DO NOT TRANSPORT A TORTOISE IN THE TRUNK OF A CAR OR IN THE OPEN BED OF A TRUCK.
Use a container that the tortoise cannot see through, like a cardboard carton, preferably, one with a loose-fitting lid. The carton should be slightly larger than the tortoise so it can turn around, and the sides high enough so the tortoise cannot put its front legs over the top edge if it should stand upright.
Place several layers of folded(not shredded or crumpled) newspaper on the bottom to absorb any urine that the tortoise may pass under stress of the trip. Towels will absorb more moisture but the nails of tortoises are easily caught in toweling.
If there is more than one tortoise to transport, box them separately if the shell is more than 7″ long.
Before you place the tortoise in the box, load anything else or anyone else going in the vehicle. When the vehicle is loaded and the driver is ready to leave, place the tortoise in the box and close the lid. The tortoise is more likely to remain calm in the dark. If you are driving alone, put the box close to you on the floor of the front seat where you can watch the box and reach it easily if the tortoise tries to climb out and falls on its back. Do not put the box on the seat unless there is someone other than the driver to prevent the box from sliding to the floor if the driver brakes suddenly.
In hot weather:
- Keep the box on the shaded side of the vehicle and away from drafts.
- Do not leave the tortoise in a parked vehicle.
- If you have a choice, transport the tortoise in a cool part of the day.
