OUR ADOPTION PROGRAM

We offer an adoptions program licensed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to find new homes for displaced, unwanted, or un-releasable pet native turtles. Our adoption program started in 1999, and since 2006 we've placed over 100  turtles and tortoises a year!

Turtles are given up for adoption for the same reasons as other pets. Often the turtle is an impulse purchase, given up when it grows too big and is too hard to care for. Turtles become victims of divorce, change in employment status, college, owners relocating, declining health/death of owners, marriage, and new babies. Some turtles are found in abandoned homes after tenant evictions. Some come from humane confiscations.

Consider what you want from a turtle or tortoise, your budget and available space, and get advice from MATTS on making the right choice.  Consider the following questions as you make this decision:

• water or land turtle?
• how large can you handle?
• housed indoors or both indoors and outdoors?

You'll be expected to provide detailed information about the temporary and permanent housing set-up you have available for your pet before adoption is approved.

Consider a "special needs" pet if your situation allows. Be sure to read the description of each animal to discover any specific requirements or considerations. 

- MATTS does not have a central shelter. All animals are in foster homes until adopted.

- Most animals are fostered in MD near Baltimore, with occasional animals in PA, VA or DE.

- Shipping is available Apr.1-Oct. 30 on a case-by-case basis, if approved by MATTS.

- There is no adoption fee for Red-Eared Sliders.

- Sliders going outdoors may be adopted from mid-May to late-Sept. so they can acclimate.

- MD residents CAN own baby turtles with a DNR Captive Reptile and Amphibian Permit.

- We DO adopt to first time owners after verifying commitment and proper care planned.

​- If you can't care for your animal for some reason, it can be returned to MATTS.