⚖️ Where Are Tortoises Legal? A State-by-State Guide

Tortoises are amazing pets — but they're not legal everywhere. Here's where tortoises are banned or restricted in the US, Canada, and around the world. Laws change and cities add their own rules, so always confirm with your state, province, and city before bringing one home.

Other countries with bans or restrictions

• Iceland — Banned. Iceland doesn't allow pet reptiles, largely to protect its isolated island ecosystem and animal-health status (reptiles can carry salmonella).
• Singapore — Banned. Singapore allows only two water-turtle species as pets and prohibits all land tortoises. See the AVS pet list.

Tortoises by US state

Find your state below. "No statewide ban" is not the same as "allowed where you live" — cities, counties, landlords and HOAs add their own rules on top of state law, and those are what catch most families out. Where a state is restricted, the reason is in the list above.

Paperwork: CITES and Article 10 certificates

Many tortoises are protected under CITES, the treaty that controls international trade in endangered species — so bringing a tortoise across a border needs permits. In the UK and EU, common pet tortoises such as Hermann's, spur-thighed, and marginated are "Annex A" species that need a CITES Article 10 certificate (a document proving the animal was bred and acquired legally) before they can be sold. Always buy from a seller who can provide this paperwork. (The Horsfield's/Russian tortoise is a lower category and doesn't need an Article 10.)

California's desert tortoise

The desert tortoise is California's protected native species — you can't take one from the wild or buy or sell it, and captive ones are placed only through a permitted adoption program. It's a protection for a threatened native animal, separate from the rules for ordinary pet tortoise species.

Everywhere else

In places not listed above, tortoises are generally legal to keep as pets — but counties and cities sometimes add their own restrictions, and a few places require permits. A quick call to local animal control (or a search for "tortoise laws" plus your city) is always worth it before you fall in love with one.

How to check the rules where you live

1. Check your state or province first — that's the list above. Laws change, so confirm with the official wildlife or agriculture department.
2. Then check your city or county. Local governments often add their own pet rules on top of state law, even where tortoises are legal statewide.
3. Ask about permits. Some places allow tortoises only with a permit or license — a quick call to local animal control will tell you.
4. Renters and HOAs: your lease or homeowners' association can restrict pets that your state actually allows.

When in doubt, confirm before you bring one home — it's far easier than having to rehome a pet later.

❓ Common questions about tortoise laws