The law in Utah
Common pet turtles such as red-eared sliders and common snapping turtles are non-native and can be kept, collected or caught in Utah with no permit or limit. The Mojave desert tortoise is a prohibited species with a possession limit of zero. You may not release a captive reptile without written approval from the Division of Wildlife Resources.
Selling. Selling a wild-caught reptile or amphibian is prohibited. Wild-caught animals may be given away but no money or other consideration may change hands. Commercial use of controlled species needs a certificate of registration. No state codification of the 4-inch rule found.
Keeping. Red-eared slider and common snapping turtle are listed as non-controlled, non-native species with unlimited collection, possession and harvest and no permit needed. The Mojave desert tortoise is prohibited, possession limit zero, and may be held only under a Wildlife Board variance or the DWR adoption program. Importing live animals also needs a Utah Department of Agriculture entry permit and health certificate.
Wild turtles. Non-controlled species may be collected from the wild without a wildlife document, subject to daily and total possession limits in rule R657-53-7. Prohibited species such as the desert tortoise may not be collected. Collecting in closed areas or under someone else's permit is prohibited.
Release. Releasing a captive amphibian or reptile requires written authorization from the Division. Releasing, transferring or exporting reptiles is otherwise prohibited under R657-53-4.
Who to ask. Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. Federal law bars the sale of any turtle under 4 inches as a pet everywhere; see the 4-inch rule.
Sources: Utah DWR reptile and amphibian species tables (Utah Admin. Code R657-53); Utah Admin. Code R657-53-4 Prohibited activities (Utah Admin. Code R657-53-4); Utah Admin. Code R657-53-5 Activities allowed without a wildlife document (Utah Admin. Code R657-53-5). 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
- Parrish Creek Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostic CenterCenterville, Utah
Avian and exotic animal practice that also treats dogs and cats. The site lists membership in the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians but does not name reptile species. 801-298-2014.
- Wasatch Exotic Pet CareCottonwood Heights, Utah
Practice limited to exotic companion animals such as reptiles, amphibians, birds, rabbits and guinea pigs. Does not see cats or dogs. 801-943-3367.
Rescues and adoption
- Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Desert Tortoise Adoption ProgramSalt Lake City, Utah
State program running since the 1990s that places captive Mojave desert tortoises with Utah residents after an application, a habitat inspection and a certificate of registration. Applicants may not live in Washington County and adopters cover veterinary costs. Ships: adopts within Utah only. 801-538-4700.
Breeders and stores
- Scales and Tails UtahKearns, Utah
Travelling reptile show business with a showroom and retail shop in Kearns open to the public Monday to Saturday. Its FAQ names box turtles, Russian tortoises and Greek tortoises among suitable pets. Ships: local pickup only. 801-577-7182.
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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