Purchase turtles

If you are still young and under your parents rule, you will have to ask them if you can get a turtle. See How to Convince Your Parents. If you think/know that you are old enough to make your own decisions, it might still be a good idea to check to see if they're okay with it if you're still living with them.

Go to your library, or search the Internet, for facts about turtles. It's always a good idea to know things about a pet before you bring it into your home.

Method 2

Find a Pet Store That Sells Turtles

1. Check the:
   • Newspapers for ads
   • Online sites
   • Your local pet store. Almost every good-sized town has one.
2. The pet store should have these qualities:
   • It's clean.
   • It's turtles are living in non-crowded conditions

Method 3

Choose Your Turtle

1. Talk to the salesperson about different kinds of turtles and their specific needs.
2. Decide which type of turtle you want:
   • A land turtle
   • Or a water turtle
3. Pick up the turtle you have your eye on. Does it:
   • Resist? If it doesn't resist, the turtle is not a healthy turtle.
   • Have shiny eyes? That's a good thing, if it has crusty or dull eyes that is also a sign that it is unhealthy.
4. Select whichever healthy turtle that you like best and take it home.

Method 4

Purchase the Things You Will Need For Your Turtle

• A good sized tank
• Aquarium heaters
• A heat lamp
• Turtle food
• Water (try not to use tap or filtered water as this normally has chlorine in it, which can disrupt the PH balance)
• Aquarium filters

Tips

• Choose a veterinarian who has a specialty in amphibians, reptiles, and other exotic pets and don't hesitate to ask them about your new turtle, even if the turtle isn't sick.