Searching for turtle rescue near me? Use the AllTurtles rescue finder to search by state and locate turtle adoption centers, tortoise rescues, reptile rescues, wildlife rehabilitation resources, and organizations that may be able to help with turtle surrender or adoption.
Before adopting, surrendering, or transporting a turtle, always confirm that the organization accepts your species, ask about current availability, and check your local turtle laws. Rules vary by state, especially for native turtles, protected species, and tortoises.
For related help, see our turtle adoption guide, giving up your turtle guide, and turtle care sheets.
Important: This tool is a starting point. Always call or email the organization before visiting. If you found an injured wild turtle, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, state wildlife agency, or reptile vet as soon as possible.
Do not release a pet turtle into a pond, lake, park, wetland, canal, or stream. Pet turtles can spread disease, become invasive, or die after release.
Find a Turtle Rescue Center by State
Select your state below to find turtle rescues, tortoise rescues, reptile adoption organizations, shelters, and wildlife rehabilitation contacts near you.
Find a Turtle Rescue or Adoption Center Near You
Search by state to find turtle rescues, tortoise rescues, reptile rescues, wildlife rehabilitation resources, adoption centers, and state-level referral directories. Confirm intake and adoption policies directly before transporting an animal because rules, permits, and capacity change often.
Colorado turtle adoption and rescue options
9 directory records found. Confirm intake/adoption policies directly with the organization before visiting.
Colorado Reptile Humane Society
CO
Contact first to verify current turtle or tortoise intake and adoption policy.
Rocky Mountain Herpetological Network
CO
Listed in rescues-by-state resource.
Last checked: June 1, 2026
Spirit Keeper Animal Sanctuary
Ellicot-Yoder, CO
Specializes in snake rescue per ReptiFiles; confirm turtle/tortoise status. Source: ReptiFiles rescue directory / organization site
Petfinder reptile adoption search — Colorado
CO
Live adoption search resource, not a rescue center. Use to find current turtle, tortoise, and reptile listings near this state. Source: Petfinder reptile adoption search
Rescue Me reptile listings — Colorado
CO
Owner/rescue listing resource, not a rescue center. Verify legitimacy and welfare standards before arranging any adoption or surrender. Source: Rescue Me reptile listings
State wildlife rehabilitator directory — Colorado
CO
Use this state-by-state directory when a wild turtle is injured, sick, or orphaned. Do not use wildlife rehab resources for routine pet surrender unless the listed helper says they handle captive reptiles.
Last checked: June 1, 2026
Animal Help Now wildlife emergency finder — Colorado
CO
Location-based lookup for injured wildlife and wildlife conflicts; not a pet turtle adoption center.
Last checked: June 1, 2026
Adopt-a-Pet Rehome reptile listings — Colorado
CO
Useful for owner-to-owner rehoming leads, but listings change frequently and are not vetted turtle rescues.
Last checked: June 1, 2026
NWRA injured wildlife help lookup — Colorado
CO
Use for injured wild animals; contact listed licensed rehabilitators before handling or transporting a turtle.
Last checked: June 1, 2026
Before You Contact a Rescue
Rescues and wildlife rehabilitators are often volunteer-run and may have limited space. A little preparation helps them answer faster and decide whether they can help.
- Confirm they accept turtles, tortoises, or reptiles.
- Confirm whether they accept pets, wild turtles, or both.
- Ask if they accept your species.
- Ask about surrender fees, waiting lists, and intake rules.
- Ask whether photos, medical history, enclosure details, diet notes, or vet records are needed.
- Check turtle laws before adopting, rehoming, buying, selling, or transporting native species.
- Do not release pet turtles into ponds, parks, lakes, canals, streams, or wetlands.
- Do not transport injured wild turtles long distances unless a rehabilitator, vet, or wildlife authority tells you to.
Not sure what species you have? Use our turtle species finder or contact a rescue with clear photos of the shell, head, tail, and whole body.
What Kind of Help Do You Need?
Use this table to decide which resource to contact first.
| Situation | Best next step |
|---|---|
| I need to surrender a pet turtle. | Start with reptile rescues, turtle rescues, exotic animal shelters, and local herpetological societies. Also read Giving Up Your Turtle Safely. |
| I want to adopt a turtle. | Search rescues first and read our Turtle Adoption Guide before committing. |
| I found an injured wild turtle. | Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, state wildlife agency, or reptile vet. Also read our Turtle First Aid guide. |
| I found a turtle in my yard. | Do not assume it is lost. Read Found a Turtle in My Yard and check whether it is wild, nesting, injured, or a displaced pet. |
| I found a snapping turtle in the road. | Do not pick it up by the tail. Keep a safe distance and read How to Pick Up a Snapping Turtle if help is truly needed. |
| I am not sure what species I have. | Use the Turtle Species Finder or contact a rescue with clear photos. |
Surrendering or Rehoming a Pet Turtle
Many turtles and tortoises live for decades, and some outgrow the setup they were sold with. If you can no longer care for your turtle, look for a safe rehoming option instead of releasing it outdoors.
