The law in New Jersey
Eastern painted turtles and common snapping turtles can be kept without a permit. Most other turtles and tortoises need a $10 Individual Hobby permit from NJ Fish and Wildlife, and native endangered species such as the bog turtle are off limits. The state does not allow pet shops to sell turtles or tortoises.
Selling. An NJ Fish and Wildlife pet dealer notice says the Department of Health does not allow turtles and tortoises to be sold in New Jersey. Wild snapping turtles may only be sold under a special commercial harvest permit, subject to Department of Health rule N.J.A.C. 8:23-2.1.
Keeping. Eastern painted turtles and snapping turtles are exempt from permits if caged so they cannot escape. Other exotic and nongame species need an Individual Hobby permit ($10 a year) under N.J.A.C. 7:25-4. State endangered species, including the bog turtle, may not be possessed without an endangered species permit.
Wild turtles. Snapping turtles may be taken by anyone with a fishing licence (or under 16 or over 70) by hand, spear, hook and line, dip net or trap. Limit one per day, minimum 12 inch carapace, closed May 15 to June 30 and October 31 to April 1. No turtle eggs. No open collection found for other native turtles.
Release. No specific rule found; releasing pets is still a bad idea. Exempt species must be housed to prevent liberation.
Who to ask. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Fish and Wildlife. Federal law bars the sale of any turtle under 4 inches as a pet everywhere; see the 4-inch rule.
Sources: N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.4 Exempted species (N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.4); N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.6 Categories of permits and fees (N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.6); N.J.A.C. 7:25-6.22 Snapping turtles, bull frogs and green frogs (N.J.A.C. 7:25-6.22); NJ Fish and Wildlife pet dealer information (turtle sale ban) (N.J.A.C. 7:25-4.8; NJ Department of Health mandate). 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
- Nautilus Avian and Exotic Veterinary SpecialistsBrick, New Jersey
Avian and exotic exclusive hospital. Sees companion birds, poultry, reptiles, amphibians, fish, small mammals and invertebrates, with imaging, emergency services and husbandry consults. 732-892-2220.
- NorthStar VETS Avian and ExoticsRobbinsville, New Jersey
Specialty and emergency hospital group with an avian and exotics department for birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and small mammals. Species list includes lizards, turtles, tortoises and non-venomous snakes. Call to confirm which location sees exotics. 609-259-8300.
- Plainfield Animal HospitalSouth Plainfield, New Jersey
General practice with an exotic pet care service. Lists lizards, turtles, tortoises and snakes among the reptiles its veterinarians see, plus husbandry advice. 908-755-2428.
Rescues and adoption
No rescue listed in New Jersey yet. National groups on the rescues page take surrenders from any state.
Breeders and stores
- CB ReptileGalloway, New Jersey
Biologist-run captive breeder in Galloway, New Jersey working with more than 25 species of tortoises and turtles plus lizards and snakes, selling tortoises by size from hatchlings to adults and box turtles including eastern, Florida, ornate and Chinese. Ships overnight with a live arrival and 7-day health guarantee; no FDA 4-inch statement was found on the pages read. 609-705-7787.
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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