Bringing a turtle home might seem like a breeze, picturing a low-maintenance companion. However, prospective turtle owners should be aware that these creatures need specialized care that spans years, sometimes even decades. It’s also crucial to understand that turtles can carry diseases. Like all wild animals, their true home is in their natural environment.
Adopt, Don’t Shop for Your Turtle
Small animals, including turtles, often face mistreatment in breeding facilities that supply pet stores. These facilities can have deplorable conditions. If you’re considering adding a turtle to your family, prioritize adoption from a local rescue organization instead of purchasing from a pet store. Choosing adoption helps combat unethical breeding practices.
Turtles and the Risk of Salmonella
Salmonella isn’t solely linked to food; turtles and other reptiles can carry salmonella bacteria, which can easily spread to humans. The seemingly harmless nature of a small turtle might mislead parents into thinking they are safe pets for children. However, the risk of salmonella transmission is significant enough that selling small turtles is actually illegal in the United States.
Salmonella infection in humans typically causes a few days of unpleasant symptoms like fever and diarrhea. In more severe cases, it can lead to hospitalization due to life-threatening complications. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that young children, senior citizens, and individuals with weakened immune systems (due to conditions like pregnancy, cancer, chemotherapy, organ transplants, diabetes, or liver problems) are at the highest risk of severe illness from turtle-borne salmonella.
The Ban on Selling Small Turtles
The sale of turtles with shells smaller than four inches has been prohibited since 1975. This ban was implemented specifically to curb the spread of salmonella. The CDC states that this regulation “likely remains the most effective public health action to prevent turtle-associated salmonellosis.” Some sellers attempt to bypass this law by exploiting exceptions intended for legitimate scientific and educational purposes. However, simply claiming a turtle is for educational use or offering it “free” with a tank purchase does not make the sale legal. Furthermore, some states and local areas have their own restrictions on turtle ownership. Contact your local animal shelter or animal control to learn about specific turtle ownership laws in your region. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for enforcing the ban on small turtle sales. The FDA advises consumers: Avoid buying small turtles as pets.
Choosing a turtle as a pet requires careful consideration. Prioritize adoption, be aware of the salmonella risk, and understand the legal restrictions surrounding turtle sales to ensure responsible pet ownership.