Start with rescues, reptile shelters, local herpetological societies, exotic animal vets, and experienced keepers who can prove they have the right setup. Native species may have extra legal restrictions, so check state rules before transferring the animal.
Before surrendering, gather photos of the turtle, enclosure, diet, lighting, heating, and any medical records. This helps the rescue understand the turtle’s condition and care needs.
Adopting From a Turtle Rescue
Adopting can be a responsible option when you are prepared for the species, adult size, enclosure cost, diet, UVB, heat, and long-term care. Rescue turtles may also come with a history of poor care, injury, or special needs.
Before adopting, ask the rescue about the turtle’s species, adult size, sex if known, diet, temperament, medical history, and legal status. Confirm that your enclosure is ready before bringing the turtle home.
Use our pet turtle basics, turtle tank setup guide, box turtle setup guide, tortoise setup guide, and turtle tank size calculator before you adopt.
Found an Injured Wild Turtle?
An injured wild turtle needs licensed wildlife help. Do not keep it as a pet, and do not try to treat serious injuries at home.
- Move the turtle out of immediate road danger only if you can do so safely.
- Keep the turtle in the direction it was already heading if helping it across a road.
- Do not pick up a snapping turtle by the tail.
- Place an injured turtle in a secure ventilated container with a clean towel if a rehabilitator tells you to transport it.
- Keep the turtle quiet, shaded, and protected from pets, children, heat, cold, and flies.
- Do not feed, soak, medicate, glue, tape, or repair a wild turtle unless a licensed rehabilitator or reptile vet gives you instructions.
For urgent care basics, read Turtle First Aid. For road situations, read How to Pick Up a Snapping Turtle before attempting to help a large or defensive turtle.
Related AllTurtles Guides
- Turtle Adoption Guide
- Giving Up Your Turtle Safely
- Turtle Laws by State
- Turtle Care Sheets
- Turtle First Aid
- Found a Turtle in My Yard
- How to Pick Up a Snapping Turtle
- Turtle Species Finder
- Turtle Tank Size Calculator
- Pet Turtle Basics
Frequently Asked Questions About Turtle Rescue Centers
Can I surrender my turtle to a rescue?
Sometimes. Surrender policies vary by rescue, state, species, and available space. Some rescues accept pet turtles and tortoises. Others only accept certain species or have waiting lists. Always contact the organization first and ask about intake rules, fees, and current capacity.
Do turtle rescues adopt out turtles and tortoises?
Many turtle and reptile rescues do adopt out turtles and tortoises, but adoption rules vary. A rescue may ask about your enclosure, lighting, diet, experience, and local laws before approving an adoption.
What should I ask before contacting a turtle rescue?
Ask whether they accept your species, whether they handle pets or wild turtles, whether there is a surrender fee or waitlist, and what information they need. Photos, size, age estimate, diet, setup details, and medical records are often helpful.
Can a wildlife rehab center take a pet turtle?
Usually not. Wildlife rehabilitation centers are generally for wild animals, not surrendered pets. A pet turtle usually needs a reptile rescue, shelter, experienced private adopter, or exotic animal veterinarian referral. Rules vary, so call first.
What should I do if I found an injured wild turtle?
Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, state wildlife agency, or reptile vet as soon as possible. Keep the turtle safe, quiet, and protected while you wait for instructions. Do not keep it as a pet, and do not try to repair shell injuries at home.
Is it legal to rehome a turtle?
It depends on the species and state. Some native turtles, tortoises, and protected species have strict rules about possession, sale, adoption, transport, or release. Check your state turtle laws before rehoming, adopting, buying, selling, or moving a turtle across state lines.
Can I release my pet turtle into the wild?
No. Do not release a pet turtle into the wild. Released pet turtles may die, spread disease, compete with native wildlife, or become invasive. Contact a rescue, shelter, state wildlife agency, reptile vet, or experienced caretaker instead.
What if there is no turtle rescue in my state?
Try nearby states, reptile rescues, exotic animal shelters, local herpetological societies, wildlife rehabilitation directories, and reptile veterinarians. Some organizations can provide referrals even when they cannot take the turtle directly.
Sources and Further Reading
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, How You Can Help Turtles
- Humane World for Animals, Find Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitators by State
- Animal Help Now, Wildlife Emergency Resource
- Wisconsin DNR, Wildlife Rehabilitation Directory and Resources
- CDC, Reptiles and Amphibians Healthy Pets Guidance
Final Note
The best rescue contact depends on the animal, the state, and the situation. A pet turtle usually needs a rescue, shelter, or experienced adopter. An injured wild turtle needs a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, wildlife agency, or reptile vet. When in doubt, call before you move the turtle.