Pet Turtle Laws in Tennessee

Since 1975, the federal government has banned the sale of turtles smaller than 4 inches because turtles carry the salmonella bacteria and can infect humans. Tennessee has gone further, making it unlawful to keep a turtle as a pet in the state.

  1. Wild Turtles

    • The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) warns it is unlawful to keep any animal found in the wild as a pet. This includes turtles found and taken from their natural habitat. If an injured turtle is found, the TWRA regional offices will provide a list of approved rehabilitators who will treat the turtle's injuries and care for it until it can be released back into the wild. If release is not possible, the rehabilitator will find a home for the turtle in an educational institution or zoo.

    Sale of Turtles

    • The Tennessee Department of Health promulgates rules governing all pets in the state. Rule 1200-14-01-.36 prohibits any sale or other transfer of ownership of a turtle, tortoise or terrapin as a pet. This includes any sort of barter, even if no money is exchanged for the turtle. The same rule also prohibits anyone from importing a pet turtle into the state.

    Exemptions

    • Rules 1200-14-01-.37 and -.38 contain exemptions that allow turtles to be sold in particular cases. Specifically, turtles can be sold for scientific and educational purposes to an "institution," defined generally as a school, university, research lab or zoo. Turtles can also be sold as food. Additionally, it is not illegal for a wholesaler to breed turtles and sell them to wholesale or retail pet dealers or stores outside the state of Tennessee.