Limited to residents of Nevada
Under the authority of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Nevada Department of Wildlife, Tortoise Group has performed adoptions of the threatened Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) in Nevada for many years. The program ensures that the conditions for a tortoise are safe and offer a healthy environment. Tortoise Group’s programs are limited to pet desert tortoises in Nevada.
For residents interested in Arizona, California, and Utah, please use the links below for guidance in your state.
Important points to know about pet tortoises
- A tortoise must live outdoors.
- A tortoise must have a well-insulated burrow.
- A tortoise must be fed a healthy diet.
- A breeding pair of tortoises must be separated.
Things you should know if you want to become a tortoise custodian
- Custodians must be adults and residents of Nevada.
- Caring for a desert tortoise is a long-term commitment; they can live 80-100 years!
- For NEW adoptions, each household is limited to one adult tortoise.
- All pet desert tortoises in Nevada must be adopted through Tortoise Group’s approved federally approved adoption program.
A desert tortoise is legally held in captivity in Nevada if:
- The desert tortoise was acquired before August 4, 1989. Their progeny are also held legally.
- The desert tortoise was adopted officially through Tortoise Group’s Adoption Program approved by the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
- The desert tortoise was registered through Tortoise Group’s Registration Program
Traditional Adoption
Tortoise Group will help you become the custodian of a desert tortoise by advising you in creating a backyard tortoise habitat and providing a tortoise in need of a home.
Each household adopting a tortoise for the first time is limited to one desert tortoise.
There is an adoption fee that can be paid online when your backyard habitat is approved by Tortoise Group.
To begin a Traditional Adoption please fill out an adoption application.
ADOPTION APPLICATION
