The law in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not regulate possession of non-native pet turtles, but it is illegal to release them. Native snapping turtles can be taken with a fishing licence from July 1 to October 31, 15 a day and 30 in possession. Blanding's, spotted, wood and woodland box turtles have no open season and a possession limit of zero.
Selling. A commercial permit is required to take snapping turtles for sale, barter or trade, with a harvest report. Endangered or threatened native species may not be possessed or sold. No state codification of the federal 4-inch rule found.
Keeping. The Fish and Boat Commission does not regulate possession of non-native reptiles. Native species have per-species possession limits in 58 Pa. Code 79.3; Blanding's, spotted, wood and woodland box turtles are zero. It is unlawful to possess endangered or threatened native species. Native animals held since January 1, 2007 need a possession permit (58 Pa. Code 79.4).
Wild turtles. A fishing licence is required to take reptiles. Common snapping turtle season is July 1 to October 31, 15 per day and 30 in possession. Turtles may only be hooked with a turtle hook, and turtle traps must be tagged with the user's name, address and phone number and designed so non-target turtles can be released alive.
Release. It is illegal to release any non-native species into the wild. A native turtle may be returned only to its point of capture within 30 days, between May 1 and September 30, in good health, and without having contacted other reptiles or amphibians. Rehome unwanted pets instead.
Who to ask. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Federal law bars the sale of any turtle under 4 inches as a pet everywhere; see the 4-inch rule.
Sources: PFBC Reptile and Amphibian Regulations (58 Pa. Code Chapter 79); 58 Pa. Code 79.3 Season and daily possession limits (58 Pa. Code 79.3); 58 Pa. Code 79.4 Possession permits for native species (58 Pa. Code 79.4); 58 Pa. Code 79.2 Taking reptiles or amphibians (58 Pa. Code 79.2). 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
- All Pet Animal HospitalGibsonia, Pennsylvania
Practice north of Pittsburgh that names bearded dragons, snakes, birds, guinea pigs, rabbits and chinchillas among its patients and displays ARAV membership. 724-939-6487.
- Avian and Exotic Philly Medical Surgical ClinicPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania
Exotics only clinic in Old City treating birds, poultry, reptiles, rabbits, rodents, amphibians and invertebrates. Has a dedicated reptile and amphibian care service and CT imaging. 215-995-4049.
- Northside Animal HospitalPittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Offers veterinary care for avian, reptile and small mammal patients as well as dogs and cats, with a dedicated avian and exotics service. 412-779-8307.
- Radnor Veterinary HospitalWayne, Pennsylvania
General practice on the Main Line that cares for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets and other exotic pets. 610-687-1550.
Rescues and adoption
- Forgotten Friend Reptile SanctuaryElm, Pennsylvania
Small nonprofit reptile rescue and education group in Lancaster County that takes surrendered reptiles including tortoises by appointment as space allows, and arranges adoptions through an email alert network. It often cannot accept red-eared sliders or other aquatic turtles. Ships: local adoption only.
Breeders and stores
No breeder or store listed in Pennsylvania 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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