Health and Safety
Because many turtles carry salmonella, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and others at risk should avoid contact with turtles or wash their hands thoroughly after handling them.
Federal law prohibits selling turtles less than 4 inches in size due to the risk of children putting them in their mouths.
Dave Pauli, senior adviser for wildlife response and policy at the Humane Society of the United States, emphasizes the importance of good hygiene protocols when bringing a turtle into a home.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urge people to treat all turtles as if they are contaminated with salmonella. Wash hands thoroughly after touching turtles, their cages, or feces. Avoid touching your face, other people, or surfaces until hands are washed. Turtles should also be kept separate from food and away from high-risk individuals.
Picking the Right Variety
Some turtles that start out small can grow quite large—sometimes the size of a garbage can lid. Research the species and gender before choosing a pet. In many species, females grow larger than males.
Recommended beginner-friendly varieties include:
- Male Painted Turtles
- U.S. Mud and Musk Turtles
- Male Red-Eared Sliders
Caring for Your Turtle
“Turtles require more maintenance and space than most people assume,” says Pauli. “They live for decades, so buyers should be aware that they may outlive their owners.”
Key care considerations include:
- A varied and sometimes messy diet
- Room to roam in an appropriately sized aquarium
- Strict temperature control
- Regular cleaning of the habitat—water turtles require less maintenance than box turtles or other land species
