key. An aquatic turtle tank should have clean, dechlorinated water kept between 75-80°F. It must be large enough for swimming with 10 gallons per inch of shell length.
Add rocks, driftwood, and filtration to simulate nature.
Also provide a basking area with a heat and UVB lighting source over dry land where they can completely leave the water. This allows crucial behavior like thermoregulation and vitamin D absorption from UV rays.
Turtles need a varied diet
In the wild, turtles are omnivores eating both plant and animal materials. Captive turtles also need a nutritious and varied diet. Leafy greens like kale, veggies like zucchini, fruits like berries, and occasional lean proteins are great staple foods.
Tailor quantities, frequencies, and food types to your turtle’s age and species. Avoid frequently feeding high-fat foods. Clean, fresh water must be available at all times. Calcium and vitamin supplements 2-3 times a week help maintain shell health.
Turtles need regular tank maintenance
Frequent water changes and filter cleanings are a must to reduce waste buildup and keep water parameters ideal. Small turtles need 25% weekly water changes. Larger adult turtles require 50% changes twice weekly. Use water conditioner to remove chlorine and heavy metals.
Also clean basking areas often to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Look for signs of shell rot, respiratory infections, eye/nose discharge, lethargy, or appetite changes, as these require a veterinarian’s care.
Finding a New Home for Your Turtle
Ask friends and family
One of the best options to find a new home for an unwanted turtle is to ask around your own network of friends and family. They may be looking to add a turtle to their home or know someone who is. Reaching out on social media and posting in local community groups can also help spread the word.
Offering to deliver the turtle and tank/habitat supplies makes it even easier for someone to take them. Finding someone you know and trust ensures your pet will be well cared for.
Contact a reptile rescue organization
There are reptile-specific animal rescues and sanctuaries throughout the country focused on finding new forever homes for surrendered and abandoned reptiles, including turtles. They have the experience and resources to properly care for unwanted turtles while working to find them a compatible new home.
Most rescues have an adoption process including an application, home inspection, and adoption fee to ensure animals are matched with responsible owners. Contact local rescues in your state or search for national organizations. This option ensures your pet will get ongoing proper care.
Advertise through online classifieds
Sites like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace allow you to create posts advertising an unwanted pet turtle free to a good home. Be sure to include details on the turtle species, age, tank setup, and any special care requirements.
Ask interested respondents questions to determine if they have the proper knowledge and resources to care for a turtle long-term. You may want to charge a small rehoming fee to deter people just looking for a free pet on impulse. Meet potential adopters in person and inspect their planned habitat.
Online rehoming takes more effort to find a suitable home but gives you a wider reach.
Surrendering Turtles to Animal Shelters
Many shelters don’t accept reptiles
Unfortunately, the majority of animal shelters do not accept reptiles like turtles for surrender. This is because most shelters are not equipped to properly house and care for reptiles. Reptiles like turtles require very specific conditions like appropriate lighting, heating, humidity levels and diets that shelters may not be able to provide.
Shelters rely heavily on adopters to support their animals, and reptiles tend to get adopted out much less frequently than dogs, cats and other furry critters. With limited resources, most shelters simply cannot take on the expenses and long-term care responsibilities associated with housing reptiles.
Some shelters may take in turtles based on capacity
That said, there are some shelters and rescue organizations, especially in larger cities, that will accept reptile surrenders if they have the capacity. However, their ability to take in reptiles can depend on factors like how much space they have, if they have knowledgeable staff to care for the specific species, and if they already have a high reptile population at their facility.
The best bet is to call local shelters directly, explain the situation, and see if they’re willing and able to take the turtle. But be prepared for them to potentially say no, even if they do accept other types of pets.
Consider making a donation when surrendering pets
If you find a shelter that can take your unwanted turtle, it’s very kind to offer a donation when surrendering pets of any kind. Caring for surrendered animals causes expenses for the shelter – things like housing, staffing, food, veterinary care and more.
Any amount helps offset these costs and allows them to keep helping more animals in need. Even a small donation of $20-50 demonstrates that you value their vital service. And for surrenders involving specialized pets like reptiles that require additional resources, a larger donation may be warranted if possible.
The bottom line is surrendering an unwanted or unfit-to-care-for turtle to a shelter can be very challenging compared to other pets. But some facilities may be able to take them in if they have capacity, so it’s worth politely asking around.
And be sure to show your gratitude with a donation if they’re able to help.With compassion and community support, we can work together to find unwanted reptiles like turtles the safe, caring environments they deserve.
Rehoming Turtles Responsibly
Vet potential adopters thoroughly
When looking to rehome your pet turtle, it’s crucial to find a knowledgeable and responsible new owner. Take the time to properly screen potential adopters by asking lots of questions and evaluating if they have the necessary resources and dedication to properly care for a turtle.
During your screening process, inquire about their experience level with turtles or other exotic pets. Find out if they understand the space, lighting, temperature, nutrition, and other care requirements for the particular turtle species you have.
An experienced turtle owner will be able to confidently answer your husbandry questions. Be wary of potential adopters who seem unsure about basic turtle care needs.
Also discuss their plans for housing the turtle. Ensure they have an adequately sized habitat ready to go with proper lighting and temperature control. Visiting their home to see the setup in person is ideal.
Verify that they have the financial means to continually afford necessary turtle supplies like food, filters, heat lamps, etc. Caring for a turtle is a long-term commitment, so evaluate if they are in it for the long haul.
Charge an adoption fee
When rehoming your pet turtle, consider charging a reasonable adoption fee, such as $50-100. This helps ensure the new owner is serious and committed to proper turtle care. The fee can help offset your costs of housing and feeding the turtle up until adoption.
Some owners feel bad charging a fee, but the new adopter is receiving a great pet turtle and everything it needs to thrive. The fee also discourages impulsive adoptions that may end with the turtle being resold, released, or landing in a bad situation.
Always have potential adopters sign an adoption contract too.
Include habitat setup and supplies
To set your rehomed turtle up for success, be sure to send them off fully equipped with everything required. This includes the habitat enclosure, lighting fixtures, heat sources, filters, décor items, food dishes, and other habitat accessories.
Providing the key gear helps ensure proper setup and continued care by the new owner.
Additionally, if possible, provide initial food samples, vitamin supplements, water conditioners, cleaning supplies, and other staple turtle care items. Extra handy supplies make the transition smoother for the adopter.
Also include detailed care sheets and instructions for the specific turtle species and setup. The more info and resources you can provide, the better prepared the new caretaker will be.
Conclusion
While Petco does not accept surrendered turtles, there are still options for finding a new home for your unwanted turtle. Do your research to find a reputable rescue organization, shelter or adopter. Make sure to properly vet potential new owners to ensure your turtle goes to a good home.
With some effort, you can find the ideal solution to rehome your pet turtle responsibly.
