The law in Arkansas
You can hand-catch most common native turtles and keep them as pets, up to six wild animals per household, but alligator snapping turtles, chicken turtles, razorback musk turtles and ornate box turtles are off limits. Wild-caught pets may not be sold, and up to six box turtles may be brought in as pets. Releasing any wildlife without written Commission approval is illegal.
Selling. Wildlife caught from the wild for pets may not be sold (Code 09.14). Selling wild-caught aquatic turtles requires an Aquatic Turtle Dealer permit plus commercial fishing licences, and selling captive-bred aquatic turtles requires an Aquatic Turtle Farmer permit. Alligator snapping turtles over 5 inches may not be sold or transferred without Commission approval. No six-inch rule was found in the current code.
Keeping. Non-game native species may be caught by hand and kept as pets, except alligator snapping turtles, ornate box turtles and endangered species, with a household limit of six wild-caught animals. Captive-born pets bought commercially are also capped at six without a Breeder/Dealer permit. Importing alligator snapping, razorback musk and chicken turtles is prohibited (Code 34.11). Up to six box turtles may be brought in as pets without a permit.
Wild turtles. It is unlawful to take or possess alligator snapping turtles from the wild (Code 34.09) or to take chicken turtles or razorback musk turtles (Code 34.10). Turtle eggs may not be taken. Commercial harvest needs permits and is limited to listed counties and waters. Nonresidents may not harvest aquatic turtles.
Release. It is unlawful to release wildlife into the wild without prior written approval from the Commission (Code 09.03). The Commission may recapture or destroy escaped or illegally released animals.
Who to ask. Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Federal law bars the sale of any turtle under 4 inches as a pet everywhere; see the 4-inch rule.
Sources: AGFC Fact Sheet: Captive Wildlife and Pet Stores (March 2021) (AGFC Codes 09.03, 09.14, 34.01, 34.11); AGFC Code Book Chapter 34.00 Aquatic Turtle Regulations (as of June 8, 2022) (AGFC Codes 34.01, 34.04, 34.09, 34.10, 34.11); Cornell LII: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Captive Wildlife Codes (older numbering, native wildlife pets at 15.14) (002.00.07 Ark. Code R. 016, Codes 15.10, 15.11, 15.14). 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
- CareVet by InterstateLittle Rock, Arkansas
General practice that lists an exotic pet care service among its offerings. Patients are seen by appointment. 501-812-5678.
Rescues and adoption
No rescue listed in Arkansas yet. National groups on the rescues page take surrenders from any state.
Breeders and stores
No breeder or store listed in Arkansas yet.
Sellers that ship here
- LLLReptile and SupplyOceanside, California
Reptile retailer with eight stores in California, Arizona and Nevada, including Oceanside, Escondido, Menifee, San Diego, Chandler, Glendale, Henderson and Las Vegas, that stocks tortoises and turtles along with other reptiles and supplies. Also sells and ships animals online. Ships: ships nationally; store pickup available. 760-439-8496.
- My Turtle StorePort Richey, Florida
Online seller of aquatic turtles, tortoises, food and supplies that says it has operated for over 40 years and changed ownership in late 2024. Live animals ship by air only within the contiguous United States and are held when forecast lows are below 38 F. No statement about the FDA 4-inch rule or animal sizes was found on the pages read. Ships: contiguous US only. 656-777-1509.
- Snakes at SunsetMiami, Florida
Online seller of captive-bred reptiles with a Miami address that lists turtles such as pink-bellied side-necks and Fly River turtles plus a tortoise category. Ships FedEx Priority Overnight to all states except Alaska, Hawaii and the District of Columbia, and its turtle page cites the federal rule against selling turtles under 4 inches, with 4 inch juveniles offered. Ships: all states except AK, HI and DC.
- XYZ ReptilesPalmetto Bay, Florida
Breeder and online retailer of captive-bred reptiles with turtle and tortoise categories, shipping overnight on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with a live arrival guarantee. Does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico, and its turtle page states that turtles and tortoises under 4 inches are offered for educational, scientific or export purposes only, not as pets. Ships: all states except AK and HI. 305-305-5998.
- New England Reptile DistributorsPlaistow, New Hampshire
Reptile breeder and shop known as NERD, with a facility in Plaistow that offers tours and sells pythons, boas, lizards and other animals in person and online with priority shipping. Its terms state that turtles and tortoises are sold for scientific or educational purposes only. Ships: ships nationally; pickup in Plaistow. 603-382-2772.
- Jungle Bob's Reptile WorldSelden, New York
Long Island reptile store open daily that sells tortoises, turtles, lizards, snakes, amphibians, feeders and supplies, with in-store pickup, local delivery and nationwide shipping of supplies. Ships: local pickup; ships supplies nationwide. 631-737-6474.
- 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.
- ReptmartOnline
Online seller of captive-bred reptiles only, with turtle and tortoise categories. Live animals ship FedEx Overnight Monday to Wednesday with a live arrival guarantee, not to Alaska, Hawaii or the District of Columbia, and its terms state that all turtles and tortoises under 4 inches are sold for scientific or educational purposes only. Ships: all states except AK, HI and DC.
- Reptile RaptureMonona, Wisconsin
Reptile store on Monona Drive near Madison open seven days a week, selling reptiles and invertebrates from its own breeding room plus supplies and feeders, with shipping available and a reptile rescue program. The site does not list turtles or tortoises specifically. Ships: ships nationally; pickup in Monona. 608-221-0094.
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