Fields marked in red are required.
The RLAP allows you to legally have custody of a tortoise that you: 1) already have, 2) are about to accept from another person, or 3) have found in your neighborhood and want to keep. By registering on the Tortoise Group website and following the steps to create or improve a tortoise habitat, you have legal custody of the desert tortoise.
We suggest only one tortoise per household. We cannot legally register a mating pair. Occasionally two females and rarely two males can coexist in the same habitat.
How to Register-to-Legally-Adopt a tortoise:
- Read through our Care section to gain an understanding of the laws regarding tortoises, tortoise habitat requirements, diet, and other aspects of tortoise care. The requirements outlined in this booklet are the basis of the adoption requirements from the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nevada Department of Wildlife that are implemented by the Tortoise Group Adoption Program.
- View the PowerPoint Creating a Tortoise Habitat to see examples of tortoise habitats.
- Watch the video “So You Want to Adopt a Tortoise?!”
- Read the Habitat Checklist outlining requirements for a habitat.
Read about the importance of marking (Label) and/or microchipping (via a tortoise-friendly vet) your tortoise. Please understand that information you submit will be kept in a database to help find your tortoise if lost.
