The law in Montana
Montana classifies exotic pets as noncontrolled, controlled or prohibited. Nonnative tropical and subtropical turtles with shells over 4 inches are noncontrolled and can be kept and sold without a permit, but red-eared sliders are a prohibited species that private owners cannot buy or possess. Exotic turtles may never be released. No rule found on collecting native turtles.
Selling. Noncontrolled nonnative turtles over 4 inches may be sold as pets without a permit (MCA 87-5-706). Red-eared sliders cannot be sold in Montana since FWP listed them as prohibited in 2014. Smaller tropical turtles are not covered by the noncontrolled list.
Keeping. No permit for nonnative tropical or subtropical turtles with a carapace over 4 inches in the listed families (Chelydridae, Emydidae, Kinosternidae, Testudinidae, Trionychidae and others). Red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans) is prohibited under ARM 12.6.2215 and permits are only issued to zoos, exhibitors, research and rescue facilities. Owners who had sliders before the listing were told to get an exotic species licence.
Wild turtles. No rule found. Montana hunting and fishing regulations reviewed did not address collecting native turtles (painted, snapping, spiny softshell). Contact FWP before taking any.
Release. Noncontrolled exotic wildlife, including pet turtles, may not be released or transplanted in Montana (MCA 87-5-706).
Who to ask. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Federal law bars the sale of any turtle under 4 inches as a pet everywhere; see the 4-inch rule.
Sources: MCA 87-5-706 Noncontrolled species (Montana Legislature) (Mont. Code Ann. 87-5-706(1)(f)); ARM Title 12, Chapter 6, Sub-chapter 22 Exotic Wildlife (Animal Legal and Historical Center copy) (ARM 12.6.2215(6)(n), 12.6.2220); Montana authorities ban sale of red-eared sliders (KGVO, 2014) (ARM 12.6.2215). 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
- All West Veterinary HospitalBozeman, Montana
Mixed animal hospital that lists reptiles, birds, pocket pets and rodents alongside dogs, cats and horses, with an exotic care page. Turtles and tortoises are not named on the home page. 406-586-4919.
- Billings Animal Family HospitalBillings, Montana
Full service hospital with an exotic animal care section and a dedicated reptile care page, plus ferret, guinea pig and rabbit care. Turtles and tortoises are not named on the pages checked. 406-413-9503.
Rescues and adoption
No rescue listed in Montana yet. National groups on the rescues page take surrenders from any state.
Breeders and stores
No breeder or store listed in Montana 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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