The law in Oregon
Oregon bans red-eared sliders, all other pond sliders and cooters, snapping turtles, map turtles, softshells and several other common pet turtles; you cannot buy, sell, possess or release them. Oregon's two native turtles, the western pond and western painted turtle, may not be taken or kept. Tortoises, most box turtles and some side-necked turtles are allowed without a permit.
Selling. Prohibited species under OAR 635-056-0050, including Trachemys and Pseudemys sliders, Chelydridae snapping turtles, Graptemys map turtles and Apalone softshells, may not be bought, sold or possessed. No ODFW permit is needed to sell noncontrolled species. No state codification of the federal 4-inch rule found.
Keeping. Prohibited turtles (OAR 635-056-0050): all snapping turtles, pond sliders and cooters, map turtles, Chinese and Asian pond turtles, European pond turtle, Blanding's turtle, common musk and mud turtles, Apalone and Trionyx softshells, non-native Chrysemys and Clemmys. Permits are not issued to private owners. Noncontrolled turtles under OAR 635-056-0060 need no permit.
Wild turtles. The western pond turtle and western painted turtle are protected by state law and listed as Sensitive-Critical; it is illegal to take them from the wild or keep them as pets.
Release. ODFW says it is illegal to release prohibited non-native turtles such as red-eared sliders and snapping turtles. If you own one, do not release it; contact your local ODFW office for guidance.
Who to ask. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Federal law bars the sale of any turtle under 4 inches as a pet everywhere; see the 4-inch rule.
Sources: OAR 635-056-0050 Prohibited species list (OAR 635-056-0050); OAR 635-056-0040 Requirements for importation and possession of live wildlife (OAR 635-056-0040); ODFW news release on native and prohibited turtles (May 2020) (ODFW news release); ODFW red-eared slider fact sheet (ODFW Conservation Strategy fact sheet). Last checked November 5, 2026. Our confidence in this summary: high. This is a plain-English reading, not legal advice; the agency has the final word.
Reptile vets
No clinic listed in Oregon yet. A university veterinary hospital in a neighboring state will often see turtles. Know one? Submit it below.
Rescues and adoption
No rescue listed in Oregon yet. National groups on the rescues page take surrenders from any state.
Breeders and stores
- The Reptile ZoneBend, Oregon
Reptile store describing itself as the oldest and largest in Oregon, selling only captive-bred animals under an Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife permit, with supplies and animal food. Its site does not show a street address; directory listings place it on NE Greenwood Avenue in Bend. Ships: local pickup only.
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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