Turtles in Idaho

What the state allows, who can help, and the sellers that ship here.

Vets in Idaho

The law in Idaho

Idaho Fish and Game says a valid Idaho hunting licence is needed to take, capture or keep native reptiles and amphibians, with a limit of four of each species, and native reptiles cannot be sold. The agency website and its reptile rules summary were unavailable when checked, so confirm with a regional IDFG office before relying on this.

Selling. IDFG states that selling or trading native reptiles is prohibited. No state codification of the federal 4-inch rule found.

Keeping. Per IDFG, a person with a valid Idaho hunting licence may collect and keep up to four of any native reptile or amphibian species, including turtles. The IDFG rules page for amphibians and reptiles was offline when checked, so protected species and any restrictions on non-native turtles such as sliders or snapping turtles could not be confirmed. No rule found.

Wild turtles. A hunting licence is required for personal take or possession of native reptiles; the Commission limit is four of each species. Protected nongame species may not be collected, but the list could not be verified.

Release. The state rule chapter is titled Rules Governing Importation, Possession, Release, Sale, or Salvage of Wildlife, but its text could not be read. No specific rule found; releasing pets is still a bad idea.

Who to ask. Idaho Department of Fish and Game (208-334-3771). Federal law bars the sale of any turtle under 4 inches as a pet everywhere; see the 4-inch rule.

Sources: IDFG: Ask the Conservation Officer, collecting reptiles and amphibians (Idaho Fish and Game Commission rule); IDFG: Ask Fish and Game, catching tadpoles; IDAPA 13.01.10 Rules Governing Importation, Possession, Release, Sale, or Salvage of Wildlife (IDAPA 13.01.10). Last checked November 5, 2026. Our confidence in this summary: low. This is a plain-English reading, not legal advice; the agency has the final word.

Reptile vets

Rescues and adoption

  • DragonTails RescueChubbuck, Idaho

    Small volunteer rescue helping reptiles across southeast Idaho, contacted through its website form. The site does not list species or an adoption process. Ships: local adoption only.

Breeders and stores

No breeder or store listed in Idaho 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.

Missing someone?

Clinics, rescues and breeders can be added free. We check each one before it goes up. Submit a listing, or see every state.

Two map turtles basking on a log.
A pond covered in lily pads.