The law in Alaska
Alaska has no native freshwater turtles, and pet turtles are on the state's list of animals that can be kept without a permit. You can keep, buy and sell nonvenomous turtles freely, but you may never release one into the wild. Federal and local rules still apply.
Selling. Nonvenomous reptiles, including turtles, are listed in 5 AAC 92.029(b) as animals that may be possessed, imported, exported, bought, sold or traded without a Fish and Game permit. No state size rule was found beyond the federal 4-inch rule.
Keeping. Any nonvenomous reptile, including turtles, may be possessed without a permit under 5 AAC 92.029(b). The department may not issue permits to keep game animals as pets, but turtles are not game. Endangered reptiles still need federal authorisation.
Wild turtles. Alaska has no native land or freshwater turtles. Sea turtles that occasionally reach Alaska waters are protected under federal law. No state collection rule for turtles was found.
Release. 5 AAC 92.029(b) states that animals on the no-permit list may not be released into the wild.
Who to ask. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Permits Section. Federal law bars the sale of any turtle under 4 inches as a pet everywhere; see the 4-inch rule.
Sources: Animal Legal and Historical Center: Alaska 5 AAC 92.029 Permit for possessing live game (full text) (5 AAC 92.029(b), (c)); Justia: 5 AAC 92.029 Permit for possessing live game (5 AAC 92.029); Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Other licenses and permits (ADF&G permits page). Last checked November 5, 2026. Our confidence in this summary: medium. This is a plain-English reading, not legal advice; the agency has the final word.
Reptile vets
- College Village Animal ClinicAnchorage, Alaska
General practice in Anchorage with an exotic pets service. The site provides separate avian and reptile intake forms for new patients. 907-274-5623.
- Hillside Pet ClinicAnchorage, Alaska
Small animal clinic whose site lists membership in the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians, the Association of Avian Veterinarians and the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians. Call to confirm which species are seen. 907-344-7913.
Rescues and adoption
No rescue listed in Alaska yet. National groups on the rescues page take surrenders from any state.
Breeders and stores
No breeder or store listed in Alaska yet.
Sellers that ship here
- Redfoot RanchAlice, Texas
Home-based breeder of red-footed and other tortoises and turtles, formerly in Wimauma, Florida and now in Alice, Texas, selling hatchlings and other sizes by mail order. Ships throughout the continental United States and to Alaska, with pickup possible near Corpus Christi, and its terms state that tortoises and turtles under 4 inches are offered for scientific or educational purposes only. Ships: continental US and AK. 727-421-5542.
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