“Turtles need rescuing?” “Yes, unfortunately,” is always the answer.

Just like any other captive animal, humans have an incredible ability to mistreat them. Turtles and tortoises are not ‘throw away’ pets. Northwest Tortoise invests extensive time vetting potential owners. If you are looking for a quick transaction and expect to fill out a form and get immediate approval its recommend you look elsewhere.

If you’ve done your research and you are ready for a shelled pet for life apply here!

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A note on determining age: Unless there is a hatch date for a turtle/tortoise there is no reliable way to determine age. Age cannot be reliably determined by size, rings on the shell, damage on the shell or any other speculative methods. The following ages are an educated guess based on information from the previous owner and 25 years of experience working with turtles/tortoises.

Interested in adopting? How much space do I need?

Enclosure Size Guidelines

  • Anatoly

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    Anatoly
    Anatoly Russian Male, 15 oz, unknown age, came from the wild-caught pet industry. Anatoly was found/abandoned/or dumped and a good samaritan got him to me. He has significant old shell damage (both carapace and plastron) but he’s good to go. $50 adoption fee

  • Brandi

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    Brandi
    Brandi  3-Toed Box Turtle Female, less than 1 pound, young adult, Brandi came from the pet trade and could be wild-caught. She gets the award for world’s shyest box turtle. I’ve had her almost two years and she’s still not comfortable. She eats great but prefers to spend her time buried. She’ll take a patient soul to break through! $50 adoption fee

  • Bumper

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    Bumper
    Bumper 3-Toed Box Turtle Male, 12 oz, confirmed 16 years old but possibly older, much loved pet but kept in glass tank housing Bumper has attractive markings and is really enjoying learning about life outside a glass box. He’s ready for a home that can provide him a fulfilling life. $50 adoption fee

  • Chief

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    Chief
    Chief  3-Toed Box Turtle Male, less than 1 pound, young adult, Chief came from the pet trade and could be wild-caught. He starts a little shy but when he warms up he’s ready to go! He’s very colorful as well. $50 adoption fee

  • Chomper

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    Chomper
    Chomper 3-Toed Box Turtle Male, 13 oz, unknown age, found wandering (could not locate owner). Chomper is a cute boy that wants to chase bugs and enjoy the good life. He’s a colorful and has a ton of personality. He’s got old shell damage but it doesn’t bother him at all! $50 adoption fee

  • Curly

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    Curly
    Curly Redfoot Male, 5+ pounds, 11 years, Curly came from fish tank life. He’s underweight and needs good nutrition and sunlight. $150 adoption fee

  • Earl

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    Earl
    Earl Sulcatas Unknown gender, 1 pound, 3 years old, comes from a loving home that could not provide a proper diet or enclosure. He’s still getting used to a correct diet but he’s adapting well. Continued work will need to be done (in other words, don’t give in). He’ll be easy to house at this young age but a growth plan will need to be seriously considered. $200 adoption fee

  • Helen

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    Helen
    Helen  3-Toed Box Turtle Female, less than 1 pound, young adult, Helen came from the pet trade and could be wild-caught. She’s quite shy but has beautiful colors once she’s out of her shell. $50 adoption fee

  • Igor

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    Igor
    Igor Russian Male, 13 ounces, unknown age, came from the wild-caught pet industry Igor is a little shier than most Russians but he comes around. He deserves an outdoor pen.

  • Larry

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    Larry
    Larry Russian Male, 14 ounces, unknown age, came from the wild-caught pet industry Larry is ready for a new home with an outdoor pen. $75 adoption fee

  • Pepper

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    Pepper
    Pepper Redfoots Male, 3+ pounds, juvenile, Pepper has healing dog bite injuries and will require a pen by himself and an experienced keeper. Very outgoing. $150 adoption fee

  • Speedy

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    Speedy
    Speedy  3-Toed Box Turtle Male, less than 1 pound, young adult (13 years confirmed), Speedy came from the pet trade and may have been wild-caught. He’s shy at first but comes around really quick. He’s very colorful and will be a interactive, fun turtle! $50 adoption fee

  • Sylvia

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    Sylvia
    Sylvia Redfoots Female, 5+ pounds, juvenile, came from glass-tank living and is a bit shy but warms up. She’ll love having spacious pens to call her own! $150 adoption fee

  • Thelma

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    Thelma
    Thelma  3-Toed Box Turtle Female, less than 1 pound, young-adult, Thelma was abandoned but that doesn’t stop her. She’s raring to go! Eats like a horse and loves to explore and hunt. She’ll be happiest in a large, outdoor pen for as long as the weather will allow. $50 adoption fee

  • Yakov

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    Yakov
      Yakov Russian Male, 15 ounces, unknown age, came from the wild-caught pet industry Yakov is a nice gentleman and would love to be in a spacious outdoor pen.

  • Earl

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    Earl
    Earl Sulcatas Unknown gender, 1 pound, 3 years old, comes from a loving home that could not provide a proper diet or enclosure. He’s still getting used to a correct diet but he’s adapting well. Continued work will need to be done (in other words, don’t give in). He’ll be easy to house at this young age but a growth plan will need to be seriously considered. $200 adoption fee